Madison Marilla, known for her vibrant presence on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, turned heads at VidCon last week with her signature accessory: towering stacks of handcrafted bracelets. Each piece she wore at the Anaheim convention was a product of her own artistry, reflecting her decade-long journey as the founder of jewelry brand Madizen. During an interview with her brother and collaborator, Parks Marilla, the duo opened up about balancing creative entrepreneurship with their shared passion for storytelling.
The 22-year-old entrepreneur began crafting jewelry at age 10, initially as a therapeutic outlet. “I had destructive behaviors and didn’t know how to channel them,” she explained. A sleepover at a friend’s house introduced her to jewelry-making under the guidance of her friend’s mother, a designer. The hobby soon became a lifeline, helping her manage sensory needs and transforming her behavior at school and home. What started as custom pieces sold at local craft fairs has evolved into Madizen, a cohesive brand now gaining traction online. “Orders have skyrocketed compared to making $100 at a country club sale,” she said, adding that she’s preparing to launch a shell jewelry line due to popular demand.
Behind the scenes, Parks supports Madison’s content creation, using tools like the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 action camera for dynamic shots during her bike rides and beach outings. “We pair it with iPhone footage and edit through Insta360 Studio or Adobe Premiere,” he noted, emphasizing simplicity and spontaneity. Much of their footage captures Madison’s relationship with boyfriend Tyler, with Parks blending tripod setups and casual filming. “The key is letting their authenticity shine,” he added.
VidCon’s proximity to Disneyland offered a playful backdrop for Madison to connect with fans. Despite her aversion to long queues, she embraced the theme park visits and shared stories about her Disney pin collection, including her first piece featuring Snow White. “It’s been amazing to meet creators and discuss my special interests,” she said, highlighting how her jewelry and pins serve as bridges to her audience.
For Madison, creativity remains inseparable from self-expression—a philosophy woven into every bracelet she designs and every moment she captures on camera.
