American shoe designer and businessman Steve Madden spoke to a crowd of about 330 UF students about entrepreneurship, fashion and his career Monday in the Norman Hall auditorium. Madden later hosted an event at Dillard’s.
The free event, held by CollegeFashionista and UF’s Retail Society, began with the founder of CollegeFashionista, Amy Levin, asking Madden about the early foundation of his iconic brand.
“I instantly fell in love with women’s shoes,” Madden said. “It was a magical moment.”
After talking about his brand’s success, Madden also discussed the loneliness that comes with running a business.
He also touched on his 30-month term in prison for a securities fraud in 2000, which he recalled as “an adventure.”
Madden said his business is a result of his passion for his work.
“You have to love what you’re doing,” he said.
From left: Nafira Harris, 19, a Santa Fe College sociology student, takes a picture of her best friend Tanza Ellis, 30, with actress, model and singer Julissa Bermudez at Dillard’s on Monday evening during the Steve Madden X Dillard’s event.
From left: Teylor Mack, a 21-year-old Santa Fe College nursing sophomore, has her nails done by Bella Tuong, 34, a Glamour and Nails II worker, on Monday evening at Dillard’s.
Madi Wallace, 13, tries on different shoes at Dillard’s on Monday evening. Wallace went to the Steve Madden X Dillard’s event to find boots for winter.
From left: Sam Hasna, 22, a Santa Fe College graphic design student and beauty adviser at Dillard’s, puts lipstick on Alysia Scott, 18, a Santa Fe College business student, on Monday evening at Dillard’s.
