Maddy Barber: From Radio Waves to Sparkle!
For almost ten years, Maddy Barber was the voice that kept morning commuters grooving on the KISS92 FM breakfast show. What’s amazing is that she never wore her ears on her own voice—she’s all about the music that moves people.
Early Days & Unexpected Break
- In her last year at polytechnic, Maddy heard a live radio ad calling for a female presenter. Opportunity knocked before she even hit graduation.
- After a quick audition, she snagged the gig six months before the finishing line.
Beyond the Bike
- Not just a local star, she rolled up her sleeves as radio consultant in Mumbai, smoothing out stations and steering crews.
- Later, she became the driving force behind Virgin Radio Bangkok, shaping content and setting playlists.
Pivot to Sparkling Crafts
- In 2014, fate led her to launch Madly Gems, a boutique jewellery firm that creates custom pieces perfect for every occasion.
- By June of last year, she said goodbye to radio to give her full attention to the glittering world of jewellery.
Humor, Heart & the Drive to Keep Going
Maddy’s journey isn’t just a résumé; it’s a testament to following what lights your passion. Whether it’s the rush of live broadcasting or the sparkle of a handcrafted ring, she proves that you can mix a love for sound with a taste for brilliance—and keep your audience—both listening and blinking!
A twist of fate
From Mic‑Moments to Sparkling Success
Maddy’s story is a little bit like a mixtape: a voice, a spark, and a splash of colour. She’s the lucky few who landed not one, but two dream gigs—radio’s bright stage and a gem‑laden shop that’s now a gem‑in‑human‑format.
Early‑Age Lust for the Clicky Voice & Glittery Gems
“Growing up, I’d always have two obsessions in my life: a mic and jewellery. If I saw something that resembled a mic, I’d feel the urge to grab it and belt out some tune. And thanks to Mum, I grew to love colourful gemstones—we were basically a fashionable family.” Then, who knew that would become her MVP?
The Big Sale‑and‑Retention Twist
- In 2018, Maddy Gems blew up—growth was a fireworks display—but juggling that with two other jobs was a pain.
- She tried selling her stake to her then‑partner to breathe.
The twist? The company stayed in her hands, ’cause fate can be weird. - She didn’t even know she’d hold onto something worth ten times what she’d sold it for.
During that whirlwind, she lost her dad—straight to the emotional part of the story—but kept a stoic front for her crew and pushed onward.
Why the “Designing around a Gem” Philosophy matters
Team of 15, seven in‑house designers, and a rule: design the piece around the gem, not the reverse. That ain’t your typical “luxury” copy‑paste act. Instead, it’s a fresh, no‑fuss vibe that keeps jewellery exciting and less intimidating for the new‑to‑gold crowd.
Leaving the Radio World?
It’s simple: focus on one job, stop spreading yourself too thin. The radio gig was fun, but it was also a time‑sapping, energy‑sapping circus. Maddy says the only way to keep yourself sane and not burn out is to lean into one passion.
She advocates the “dual‑career hustle” for as long as possible: keeping that day job and a startup side‑kick keeps you exploring options, not making rash decisions.
Authoritative & Ethical Credentials
Maddy is the only gem‑maker in Singapore part of the International Coloured Stone Association’s Ethical Accreditation program. In other words, the stones are ethically mined and sustainably traded—no shady deals.
Business Rules from a Veteran
- Don’t just be good, be honest.
- Talk about worldviews, values, and money choices. If one partner is always railed at glass‑half‑full and the other is all glass‑half‑empty, it can leave both trip‑wobbly.
- Hands on, take risks, laugh a little. Learn to breathe and keep the stress off those tiny b`s.
Takeaway
“Take your work seriously, but don’t forget to have fun along the way. Overshoot the prep, keep it flexible. A business, like a good story, has its own rhythm. Make your mark, stay mindful, laugh often, and don’t sweat the small stuff.”
Maddy’s dual‑career drama debunks the myth that you must choose one. Instead, it shows how to rock both worlds—each wired for success equal to the other.
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