At first glance, Maddie Thompson, only 13, may seem like an ordinary junior high student. What sets her apart? Many things, one of them the fact that she is a professional clothing designer, with clothes available in stores across the country.
Thompson lives in Niverville and has been drawing for a year and a half. Her favourite type of drawing is clothing designs.
After drawing her own ball gown design, Thompson got an idea while walking through the mall. She passed one of her favourite stores, Triple Flip, and decided to send them her design via Instagram. She didn’t think much of it after that.
The CEO and marketing manager did, so they replied and wanted to meet Thompson.
Linda Maslechko, owner of Triple Flip, asked Thompson to design some active wear for teens, as that is the focus of their company.
Being only 13, Triple Flip told her not to get her hopes up once she submitted her designs. So when they said yes, Thompson was ecstatic and her parents were very proud.
A couple of months later, after many Skype calls, the line “Made by Maddie” came out in Triple Flip stores all across Canada, including one in St. Vital mall.
At the launch party in Winnipeg, Thompson and her friends had a blast, including acting as live mannequins in the window wearing her designs.
Thompson has more designs coming out this March/April for Triple Flip’s spring line.
When asked if she could see herself continuing this after high school, Thompson replied, “Yes, I hope to continue with drawing in general, for sure. As for designing, I hope that I have the chance to continue with it in university.”
That possibility looks promising as Triple Flip has offered Thompson an unpaid internship. “Because of my age they cannot pay me but will give me any references that I need in the future.”
Just the fact that she gets this opportunity at such a young age is incredible.
Where does her inspiration come from? “It usually comes from stuff around me. I usually get the best idea when I’m not doing anything.”
Not doing anything may prove hard for Thompson as, on top of designing active wear, she plays soccer, takes art lessons, swimming lessons, and is the middle years Vice President at her school.
