Madison Saldivar

At just 10 years old, Madison Saldivar is redefining what it means to be a young entrepreneur. As the founder of 3D Design & More, Madison combines her passion for art, technology, and creativity to deliver unique seasonal products like 3D-printed Nutcracker ornaments, custom stickers, and innovative graphic designs. Recently awarded the Formidable Fellowship, a grant recognizing her ingenuity and determination, Madison is turning heads with her entrepreneurial spirit and deep knowledge of design and technology.

A Business Born from Passion and Curiosity

Madison’s business, 3D Design & More, started as an experiment in creativity but quickly evolved into a platform to showcase her technical skills and artistic vision. “I use my skills in 3D design and graphic design to create things to sell,” she says, reflecting on how her journey began. From 3D printing seasonal ornaments to designing over 40 unique sticker designs, Madison’s products are a blend of art and engineering.

Her seasonal Nutcracker ornaments, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, became a hallmark of her early success. However, challenges with her 3D printer—ranging from feeding gear malfunctions to wasted filament—pushed her to diversify her offerings. She pivoted to focus on high-quality stickers, which have since become a staple of her business. “I believe in high quality,” Madison emphasizes, a value that shines through in every product she creates.

The Power of Perseverance

Running a business is no small feat, especially for someone balancing homeschooling and a love for classic literature like The Lord of the Rings and Anne of Green Gables. Madison’s advice to other young entrepreneurs is simple but profound: “There will be tons of problems along the way, but if you’re really confident in having a business, just persevere.”

Her technical challenges, like repairing her 3D printer or managing time-intensive sticker designs (some of which take up to three days to complete), have taught her valuable lessons about resilience. Madison’s ability to problem-solve and innovate has not only kept her business afloat but has also laid the groundwork for future growth.

A Love for Technology and the Arts

Madison’s business is just the beginning of her journey. Her interests extend far beyond seasonal products. From coding apps to exploring the potential of laser cutting and 3D printing farms, Madison is constantly dreaming of ways to expand her creative and technical horizons.

She describes her fascination with simple machines like gears and pulleys, as well as her admiration for groundbreaking historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer. “I love seeing how technology and art come together,” Madison says, explaining how these inspirations influence her work. She’s also exploring the idea of incorporating laser-cut signs, coasters, and even jewelry into her product lineup.

When asked about her ultimate dream, Madison revealed her aspirations to work at Apple, a company she deeply admires for its commitment to innovation and quality. “I’ve been seeing the history of Apple, and I appreciate what they do. They believe in high quality,” she explains. Whether developing software or designing cutting-edge hardware, Madison is determined to leave her mark on the tech world.

The Role of Homeschooling in Creativity

Homeschooling plays a crucial role in Madison’s success, giving her the flexibility to pursue her passions and explore nature, which often inspires her art. “I have a deep respect for nature,” she says, noting how her sticker designs frequently feature animals and natural elements. Her education also incorporates studies of classical artists, fueling her appreciation for both history and craftsmanship.

Plans for Growth

Madison plans to use her Formidable Fellowship grant to invest in tools that will help her business grow, including a new 3D printer and possibly a laser cutter. “The printer I have now is like a hobbyist one,” she explains. She envisions expanding her operations to include a 3D printing farm, which would allow her to increase production while maintaining the quality her customers have come to expect.

She’s also exploring the possibility of upgrading her sticker production with a Cricut machine to improve color quality and durability. “I want to make something impactful for all ages,” Madison says, underscoring her commitment to excellence and innovation.

Looking to the Future

Madison’s vision for 3D Design & More extends far beyond its current scope. By the time she graduates high school, she hopes to have built a successful business that can fund her education and open doors to even bigger opportunities. Her ultimate goal is to create products and technologies that have a lasting impact on the world.

“I want my business to be as successful as possible,” she says. “I want to show my skills and the good things I can create to make an impact.”

An Inspiration to Many

Madison Saldivar is more than a young entrepreneur; she’s a role model for perseverance, creativity, and the power of dreaming big. Whether she’s troubleshooting a 3D printer, designing a new product, or thinking about the future of technology, Madison approaches every challenge with curiosity and determination.

The Formidable Fellowship is proud to support Madison’s journey, and we can’t wait to see how she continues to innovate and inspire others. Her story is proof that age is no barrier to creativity, and the future is brighter with young visionaries like her leading the way.