Madison Kester was recently interviewed by TheCelebrity.Online Magazine and below is the Q&A session we had with Madison.
Madison Kester As Cover Story Interview – October 2025 Magazine Edition
How do you introduce yourself?
I am a half Argentine, half American commercial interior designer now living in the Netherlands. I grew up mostly in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I met my husband when I was just 13. We both grew up as third culture kids, attending international schools and moving around the world so life pulled us apart when we were 15, only to bring us back together years later at 23. I started my career in Atlanta, working on large corporate headquarters for clients like Coca-Cola, Kimberly-Clark, and Inspire Brands. I was passionate about my work and fortunate to receive several professional awards along the way. But when we moved to the Netherlands, my design career took an unexpected pause — and that gave me the space to finally pursue a passion I’ve been holding onto for over a decade: writing our love story. It’s a coming-of-age book about growing up as a third culture kid and falling in love across borders.
Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?
One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced has been navigating identity and belonging. Growing up between cultures, I often felt caught in between—never quite Argentine enough, yet not fully American either. That sense of in-between followed me into adulthood, especially after moving to the Netherlands. What was meant to be a seamless career transition turned into an unexpected pause when a career transfer fell through, and finding new opportunities proved difficult without fluency in Dutch—even though I’ve worked hard to reach a B1 level. It’s been a humbling experience, but also one that’s pushed me to redefine success, resilience, and identity on my own terms.
What do people usually not know about you?
I like discussing politics—not to debate or convince, but to exchange ideas. I believe conversation is one of the few ways we can truly understand perspectives beyond our own. If we can’t see the other side of things, we all go blind. For me, it’s never about being right; it’s about building bridges through curiosity and respect.
What sets you apart from others?
I’m unapologetically myself, yet deeply adaptable. Having grown up in environments where people came and went every few years, I learned early on how to start over—how to connect, listen, and understand others quickly. I’ve lived among so many cultures and backgrounds that empathy has become second nature. No matter where I am, I can usually find common ground with anyone. It’s a perspective shaped by constant change, but grounded in authenticity.
What are your upcoming major events?
Lately, most of my time has been devoted to writing—a coming-of-age book about falling in love as a third culture kid and the courage it takes to follow your heart. It’s a story that blends nostalgia, identity, and the universal search for belonging. After years of carrying it quietly, it finally feels like the right time to put it into words.
What expert advice would you like to give?
You need to be a little bit delusional to move the needle forward. Every meaningful leap in life begins with believing in something that doesn’t exist yet—something only you can see. Stepping out of your comfort zone and into the unknown is never easy, but it’s the only way to create new outcomes and get closer to your dreams. Playing it safe rarely leads to transformation.
Your social media handles and website links?
https://www.instagram.com/nomad.ison.k
Tom Harrecks is an Author at TheCelebrity.Online Magazine who has a vast experience of covering interviews in various international media agencies.
