Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Amland.
Hi Madison, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, live entertainment, and fashion, even before I realized there was a career that could combine all three. Early in my career, I worked at a variety of thrift stores, mall retailers, and live music venues, and I even started my own vintage clothing business. Those experiences taught me how powerful brands, style, and shared experiences can be in bringing people together.
I went on to study journalism at the University of Minnesota because I loved writing and telling stories, but along the way I discovered public relations. It felt like the perfect blend of creativity, strategy, and relationship building. That led me to an events and marketing internship at Mall of America, where I was immersed in producing large-scale experiences and connecting people with brands. After my internship, I joined the PR team full time, where I’ve focused on developing compelling stories, building trusted relationships with media and creators, and connecting audiences with brands through thoughtful, strategic communications.
Today, I love bringing stories to life through earned media, creator engagement, events, and community building. Whether it’s launching a retail brand, producing a creator experience, or finding a unique story angle, I’m most energized by work that sits at the intersection of culture, fashion, entertainment, and authentic human connection.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, but looking back, every twist has helped shape where I am today. I’ve always been someone who loves having multiple jobs and trying new things, which meant it took me a while to figure out exactly what career path was the right fit. I knew I loved storytelling, fashion, live entertainment, and connecting with people, but I wasn’t sure what role would allow me to combine all of those passions.
Graduating from college in 2020 added another layer of uncertainty. The job market looked very different than I had imagined, and I never expected that my next step would be accepting a post-grad internship. At the time, it felt like taking a step backward, but it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made. That internship at Mall of America opened the door to a full-time role on the PR team and ultimately helped me discover the career I was meant to pursue.
That experience taught me that careers don’t always follow a straight line. Sometimes the opportunities that seem unexpected are the ones that end up changing everything.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the Public Relations Specialist at Mall of America, where I primarily oversee public relations efforts and media relationships for more than 500 brands, retailers, restaurants, and attractions. My role spans everything from pitching timely story ideas and writing press releases for new tenant openings to supporting large-scale production filming and leading many of the Mall’s fashion and trend initiatives. I love uncovering stories that resonate with media and consumers while helping brands connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
A growing part of my role has been leading influencer partnerships and creator experiences. Alongside my colleague and friend, Brinley Zoller, I’ve helped develop and execute large-scale campaigns like The Ultimate Staycation and Mall Star Matchup, bringing together creators, brands, and immersive experiences that generate authentic engagement. Together, these campaigns have produced more than 1,000 pieces of organic content, millions of organic impressions across social platforms, and showcased dozens of brands through creators with a combined audience of more than 25 million followers. These experiences have reinforced my passion for blending traditional PR with creator partnerships to build community and tell stories that extend far beyond a single event.
One project I’m especially proud of is bringing Totally Rad Vintage Fest to Mall of America. Before working in PR, I sold vintage clothing at Totally Rad events, so getting to introduce a brand I genuinely love to the largest mall in the country felt incredibly full circle. Seeing hundreds of vintage sellers, small businesses, and shoppers come together in a space I now help promote was one of those moments where my personal passions and professional career aligned perfectly.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend traditional public relations with modern storytelling. Whether I’m securing earned media, producing an influencer event, or developing a fashion-focused campaign, I always lead with authenticity and relationships. I care just as much about the community behind a brand as I do the metrics because I believe the best PR doesn’t just generate headlines, it creates genuine connections that people remember.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think luck has certainly played a role in my career, but I’ve learned that some of the best opportunities come from being willing to ask the question in the first place. I’ve always lived by the mindset that it’s already a “no” unless you ask. Whether that’s reaching out to someone I admire, pitching a big idea, introducing a new event concept, or simply raising my hand for an opportunity, I’ve found that curiosity and initiative often create what looks like luck from the outside.
Some of the biggest moments in my career have come from taking a chance, staying open to new experiences, and not being afraid to hear “no.” More often than not, those conversations have led to new relationships, creative opportunities, and experiences I never would have had if I hadn’t asked. So while I’m grateful for the good luck that’s come my way, I think a lot of it has been the result of staying curious, putting myself out there, and trusting that it’s always worth trying.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisunx
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-amland/
