MADDALENA (MADDIE) SIMONE

What brought you to Humber and your program of study?

I chose Humber because it offered the perfect combination of location, program variety, and an environment that felt exciting and accessible as I transitioned out of high school. Being located in the Guelph Area, Humber was close to home, which made commuting manageable while still giving me the independence and experience of campus life. The campus itself is beautiful, welcoming, and designed to make it easy for students to navigate, settle in, and feel part of a community.

I was especially drawn to the Fashion Arts program, specifically the Promotion and Special Events Management stream, because it aligned so closely with my personal interests. I had always been passionate about fashion, modelling, and the creative side of event planning. I loved the idea of bringing concepts to life—whether through fashion shows, brand activations, or curated events—and this program felt like the perfect way to turn those interests into a career path.

What really stood out to me was how hands-on and industry-focused the program was. It wasn’t just about learning theory—it was about creating, planning, and executing real experiences. Humber offered a program that genuinely excited me and made me feel confident that I was choosing a path where I could grow, be creative, and build a future in an industry I was passionate about.

What was your favourite Humber memory or experience?

One of my favourite experiences at Humber was working on print ads. There was a Versace campaign featuring Madonna at the time, and I had the opportunity to recreate a version of that ad. It was such an incredible process to be part of from start to finish. I was involved in everything—from interviewing and selecting the model, to planning the set design, organizing the wardrobe, and seeing the final images come together. Being hands-on in every stage really brought everything I was learning to life, and it’s something I’ll never forget.

Another standout memory was our end-of-program graduation party, which our instructor hosted at their home. It was such a fun and meaningful way to celebrate everything we had accomplished. We had all spent so many long, intense hours working together throughout the program, so being able to relax, celebrate, and reflect as a group was really special. It made me realize how strong the friendships had become—we weren’t just classmates anymore, we were a tight-knit group who had gone through it all together.

What was Humber's greatest impact on your personal and professional life?

My experience at Humber had a huge impact on both my personal and professional life. Personally, it was my first time really being out on my own. Even though it was close to home, it gave me a sense of independence that I hadn’t experienced before. I had to manage my time, stay organized, balance school and life, and push myself in ways that helped me grow up quickly and confidently.

Professionally, Humber really shaped the direction I ended up taking. The program pushed me to be creative, think outside the box, and actually execute ideas—not just talk about them. That hands-on experience and confidence in bringing concepts to life played a big role in how I approach business today.

That foundation directly connects to what I’ve built with Lymphology Skincare. The creativity, branding, and event-based thinking I developed at Humber helped me bring that business to life—from how I present the products, to how I connect with customers and create meaningful experiences around the brand. It gave me the confidence to take an idea and turn it into something real, which has been one of the most valuable takeaways from my time there.

What are you up to now?

Since graduating from Humber, I’ve been focused on building my brand, Lymphology Skincare. It’s something I’m really passionate about, and it’s been amazing to grow it into a business that supports people dealing with lymphatic health and skin concerns.

Right now, we’re in a major growth phase. We’ve expanded beyond Canada into Ireland, the UK, and the US, which has been such an exciting milestone. I’m continuing to grow the product line, build relationships with retailers and distributors, and work with manufacturers to bring new products to life. We’re also getting ready to be featured on TSC (The Shopping Channel), which is a huge opportunity to reach a wider audience.

A lot of what I do still ties back to what I loved in school—branding, creating experiences, and connecting with people. Whether it’s through events, launches, or partnerships, I’m constantly applying what I learned at Humber while continuing to grow the brand in a meaningful way.

What else do you want to share (e.g. Memorable trip; If you had a superpower; Favourite food or coffee shop; Personal and professional interests; Awards and recognition; Other milestones)?

My life has been shaped by both deep challenges and incredible purpose, and everything I do today is rooted in that journey.

I’m a mother of two children, and they are truly my greatest achievement. They are also medical miracles—I am the first person in medical history with my genetic heart condition to successfully have children. That experience has shaped my understanding of resilience in a very real way. It taught me that strength isn’t just about pushing through, but about continuing to build a life full of meaning even when things are difficult.

I’ve also been fortunate to receive recognition for my work in business. I won the Outstanding New Business Award with BizX Magazine. I was also a finalist for several awards, including Entrepreneur of the Year at the Woman Empowerment Awards, the Innovation Award at the Windsor Business Excellence Awards, and Entrepreneur of the Year at the Amherstburg Business Excellence Awards. Each of these milestones has meant a lot, not just professionally, but as validation of the journey I’ve been on.

On a personal level, everything I build is deeply connected to my brothers. Lymphology Skincare was created in their honour. I wasn’t able to help them in the way I wish I could have, but I can help others. That is the foundation of my brand—creating at-home solutions for people living with lymphatic disease and supporting them in ways that feel accessible, practical, and compassionate.

Turning pain into purpose has been the driving force behind my life and my business. It’s what pushes me to keep growing, keep creating, and keep building something that can make a real difference for others.