Biography
Dorenda Wynnette Madkins (born November 10, 1979) is an American author, writer, award-winning poet, singer/songwriter and entrepreneur. Madkins is a native of Hobbs, New Mexico, but relocated to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma along with her parents Wayne Nelson Broach and Bennie Jo Brooks in 1997, where she currently resides. Her passion as a writer arose early on in her life. Madkins developed a strong love for poetry at the age of 12 and would occasionally compose poetic artistry, which continued throughout her teens. By the age of 16, she knew she wanted to become a writer and her dream was to release her own book of poetry under the name "A Spice of Life", which she later accomplished. Before the age of 20, Madkins poetry was included in several poetry anthologies, which eventually led to her winning the International Poet of Merit Award for her poem titled "Material Things". Madkins now has multiple books published internationally, including genres such as child development and poetry. Her books have led to interviews with various media outlets, including international journalists. Madkins children's books led to her receiving invitations to speak to children in public schools. She is currently putting the finishing touches on her first horror novel titled “HIM”, and preparing to release her final children’s book. A few of her other writing talents includes copywriting for Fortune 500 companies, screenwriting, & an array of other skills.
Madkins interest in music started in church. She was in the church choir as a child and joined the school choir in both middle and high school. She also studied drama in high school due to her love for performing arts. In her early 20's, she began writing and singing her own music under the stage name "Karmen". After developing a small fan base, her songs began to soar on the independent charts. "My Bedroom" and "Can't Let You Go" were two of her most popular songs. Her success on the charts led to collaborations with independent artists in the US, Canada, Jamaica and other countries. Madkins was offered a recording contract as the main act for independent record label BBG Records, Inc., but she ultimately ended up turning down the offer because she didn't like the genre of music the labels producer wanted her to sing. Personal situations in her life at the time also factored into her decision. She went on to be offered other recording contracts from various record labels, but wanted to focus on her writing career instead. Madkins has been interviewed by & received airplay on numerous radio stations. She was also offered her own radio show in 2013 after the director of the radio station discovered her writing via her blog, while preparing to interview her about her #1 hit song on the charts at the time, "Won't Give Up".
Entrepreneurship has been a major part of Madkins life. She began venturing into business around the age of 18. In the beginning, she started by trying numerous work-at-home opportunities, some being scams. At the age of 23 she began to learn about marketing through Vortex Marketing, owned by CEO/Founder Joel Sauceda. Years later Sauceda made an announcement that he was starting a company and wanted 300 of the over 10,000 members to help start the company. Madkins went through a process explaining why she would make a great candidate to start the new company. The 10,000 was narrowed down to 1,500 candidates, which included Madkins. At that point the founder wanted each of them to personally speak to him about their business ethics and skills as a marketer. After stating her proposal, she was chosen by Sauceda as one of the 300 Elite Founders of what then developed into Big Value Depot. After years of trying different business strategies to grow the company, the business started to soar in 2005. Madkins currently uses her marketing skills in the management of her own companies, and also helps other companies with their marketing strategies.