The Mad Sparkler Bringing the Magic of Sparkle and Bloom to the Tri-State

The Mad Sparkler

Bringing the Magic of Sparkle

and Bloom to the Tri-State

Rebecca Hemlock

The Ashland Beacon

In a world that often moves too fast and takes itself far too seriously, finding moments of pure, unadulterated joy can feel like discovering a rare treasure. But in the heart of Ironton, Ohio, one local entrepreneur is on a mission to sprinkle a little magic, color, and heartfelt nostalgia into everyday life.

Meet Kelli Prince, the vibrant creative force behind The Mad Sparkler. Known for her outgoing personality and delightfully playful spirit, Prince has turned her lifelong obsession with all things dazzling into a thriving local business that is capturing the hearts—and the eyes—of the Tri-State area.

Prince's journey into the world of brilliance didn't start in a boardroom; it began under the bright lights of dance and baton classes during her childhood. It was there that she first fell completely in love with sparkly things.

"I remember how it made me feel to wear something that sparkled," Prince shares, reflecting on her early years. That feeling of confidence and radiant happiness stayed with her long after her baton-twirling days had ended.

As she grew older and watched her own daughters—and her friends' daughters—grow up, Prince channeled that passion into wearable art. She began meticulously rhinestoning outfits for the girls, hoping the dazzling garments would make them feel just as radiant, happy, and confident as she had felt all those years ago.

When Prince officially launched The Mad Sparkler, her creative output was wonderfully diverse. She started by crafting custom shirts, personalized pens, keychains, stunning handmade jewelry, and even glitter hair gel. Everything she touched seemed to take on a cheerful, high-energy glow.

However, this past year marked a significant shift in focus for the entrepreneur. Prince found herself wanting to create something even more universal—something that could bring joy to anyone simply by sharing the same room with it. She wanted an experience that was interactive, communal, and deeply emotional.

The inspiration came from cherished childhood memories.

"When I was a little girl, I would bring flowers home to my mom, and she would put them in a small Mason jar on the sink," Prince recalls with a smile. "I remember not knowing whether they were actual flowers or weeds, but it made my mom really happy to receive them, and she displayed them with such pride."

After discovering inspirational videos online featuring interactive floral concepts and build-your-own bouquet bars, Prince knew she had to bring that same magic to the local community.

Today, The Mad Sparkler has expanded its reach, bringing together Prince's signature love for uplifting experiences with the timeless beauty of fresh florals. Every time she assembles a custom piece or watches a customer hand-select their own blooms at a bouquet bar, she is instantly transported back to those moments with her mother.

"It reminds me of how much my mom loved the flowers I would bring her," Prince says. "I hope to fill someone else's day with that same feeling when they take them home or give them as a gift."

For locals looking to experience a touch of The Mad Sparkler's magic firsthand, Prince's curated items can currently be found on display and for purchase at Koun's Korner in downtown Ironton, Ohio, as well as The Hen House in Ashland, Kentucky.

Whether you're looking to brighten your living space, find a thoughtful gift for a loved one, or simply reconnect with the childlike wonder of receiving a handful of fresh-picked "weeds" in a Mason jar, Kelli Prince is proving that a little sparkle—and a lot of heart—can go a very long way.