About The Entrepreneur

Maggie Payne is a musician and entrepreneur passionate about merging creativity and innovation in the marching arts. As a dedicated member of the Wake Forest University marching band, Maggie discovered firsthand the physical challenges and performance demands of marching with a sousaphone. This experience inspired her to develop the SousaVest.

Blending her background in music performance with an entrepreneurial mindset and a decade of sewing experience, Maggie has led the SousaVest from concept to prototype, exploring user-centered design, manufacturing processes, and branding strategies. Her work reflects a commitment to improving the experience of marching musicians while advancing accessibility and performance technology in the field. Through her ventures, Maggie continues to champion innovation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving in both music and business.