#GirlBoss

 

#GirlBoss

Sophia Amoruso 

Portfolio Hardcover 

Summary: 

 “A #GIRLBOSS is in charge of her own life. She gets what she wants because she works for it.” The first thing Sophia Amoruso sold online wasn’t fashion—it was a stolen book. She spent her teens hitchhiking, committing petty theft, and dumpster diving. By twenty-two, she had resigned herself to employment, but was still broke, directionless, and working a mediocre day job she’d taken for the health insurance. It was there that Sophia decided to start selling vintage clothes on eBay. Eight years later, she is the founder, CEO, and creative director of Nasty Gal, a $100 million plus online fashion retailer with more than 350 employees. Sophia’s never been a typical CEO, or a typical anything, and she’s written #GIRLBOSS for outsiders (and insiders) seeking a unique path to success, even when that path is winding as all hell and lined with naysayers. #GIRLBOSS includes Sophia’s story, yet is infinitely bigger than Sophia. It’s deeply personal yet universal. 

Filled with brazen wake-up calls (“You are not a special snowflake”), cunning and frank observations (“Failure is your invention”), and behind-the-scenes stories from Nasty Gal’s meteoric rise, #GIRLBOSS covers a lot of ground. It proves that being successful isn’t about how popular you were in high school or where you went to college (if you went to college). Rather, success is about trusting your instincts and following your gut, knowing which rules to follow and which to break. A #GIRLBOSS takes her life seriously without taking herself too seriously. She takes chances and takes responsibility on her own terms. She knows when to throw punches and when to roll with them. When to button up and when to let her freak flag fly. As Sophia writes, “I have three pieces of advice I want you to remember: Don’t ever grow up. Don’t become a bore. Don’t let The Man get to you. OK? Cool. Then let’s do this."

Thoughts: 

"Hey ya. You don't have to love me. 

You don't even have to like me. But you will respect me. 

You know why?

Cuz I'm a boss!"

-"Bossy" by Kelis 

The clothing company, "Nasty Gal" has turned a fan base into an empire thanks to the dedication of its founder and C.E.O. Sophia Amoruso, a 30 year old free spirit who pens her journey from anarchist shoplifter to millionaire in her new memoir, #GirlBoss. Amoruso's voice isn't heard from atop a throne built by the blood, sweat, and tears of other people as some of the other business expert's books I have read. She shows readers how to find their strengths amidst their weaknesses.Her book offers straight talk to girls about making their dreams come true if they work hard, stay true to themselves, and don't let men stomp all over them. 

The "I am woman, hear me roar" mantra has carved its own little space in the world especially in the workplace. #GirlBoss is in the same league of "take charge and take names" high risk takers such as Arianna Huffington in her book or Sheryl Sandburg's updated Lean In For Graduates which hit shelves this past April. Amoruso brings a pull no punches perspective as edgy and distinctive as her clothing brand. Buy #GirlBoss for your daughter. Do it. Now. Yeah, I'm bossy :)

Rating: 4.5/5