I picked this book up partly for the name (#GirlBoss…pretty badass title) and partly because I have recently acquired a new job. One that I truly enjoy and therefore, want to do well.So I have recently been searching for advice on how to grow professionally and be successful in my profession. This creatively titled work, has become a New York Times Best seller, and therefore hit my must read list.
#GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso, is a crash course in how Amoruso went from having a small eBay store to the million dollar company, Nasty Gal.
Nasty Gal is a vintage inspired brand, that incorporates new styles and old finds into their fashion repertoire. (I highly recommend visiting their site, their unique look at style offers something for everyone) They also have quite the occult following online, with over 1.8 million followers on Instagram and 1 million followers on Snapchat. This brand is a powerhouse of a fashion community.
As a spoiler alert, I truly enjoyed reading this title. Amoruso is witty, to the point, and doesn’t sugar coat the necessities of the business world.
“Fortune favors the bold who get shit done” – Sophia Amoruso, #GirlBoss
I appreciated the honesty of #GirlBoss. Often self help books consist of step-by-step directions on how to succeed, which in general a plan is a good thing to have. However, plans never go the way you expect them to.
#GirlBoss breaks down that idealistic business strategy and says in capitol letters “own it.” If you want to succeed in life, business, anything, YOU need to work hard, buckle down and do it.
By being so direct, Amoruso’s voice is refreshing. She doesn’t drown you in know-it-all nonsense, she repeatedly states that she learned what it means to run a company through trail and error. She gives advice on her life experiences, and how they have worked for her.
“Don’t shrink yourself, in order to fit the desires of others.”
I have heard that in order to succeed in business, you need to become a cog, and work yourself into the function of the machine.
What I enjoyed the most out of #GirlBoss is that she states the exact opposite. Businesses can’t grow unless their people bring something new, adaptive and challenging to the table. It’s okay to fail. It’s just about learning to roll with the punches… and as Amoruso said; it’s also about learning when to throw them.
I highly recommend this book. It was a enjoyable read for her honest recount of how Nasty Gal started, but it was also empowering. It was empowering to read a go getter account of success and how to create it for myself. Truly this is one of the most memorable books I have read in quite some time.
“Abandon anything about your life and habits that might be holding you back. Learn to create your own opportunities. Know that there is no finish line; fortune favors action. Race balls-out toward the extraordinary life that you’ve always dreamed of, or still haven’t had time to dream up. And prepare to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way.” — Sophia Amoruso
Victoria Byrd
Victoria 