The #Girlboss hashtag rose in popularity in 2014, when Sophia Amoruso, founder of Nasty Gal, released her debut memoir by the same title. Social media became flooded with photos of coffee, of running shoes, of to-do lists being accomplished, all adorned with the hashtag.
Understanding the Heart of #Girlboss
Clearly, the #Girlboss movement has been popular, and the heart of the movement is good and empowering. Sophia Amoruso herself is a prime example of what it means to be a #girlboss. In 2006, when she was 22, she started an eBay business selling vintage clothing, which she named Nasty Gal Vintage. She soon left the eBay platform to found her own retailer and has only grown in success since. She hustles, creates, and embodies what it means to be an entrepreneur.
At the core, being a #girlboss means you strive for better, you take risks, you show the world you are capable of so much more. And sometimes, it means proving to yourself that you truly are worthy of taking up space.
Women in Entrepreneurship: Empowerment and Realities
Today, there are 27 million entrepreneurs in the United States. And according to the 2012 U.S. census, 36% of all businesses are owned by women. As women, we are no longer sitting on the sidelines, waiting for a product to be invented. Instead, we notice the need and we take action. We’re stepping up and taking risks, creating a better world.
However, statistics from Bloomberg indicate that about eighty percent of businesses fail within the first 18 months. A lack of funds is one reason, but burnout is a major contributor.
Entrepreneurship: The Myth vs. Reality
Entrepreneurship is touted for its perks like setting your own schedule and being able to work in pajamas, yet this overlooks the full picture of entrepreneurship's requirements.
Setting Your Own Schedule
Freedom in schedule often translates into longer hours and working through weekends.
Vacation Time
Entrepreneurs tend to take less vacation and are frequently essential to daily operations, limiting the ability to truly disconnect.
Financial Realities
Entrepreneurship can mean tight resources, with long waits before businesses become profitable.
Work/Life Balance
The elusive work/life balance is hard to achieve for entrepreneurs, often leading to strained relationships and personal sacrifices.
Pursuing a #Girlboss Life Mindfully
Despite the challenges of being your own boss, it can be incredibly rewarding. However, it's essential to understand what it entails, including extra hours, lack of sleep, and potential financial stress.
Remember to care for yourself amidst the hustle, take time to decompress, and appreciate the journey of creating something of your own.
Travel: The Unseen Side of Entrepreneurship
For the aspiring #Girlboss with a love for travel, remember that exploration and entrepreneurship can coexist, but require careful balance. Travel often serves as a powerful catalyst for inspiration and can be instrumental in personal and business growth.
Whether you’re negotiating deals across the globe or taking a much-needed break to recharge creativity, marrying the art of travel with entrepreneurship fuels both the spirit and the enterprise. So as you map out your business plan, pencil in those escapades too. They are not only the breaths of fresh air amid the hustle but also the experiences that will shape and define your unique journey as a #Girlboss.