I recently read Sophia Amaruso’s book, #GIRLBOSS in two days. I could not put it down. This book has opened my eyes in so many ways. It’s made me realize that I’m not alone and that it’s okay to be different. I find that people with the hardest struggles are the ones with the most interesting stories. Sophia didn’t come from money or a prestigious school. Everything she has now is because of her hard work and dedication. She admits that starting her business, Nasty Gal, was really hard. It consisted of making her company her top priority. She says she feels like her heart is out of her body and in this company. I admire women who put themselves before anything else. Before reading this book I actually saw the Netflix series and thought to myself, “This is who I want to be.” After reading the first couple of pages of Sophia’s book she says, “You shouldn't idolize anyone. And I'm telling you again, don't idolize me,” and I said, “Darn it. Well, if I can’t idolize her, I can at least appreciate her story and learn something.” As young adults, it's always inspiring to hear a successful person's story especially someone who started from scratch.

How It All Started

Sophia used to live in a closet underneath stairs for $60 a month. She would search for bagels in the dumpster and she isn’t afraid to say it. This is what is most admirable. She doesn’t sugar coat anything. She is straight up and honest. She admits that she did many things she’s not proud of. The first item she sold on eBay was actually a stolen book. She then starts selling vintage clothes from thrift stores and boom. It started selling for way more than she paid for. Fast forward seven years, Nasty Gal is still a successful business.

The STRUGGLES

The word “struggle” might seem unprofessional because I could use different words like “battles” or “hard moments” but no... Sophia faced STRUGGLES. From dumpster diving to working hundreds of jobs (Some of her jobs only lasted a day) to getting kicked off of eBay, this woman made it work regardless. She faced any struggle that came her way with a big fist and punched it in the core. From being someone living paycheck to paycheck she is now a millionaire.

Dedication

Sophia's story is something that ignited a light within me. She tells her readers what the real world is like. The real world is harsh and sometimes unfair but how you face the real world is what really matters. By reading a story someone personally wrote can really give you a feeling of what their personality is like. I've realized that Sophia is not only one of the most down-to-earth people but also a hustler. Right after I saw the Netflix series, #GIRLBOSS, I immediately did my research and found Sophia's instagram. She was posting instagram stories selling vintage clothes just like the old days. I couldn't help but smile. This is someone who loves what they do and is still doing that today.

Being A #GIRLBOSS

I've learned that being a #GIRLBOSS means to hustle, be kind, confident, self-driven, and as Sophia said, "Being the girl at a party who strikes up a conversation with you when she notices you don't seem to know many people there." Being the outcast is okay and Sophia delivers that through her story. Being a #GIRLBOSS means to have dreams and go after them. Work for what you want.