#Girlboss

1. Define Your #GIRLBOSS: Take Control & Work Hard

Life is short. Don’t be lazy.

Take charge of your life. A #GIRLBOSS is someone who is fully in control of her own destiny. She doesn't wait for things to happen; she makes them happen through relentless effort and personal responsibility. This means knowing when to follow the rules and when to break them, always on your own terms, and having fun along the way.

Work ethic is non-negotiable. Success isn't a fairy tale or an overnight phenomenon; it's built on years of hard work, dedication, and persistence. Sophia Amoruso built Nasty Gal from the ground up without coming from money or having a traditional background, proving that determination and grit are more valuable than privilege or formal education. Don't look up to others; be your own idol by focusing energy on your own path.

Show up and own it. Being a #GIRLBOSS isn't about asking for permission or waiting to be taken seriously. It's about demonstrating capability through action and results. Instead of complaining or feeling disadvantaged, focus on getting things done and proving your worth through hard work and resilience.

2. Embrace the Grind: Shitty Jobs Build Character

It was the straying that found the path direct.

Job promiscuity is experience. Sophia held numerous short-lived, often unpleasant jobs before starting Nasty Gal. While seemingly unproductive at the time, this "job promiscuity" provided valuable lessons about what she liked, what she didn't, and how to navigate different environments. Each failure or quick exit was a step toward understanding her true calling.

Learn from every experience. Even in the most mundane or frustrating jobs, there are opportunities for learning and growth. Whether it was mastering customer service phrases at Borders or finding satisfaction in simple tasks at Subway, approaching work with curiosity and a willingness to learn builds character and skills that are transferable to future endeavors. Don't just do the job; find ways to make it engaging.

Character building is #GIRLBOSS training. Tolerating unpleasant tasks and pushing through boredom builds resilience and a strong work ethic. These experiences, even the "shitty" ones, provide perspective and make future successes more meaningful. Don't expect your dream job immediately; appreciate the journey and the lessons learned along the way.

3. Mistakes and Failures Hold Secret Opportunities

There are secret opportunities hidden inside every failure.

Failure is an invention. Don't view setbacks as definitive endings, but as chances to learn and pivot. Sophia's shoplifting phase, though regrettable, led to a wake-up call and a determination to pursue legitimate success. Getting fired from jobs pushed her to seek better opportunities, ultimately leading to the idea for Nasty Gal.

Learn from your missteps. Every mistake, big or small, offers a lesson. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, analyze the situation, understand the consequences, and use that knowledge to make better decisions in the future. Sophia learned about credit the hard way and about business boundaries through difficult experiences.

Adapt and move forward. If something isn't working, don't keep doing the same thing expecting different results. Be willing to change your approach, try something new, and adjust your path. Failure isn't a sign of worthlessness; it's an invitation to redefine your strategy and keep moving toward your goals.

4. Master Your Money: Save More Than You Spend

Money looks better in the bank than on your feet.

Financial freedom is power. Learning to control your finances is crucial for independence. Being financially stable allows you to make choices about your job, location, and relationships without being trapped by necessity. Conversely, poor financial habits can severely limit your options.

Cash is king; avoid debt. Sophia built Nasty Gal to significant revenue without taking on debt, partly out of necessity due to poor credit, but also by prioritizing saving and reinvesting profits. Avoid spending more than you earn and be mindful of small expenses that can accumulate. Treat saving as a non-negotiable bill.

Be responsible and strategic. Pay bills on time, understand how credit works, and avoid unnecessary debt like credit cards for frivolous purchases. When income increases, resist the urge to immediately increase spending. Invest in your well-being and business strategically, not impulsively.

5. Believe in Your Own Magic: Intention Shapes Reality

Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.

Control your thoughts, control your life. While not believing in luck, Sophia believes in "magic" – the power of intention and visualization combined with action. Your mindset significantly impacts your reality; focusing on negativity attracts negative outcomes, while positive thinking and clear intentions pave the way for success.

Visualize and project your desires. Magical thinking is the alchemy of visualizing the life you want and actively working towards it. This isn't passive wishing but embedding your goals into your subconscious through conscious effort, like using passwords as sigils or constantly reminding yourself of your bigger picture.

Fortune favors the bold who get shit done. Intention setting works best when paired with action. Every small positive decision, every moment of hard work, every time you push yourself, you are planting seeds for your future. Be open to unexpected opportunities that arise, as sometimes the universe has a cooler plan than you could have imagined.

6. Own Your Weirdness: Don't Try to Fit In

Why fit in when you were born to stand out?

Being an outsider is a strength. Sophia felt like an outsider throughout her youth, but this discomfort became her comfort zone. This perspective allowed her to question norms, experiment with different identities, and ultimately create something unique like Nasty Gal, which sits outside traditional fashion boundaries.

Embrace your unique point of view. The world doesn't need more of the same. Your quirks, interests, and experiences, even the unconventional ones, contribute to your unique perspective. Don't hide what makes you different; leverage it to stand out and offer something original.

Authenticity attracts. Trying to fit in or be someone you're not is exhausting and rarely successful in the long run. When you accept yourself and are genuine, others are more likely to accept and respect you. Your "inner freak" is your ally; don't alter her.

7. Build Your Team & Navigate the Workplace

I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.

Romance potential employers. Getting hired requires actively pursuing the opportunity and demonstrating genuine interest and enthusiasm. Don't play hard to get; show them why you are the best candidate through a compelling cover letter and a prepared, engaging interview.

Cover letters matter; be specific. Your cover letter is a crucial first impression. Avoid generic statements about your passion; instead, clearly articulate what you can do for the company and connect your past experiences to the specific job requirements. Proofread meticulously and show attention to detail.

Be indispensable; go above and beyond. Don't limit yourself to "that's not my job." Be willing to roll up your sleeves and do whatever is needed for the business to succeed, even tasks seemingly below your level. Being a team player and showing initiative makes you invaluable and increases your chances for advancement.

8. Grow Incrementally: Listen, Hustle, and Adapt

Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.

Start small, grow big. Nasty Gal began as a small eBay store, not a grand business plan. Focusing on incremental growth, perfecting each step (like photography and customer service), and reinvesting profits allowed the business to scale organically. Don't wait for perfection or validation; just start and iterate.

Customer focus is paramount. Listen intently to your customers; they will tell you what they want. Sophia's success on eBay came from understanding her audience and quickly adapting based on what sold and what didn't. Treat customers like friends and give them something exciting to share.

Hustle relentlessly and learn constantly. Success requires continuous effort and a willingness to learn by doing. Use available resources like Google and YouTube to educate yourself. Be adaptable, question assumptions, and don't be afraid to make decisions, even if you don't have all the answers.

9. Creativity is Everywhere, Not Just in Art

Every child is an artist. The problem is staying an artist when you grow up.

Infuse creativity into everything. Creativity isn't confined to traditional artistic pursuits; it can be applied to any task, no matter how mundane. Whether it's making a smoothie, organizing shelves, or writing a product description, approach it with the intention of making it the best it can be.

Business is a creative act. Running a business requires immense creativity, from branding and marketing to problem-solving and strategic decision-making. Sophia views choosing investors or hiring employees as creative acts, just like styling a photo shoot.

Find your framework and iterate. Creativity thrives within structure. Sophia found her framework on eBay, which provided simple steps that allowed her ambition to grow. Don't be afraid to experiment, observe, and constantly tweak your approach, whether it's designing a website or editing photos.

Last updated: May 11, 2025