Marisa Meltzer explores the rise and decline of the “girlboss” and its impact on female entrepreneurs.
What became of the “girlboss”? The term emerged in 2014 from Sophia Amoruso, founder of the fast-fashion brand Nasty Gal, who captivated audiences with her story. In her influential book, she defines a “girlboss” as a woman unafraid to seize power from within, thereby uplifting other women along the way. Her book sold 500,000 copies, leading to the launch of a media brand sharing the same name.
As Amoruso gained fame, other young women stepped into the spotlight, often characterized by their polished looks and tailored suits. Notable figures included Audrey Gelman, co-founder of the women’s networking hub the Wing, Tyler Haney of the eco-friendly activewear label Outdoor Voices, and Emily Weiss, founder of the popular beauty brand Glossier. (Let’s be honest, you probably have some Glossier products in your collection.)
This week, a CEO interviewed Marisa Meltzer to delve into the peculiar legacy of the girlboss and its evolving definition. Meltzer, author of Glossy: Ambition, Beauty and the Inside Story of Emily Weiss’s Glossier, examines why many of these girlboss ventures have faltered and why women face greater scrutiny than men.
“The girlboss was a curious phenomenon because it prompted discussions about a ‘Boyboss,’” remarks Meltzer. “Yet it also opened doors for women to be portrayed on their own terms, focusing on their professional identities rather than personal lives. That aspect was definitely beneficial.”
Fast forward to today, and many of these girlboss-led enterprises have collapsed. What drives our society's fascination with the public failures of female entrepreneurs? Meltzer believes this reflects deep-seated societal issues that cannot be addressed by any single individual or company. “The double standard for women in public roles, especially in business, is shocking. Men can escape criticism for serious misdeeds, while women face backlash for minor management missteps, which are quite common.”
What key takeaway does Meltzer offer to aspiring business owners from Glossier’s journey? “Be cautious about accepting funding when your growth is rapid. While it’s thrilling to receive substantial financial offers, carefully consider the responsibilities that come with them.”
In the Mailbag segment, we answer a listener’s question about helping her daughter boost her credit score. Additionally, we chat with Christine Roberts, President of Citizens Pay, about effective strategies for managing payments over time. For this week’s money tip, we share our best strategies for saving even a little if you feel trapped in a paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.
