Lady boss. It’s a term used to describe women of all ages who have learned how to own their craft. And while we still live in a society that’s rather hard on innovative women, there’s something in the air that’s causing smart women to separate themselves from the pack, and hone their talents while telling the world’s haters to shove it.
It’s no secret that EcoSalon is a strong supporter of innovative women of all ages, shapes, and backgrounds. We write about at least a handful of interesting women every month. And each of these women are owning their own shit in a totally feminine way. That’s a pretty big thing because often times, a woman’s inherent femininity can get in the way of her success in the business world.
Women are often met with haters who think “she’s too forceful” — that makes her a “bitch.” Other times, women are called out for being too caring, or loving, and get smacked with the “nurturing mother” label. And still, women are often slapped with stereotypes based on the way they dress, talk, or look. But women who work hard and put their asses on the line to make it on their own learn how to ignore naysayers over time.
Through the past few years there have been a lot of high-profile lady boss stories featuring women who have overcome society’s inherent obstacles, and maintained their cool in spite of the world’s foolish trolls.
Laverne Cox burst onto the scene when “Orange is the New Black” blew up on Netflix. However, Cox is so much more than an actresses. She’s a remarkable gender activist and is working in various areas now (she is a popular speaker and writer). Overall, Cox has achieved her lady boss status by ignoring the people who like to shame otherness and by owning the most powerful part of her life: her own story.
Tavi Gevinson proved to be a kick-ass female talent while she was in high school. Gevinson started working on her now totally popular online teen magazine, Rookie, when she was quite young (we’re talking early teen years, here). Since Rookie mag has gained so much popularity over the years, Gevinson has just become more poised as an editor and an all-around creative powerhouse.
Say what you will about Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In,” but that book — and Sandberg’s overall philosophies — are still being discussed long after her book was released.
Aisha Tyler may be known as “that one chick who was on ‘Friends,'” but Tyler has built her own little empire based on her hilarious comedy and unabashed love for most-things nerdy.
Wende Zomnir, Urban Decay’s chief creative officer and brand co-founder, recently created the brand’s “The Ultraviolet Edge,” a global initiative that’s meant to fund women’s rights orgs.
Marci Zaroff is the bright woman who created the term “EcoFashion.”
Now, you don’t have to be famous in order to fall into the lady boss category. You can be anyone. Are you in high school and hustling two jobs to save for college to become an engineer? You’re a lady boss. Did you just graduate from college with absolutely no job on the horizon, but have a burning desire to make a change? You’re a lady boss.
All of us, no matter how talented or well-known we are, are lady bosses. Because after all, to make it to the top, you have to be able to take the punches you’ll get when you achieve your goals. That’s why becoming a boss is such hard work. But damn, it’s worth it.
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