The Messy Truth: How I Sold My Business for Millions but Almost Lost Myself

by Alli Webb

Alli Webb, co-founder of Drybar, had it all--until she didn't. When Drybar and its world-famous blowouts took off seemingly overnight, she found herself surrounded by celebrity clients like Zooey Deschanel, Jennifer Garner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, Maria Shriver, and others. She was named to multiple prestigious lists by Fast Company , Fortune, Marie Claire, and Inc . She published a New York Times bestselling book--all before she turned forty. But it wasn't until her marriage fell apart, her teenage son entered rehab unexpectedly, and she no longer found meaning in the wildly successful business she had built that Alli realized she was spiraling into deep depression.  She'd lost sight of what made her happy in favor of an aimless push to succeed above all. Something had to give. Piece by piece, Alli began to reinvent her personal and professional life with the goal of accepting her messy truth. She learned how to embrace the honest in lieu of the perfect and realized that most of life happens somewhere in the middle, between the laughter and the tears. In The Messy Truth , Webb invites readers into her world as an entrepreneur, a mother, and a partner, examining with startling humor and wisdom the truths and fictions we tell ourselves and others as we learn to embrace the mess of life.

Genres: Audiobook, Business, Memoir, Nonfiction, Autobiography

224 pages, Hardcover

Published November 14, 2023

Reviews

[Brandice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been a long-time admirer of Alli Webb as a businesswoman and the founder of DryBar so I was curious to hear more of her story.

While it seems like at one point Alli had it all, in The Messy Truth she reveals struggles she and her family were dealing with. Some of these challenges include marriage and divorce, parenting, and imposter syndrome.

I appreciated Alli sharing her story although I wish The Messy Truth included more information about DryBar. I felt like there was an opportunity to go in depth and provide more detail on this, as well as some of the other topics. That said, I still admire Alli’s drive and entrepreneurial spirit.

[Katharine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book after listening to the author on the Mel Robbins podcast, and I'd say that the podcast was better. If you want a book about how to start a successful business, you will get a lot more useful stories from How I Built This, by Guy Raz. If you're looking for personal insights, anything by Dr Brene Brown or Dr Nicole LePera will be far more useful. If you're looking for a book about working mom guilt and how to fix your child's drug issues if you can afford the most expensive therapy programs in the country, then this book may be for you, but there's probably something better out there. Also most authors should have a professional actor read the audiobook instead of doing it themselves, and this is not an exception to the rule.

[Jodi Schulz · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that were very interesting. The problem was that it was all over the place. She talks about selling the business but never really goes into why she sold the business. She discusses two failed marriages but never goes into the details (which I get, but everything is so glossed over). Also she ends each chapter with this little bit of self help I found super annoying. Is it a memoir or self help?

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read when stuck in bed sick. Alli Webb is the cofounder of DryBar. She goes into detail about the concept etc but then bam the story is 10 yrs later- would have liked more growth information and how she was able to grow the locations so quickly. She is flawed like all of us-I have listened to her on several podcasts and this confirms it ha.
Enjoyable read.

[Savannah Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was OK. There were some parts i resonated with, and I so badly wanted to relate to her. Unfortunately, I don’t. I do not have the same privileges she has, mostly financially. She does recognize how lucky she is occasionally, which I appreciated. But for the most part, she was not relatable. It was a quick read, though which I appreciate.
Also, I didn’t realize there were writing prompts at the end of each chapter that are somewhat related to the chapter, I didn’t fill any out, it is just good to know

[Annie Seeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never write reviews. But ALL women, not just entrepreneurs need to read this story. It came to me at just the right time in my business, my life, parenting my little ones. It couldn’t be a better and clearer example of the ways to see the joys and sadness of balancing life. How being vulnerable with your partner and yourself is the only way to become exactly who you want to be. Those hard truths about ourselves that we hide from are brought to the light in this book for all women. Whether you work or don’t it’s one of the most relatable things I have ever read. It left me feeling refreshed and reminded of the things that matter most to me and the ways I can refocus my energy on them.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

even though it can all look good and successful on the outside, if you’re not an aware, mature person, your life can actually be crumbling around you. glad alli has been working on herself to better her life but for the average reader, the story told here is not particularly compelling.

2 stars.

[Dannie Lynn Fountain · Rating 3 out of 5]

[2.5 rounded up] A fascinating look behind the scenes of Drybar, but DANG I wish Alli Webb understood her privilege. There is one line about halfway through where she says something like "we raised about a million dollars from close family and friends but were struggling to raise more to continue expanding." I don't know many people who have "close family and friends" who could invest $1M in their startup. Truly wild! All said, a fascinating entrepreneurial tool but could have done with a beta read from an outside POV. I received a complimentary audiobook from the publisher via libro.fm.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Messy Truth: How I Sold My Business For Millions But Almost Lost Myself by the founder of the world-famous blowout salon chain, Drybar. It’s about her empowering and insightful memoir, sharing what it was like to start a business that took off seemingly overnight. The author also discusses the struggles she faced in her marriage and with her teenage son, who had to enter rehab, and how she eventually spiraled into a deep depression. She emphasizes the importance of transparency and the impact of sharing her story with others, especially other women who might be going through similar experiences.

I love the author’s whole instinct for business and that she started her business from a place of wanting to help other women and to make them happier in any way she could. For her as a hairdresser, that was through their misbehaving hair. The fact that she built an empire based on that is fantastic. The author is very open and transparent about the pitfalls she faced and cautionary tales. She offers stories, lessons, and worksheets. The Messy Truth is empowering and honest. It will encourage readers to seek their path to success as they embrace the messy side of life.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...

[Allison Damico · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off I absolutely love the font selection and how beautiful the beginning of each chapter looks. So polished and lovely to simply look at.

Alli Webb comes off as a no BS kind of person and I loved that her attitude was shining brightly throughout each chapter. She’s honest and raw throughout especially when it comes to how her marriage and family was affected by building the Drybar business.

She asks questions and gives space for you to write down those difficult answers and face them if that’s something you’re into. This part leans more towards self help.

Each chapter goes over things that happened in Alli’s life and then she goes over the “Lessons I’ve Learned” at the end of that chapter. I thought this was helpful to see what she was able to pull out of certain situations whether they were positive or negative. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur I think this is definitely a great read from one perspective. If you’ve ever used Drybar it’s also cool to see the behind the scenes process. Overall I thought Alli caught my attention with her writing style and it was a very quick read for me personally. #goodreadsgiveaway

[Christy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting. I'm not sure incould recommend this to anyone because it doesn't communicate anything well. The chapters are all over the place, without details on the important parts. Each chapter was on something different, rather than digging into one thing. The rise, fall, and sale of Drybar. A kid that needed rehab. Two failed marriages. Not enough detail to really understand any one part.

At one point, she says, "There are few things more powerful than self-awareness. Please go get some if you don't already have it!" And that's it. No advice on how to develop self-awareness or how she did it. Do you think a person without self-awareness is going to jusy recognize they're lacking it because an author said they need it?

I didn't walk away with any words of wisdom or helpful. I do think the author may need to do some deeper work than what she has alluded to in this book.

[Danielle Mercer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hit the nail on the head, pun intended since my husband and I own a construction company. I appreciated the realness of it. Most business books (which I still find helpful) are based on working in corporations while this speaks to the true mess of entrepreneurship, and family business.

I don’t have many quick nuggets, as I felt pulling quotes would miss so much of the context. You just have to read the book so you can get the full effect.

Living in the highlights is good for no one. You can’t ignore the bad. And you never know when speaking your truth could help someone else in the shadows. It’s also a good reminder to never compare, because you are most likely comparing your real truth to someone’s highlight reel.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book from a business point of view. It’s very motivational, and being a small business owner, I really liked that aspect of it. I don’t really know much about Alli and Dry Bar, the book was recommended by another business owner, so it was nice to get a glimpse into the life of a small business owner who had a business dream, ran with it, and kept growing and growing, and how her life was affected by her business and it’s rapid growth. I also like how she wrote about the investors she was working with and how some weren’t right for her and why. If you’re an entrepreneur, this is a nice quick read to keep you focused on your goals and dreams.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very moving memoir by the co-founder of Drybar, Alli Webb, who learns the hard way that sometimes in the push to have it all, and succeed in life, perfection has its own immense costs. As Alli shares what she learned in her quest to get to the top, and why it was important to learn to accept her own messy truths along the way, all readers can learn from the important lessons she shares.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

*AUDIOBOOK VERSION*

I’ve been following Alli Webb since she begun Dry Bar; I was obsessed with the concept and incredibly inspired by her entrepreneurship journey. This book was a real and raw look and her life pre and post her success. I absolutely loved it and truly wish her the best in her future endeavors.

[Marissa Mariano · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t really like to rate memoirs but I did really enjoy learning how drybar became drybar. I honestly didn’t know much about this company other than the fact that they sell hair products and had a store. I love the idea of a blow out only store. Quick and simple. Such a great idea but I also loved her story of how quickly she blew up and also deflated. Im happy to know she’s in a good place :)

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s good about this book: everyone has issues, everything can teach you something, you are the only one who can make yourself happy, it’s never too late to learn or reinvent yourself…
Lots of good advice in short phrases. If you’re struggling, I recommend reading this short book.
Book 103 for 2024 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, at least she was honest about the “messy” part. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I really miss the “old” Drybar—that is, pre-sold-to-Helen-of-Troy. 😞 Back when the stylists were friendly and talkative, it only cost $35, and you were offered a glass of champagne. Now, I’m lucky to even find a Drybar I used to frequent that is still open. 😩

[Jaley Broughton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook. Her entrepreneur story was so cool & loved how she told a lot of her behind the scenes life while she was climbing. The author jumped around a lot between stories and business advice and it was hard to keep up between the back and forth.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chose this for my Year of Memoirs, however it's more of a self-help book than a memoir, but not really any advice I'd follow. I didn't read the description or anything so that's probably on me. 

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Audiobook**

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Loved her writing style - very easy to read.

[Sammie Guajardo · Rating 1 out of 5]

This girl is a mess.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I sometimes found Alli Webb's story to be a bit unrelatable, and her company - Drybar - is a service I really can't comprehend needing, I appreciate her putting it all out there. This isn't a business book and how to start one, but more about how Webb lost herself in the process. Definitely pieces to her story everyone can relate to. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessamyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very poorly written. 😢 It's sad because I wanted to like it. It's just all over the place and seems like it was rushed. Can't believe they published this.

[Sherrill Carper · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Easy read. Interesting.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! A perspective into a working mamas life who appears to have it all. Also love that Alli reads the audiobook!

[Jenelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal! So raw and relateable (even for women who aren’t entrepreneurs). So many life lessons vulnerably shared. Highly recommend on audio!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought she did a great job of keeping it short and simple. I appreciated her examples and her advice.