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Hidden Gems: Margaret Getchell LaForge
Margaret Getchell LaForge was a female business pioneer who took New York by storm. In 1860, the smart and sassy nineteen year old was hired for a low-level position at R.H. Macy's. Only six years later, she became the first female executive in retail history! In Hidden Gems, Margaret gets the credit she deserves for steering the iconic New York department store to its lasting success.
"Be everywhere. Do everything. And never fail to astonish the customer."
-Margaret Getchell LaForge
Praise for Hidden Gems:
“In Hidden Gems, Stephanie Forshee brings to the foreground the important legacy of Margaret Getchell, a woman who overcame adversity and found her towering strength in merchandising, ultimately blazing a trail for many executives at Macy’s and other retail establishments. An accessible, entertaining, and timeless read.”
—Paula A. Price, board director and strategic advisor for publicly traded and private companies; former EVP and CFO of Macy’s Inc.
“Stephanie Forshee has gifted readers with a tale of glittering strength and inspiration. Now more than ever, young readers need stories that bring history to life and celebrate the legacies of trailblazing women who not only witnessed history, but shaped it. Both entertaining and educational, this book will show readers what it means to dare, dream, live big, and lead.”
—Allison Pataki, New York Times best-selling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post
“In this fascinating and thoughtfully written account, the author draws upon source material from the great-great-granddaughter of Margaret Getchell LaForge, lending intimacy to her presentation of this trailblazing leader’s life. Succinct and easy to read, this narrative of resilience is well suited to late-childhood and early-adolescent readers, and it inspires with a real-life example of determination and success. This sweet and uplifting work will make a solid addition to school libraries and family storytimes. A child-friendly look at a boundary-defying businesswoman.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“As a self-proclaimed Chief Troublemaker, I resonate deeply with Margaret Getchell LaForge. She is exactly the type of powerhouse woman who deserves a place in history. Margaret may have led Macy’s during the Gilded Age, but her inspiring story could not be more relevant today. I’m confident Hidden Gems will empower a whole new generation of girls to dream big and be bold and brave enough to go where no one’s gone before.”
—Shelley Zalis, founder and CEO of The Female Quotient
“Margaret Getchell was a pioneer with an astonishing legacy. Margaret paved the way for women in retail and business everywhere. Stephanie Forshee beautifully illustrates in Hidden Gems that every little girl and boy can grow up to be a leader in business.”
—Chelsea Grayson, CEO of Spark Networks; former CEO of True Religion and American Apparel
“Hidden Gems: Margaret Getchell LaForge is a powerful testament to the grit and steadfast determination of women who get to define history. It’s an apt reminder to young girls and boys alike of the many different ways women can show up in the fashion industry. Yes, we are models, designers, and muses, but we’re also brilliant executives and leaders with the ability to create the blueprint for enduring retail business models.”
—Sheena Butler-Young, fashion business journalist
“Young women need more examples of women from the past who navigated a complex world, managed their own finances, and were leaders in industry. LaForge represents the multitudinous nature of women's lives as a mother, a caregiver, a leader, and a business woman. Forshee's work helps bring her example to a new generation of children.”
—Kelsie Brook Eckert, president of the Remedial Herstory Project
“Hidden Gems: Margaret Getchell LaForge is the story of a gutsy and innovative woman who rose to become second-in-command of R.H. Macy’s in New York City by the time she was twenty-five. Margaret changed the look and style of Macy’s—making it a flagship department store. It is no surprise that she grew up on Nantucket during the mid-1800s where there were many strong, educated, and independent women who succeeded in a man’s world.”
—Barbara Ann White, Nantucket Research Fellow; author of Disturber of Tradition: A Portrait of Anna Gardner and Hidden History of Nantucket (with Frank Morral)
“Hidden Gems for Kids: Margaret Getchell LaForge is a fantastic contribution to children’s literature. Women’s stories are still hidden in the shadows of American history. This series proves that there are still many fascinating and inspiring women to be discovered.”
—Robin Gerber, author of Leadership the Eleanor Roosevelt Way and Barbie and Ruth
"Be everywhere. Do everything. And never fail to astonish the customer."
-Margaret Getchell LaForge
Praise for Hidden Gems:
“In Hidden Gems, Stephanie Forshee brings to the foreground the important legacy of Margaret Getchell, a woman who overcame adversity and found her towering strength in merchandising, ultimately blazing a trail for many executives at Macy’s and other retail establishments. An accessible, entertaining, and timeless read.”
—Paula A. Price, board director and strategic advisor for publicly traded and private companies; former EVP and CFO of Macy’s Inc.
“Stephanie Forshee has gifted readers with a tale of glittering strength and inspiration. Now more than ever, young readers need stories that bring history to life and celebrate the legacies of trailblazing women who not only witnessed history, but shaped it. Both entertaining and educational, this book will show readers what it means to dare, dream, live big, and lead.”
—Allison Pataki, New York Times best-selling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post
“In this fascinating and thoughtfully written account, the author draws upon source material from the great-great-granddaughter of Margaret Getchell LaForge, lending intimacy to her presentation of this trailblazing leader’s life. Succinct and easy to read, this narrative of resilience is well suited to late-childhood and early-adolescent readers, and it inspires with a real-life example of determination and success. This sweet and uplifting work will make a solid addition to school libraries and family storytimes. A child-friendly look at a boundary-defying businesswoman.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“As a self-proclaimed Chief Troublemaker, I resonate deeply with Margaret Getchell LaForge. She is exactly the type of powerhouse woman who deserves a place in history. Margaret may have led Macy’s during the Gilded Age, but her inspiring story could not be more relevant today. I’m confident Hidden Gems will empower a whole new generation of girls to dream big and be bold and brave enough to go where no one’s gone before.”
—Shelley Zalis, founder and CEO of The Female Quotient
“Margaret Getchell was a pioneer with an astonishing legacy. Margaret paved the way for women in retail and business everywhere. Stephanie Forshee beautifully illustrates in Hidden Gems that every little girl and boy can grow up to be a leader in business.”
—Chelsea Grayson, CEO of Spark Networks; former CEO of True Religion and American Apparel
“Hidden Gems: Margaret Getchell LaForge is a powerful testament to the grit and steadfast determination of women who get to define history. It’s an apt reminder to young girls and boys alike of the many different ways women can show up in the fashion industry. Yes, we are models, designers, and muses, but we’re also brilliant executives and leaders with the ability to create the blueprint for enduring retail business models.”
—Sheena Butler-Young, fashion business journalist
“Young women need more examples of women from the past who navigated a complex world, managed their own finances, and were leaders in industry. LaForge represents the multitudinous nature of women's lives as a mother, a caregiver, a leader, and a business woman. Forshee's work helps bring her example to a new generation of children.”
—Kelsie Brook Eckert, president of the Remedial Herstory Project
“Hidden Gems: Margaret Getchell LaForge is the story of a gutsy and innovative woman who rose to become second-in-command of R.H. Macy’s in New York City by the time she was twenty-five. Margaret changed the look and style of Macy’s—making it a flagship department store. It is no surprise that she grew up on Nantucket during the mid-1800s where there were many strong, educated, and independent women who succeeded in a man’s world.”
—Barbara Ann White, Nantucket Research Fellow; author of Disturber of Tradition: A Portrait of Anna Gardner and Hidden History of Nantucket (with Frank Morral)
“Hidden Gems for Kids: Margaret Getchell LaForge is a fantastic contribution to children’s literature. Women’s stories are still hidden in the shadows of American history. This series proves that there are still many fascinating and inspiring women to be discovered.”
—Robin Gerber, author of Leadership the Eleanor Roosevelt Way and Barbie and Ruth
80 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2023
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11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 5, 2023
BOOK REVIEW: HIDDEN GEMS: MARGARET GETCHELL LAFORGE
This is a beautiful book that tells the inspiring story of a young woman, Margaret Getchell Laforge who became the first female retail executive.
At a time when women could not go to college and did not have much access to business or other career paths, Margaret Getchell was a true pioneer who joined her cousin Rowland Hussey Macy's store in New York, and completely transformed it!
She started work as a cash clerk since she was a skilled mathematician but soon it became apparent that she had a lot more to offer than just counting cash! She had new and innovative ideas which she shared with her cousin and simply changed the shopping experience for millions of people.
All the things we take for granted today when we walk into a store, Margaret was the first person to think of these ideas that would draw customers to the store and make their shopping trip a pleasurable experience!
This copy is part of the Hidden Gems series written by Stepanie Forshee and it is so worth reading! The perfect book for young girls everywhere. Easy to read, educational and inspiring, this book was a page-turner! I wish I had a book like this when I was a young girl!
Thank you to Stephanie Forshee for writing this wonderful series about women in business.
If you have a daughter or neice, please buy this book for them!
This is a beautiful book that tells the inspiring story of a young woman, Margaret Getchell Laforge who became the first female retail executive.
At a time when women could not go to college and did not have much access to business or other career paths, Margaret Getchell was a true pioneer who joined her cousin Rowland Hussey Macy's store in New York, and completely transformed it!
She started work as a cash clerk since she was a skilled mathematician but soon it became apparent that she had a lot more to offer than just counting cash! She had new and innovative ideas which she shared with her cousin and simply changed the shopping experience for millions of people.
All the things we take for granted today when we walk into a store, Margaret was the first person to think of these ideas that would draw customers to the store and make their shopping trip a pleasurable experience!
This copy is part of the Hidden Gems series written by Stepanie Forshee and it is so worth reading! The perfect book for young girls everywhere. Easy to read, educational and inspiring, this book was a page-turner! I wish I had a book like this when I was a young girl!
Thank you to Stephanie Forshee for writing this wonderful series about women in business.
If you have a daughter or neice, please buy this book for them!
August 21, 2023
Hidden Gems: Margaret Getchell LaForge by Stephanie Forshee is the first in a new series of middle grade books about women business leaders from history. I had never heard about Margaret before reading this book and was amazed by her pioneering work at the flagship Macy’s in New York City. With Margaret’s keen intellect and business intuition, she quickly rose from a low-level cashier to the nation’s first female executive at a major retail establishment. And the fact that she accomplished this during the mid-to-late 19th century is even more shocking!
Margaret’s innovative ideas include many we are still using today, and I enjoyed reading how she balanced a family life with business. She broke the glass ceiling in retail work decades before women even gained the right to vote! I love how you can still walk in Margaret’s footsteps by shopping at the Macy’s on 34th Street (with the red stars mentioned in the book still present!). I won’t be able to walk in again without thinking of Margaret!
I am excited about the author’s upcoming books on other women business leaders from history, including Richmond’s own Maggie Lena Walker. These women are “hidden gems,” and I’m glad they are getting their time in the spotlight.
Thanks to the author for sending me the electronic ARC. Margaret’s story is inspiring and gave me a new perspective on women’s lives during the 19th century.
Margaret’s innovative ideas include many we are still using today, and I enjoyed reading how she balanced a family life with business. She broke the glass ceiling in retail work decades before women even gained the right to vote! I love how you can still walk in Margaret’s footsteps by shopping at the Macy’s on 34th Street (with the red stars mentioned in the book still present!). I won’t be able to walk in again without thinking of Margaret!
I am excited about the author’s upcoming books on other women business leaders from history, including Richmond’s own Maggie Lena Walker. These women are “hidden gems,” and I’m glad they are getting their time in the spotlight.
Thanks to the author for sending me the electronic ARC. Margaret’s story is inspiring and gave me a new perspective on women’s lives during the 19th century.
July 11, 2023
This book was so good! It was packed with so much information about the Macy’s company that I would have never known!! Thank you to Stephanie Forshee for an ARC but, you should all get your copy today! I cannot wait to continue to follow along with this series and learn about more inspiring hidden women in history!
August 23, 2023
I have two girls ages 11 and 8 and this book is perfect for them. It is inspiring, encouraging and overall beautifully written. I would highly recommend this to any parent.
July 12, 2023
This is a great story that should be told and known much more than it already is. Margaret Getchell is an inspiring figure in women's history, and Hidden Gems is the best way for young girls to learn about her. It's informative, accessible, and filled with useful information like a glossary to expand girls' vocabularies while they read. Really worthwhile for anyone with kids, especially if they're interested in business.
October 21, 2023
I was given an eARC of Hidden Gems: Margaret Gretchell LaForge by Stephanie Forshee for an honest review.
The prose was simple and accessible, exactly what you want in kid’s nonfiction. Maybe a bit more about the sexist BS that kept Margaret Gretchell LaForge in the background of history but that’s a personal preference.
The poetry was a fun surprise. The questions a d activities were a nice touch as well. Overall, a very enjoyable book for budding independent readers.
The prose was simple and accessible, exactly what you want in kid’s nonfiction. Maybe a bit more about the sexist BS that kept Margaret Gretchell LaForge in the background of history but that’s a personal preference.
The poetry was a fun surprise. The questions a d activities were a nice touch as well. Overall, a very enjoyable book for budding independent readers.
August 2, 2023
Loved this story! Enjoyed the Nantucket history along with learning about the history of Macy’s and Margaret’s part in it. This would make a great gift for a girl who is interested in business and merchandising!
September 11, 2023
Margaret was ambitious, clever, determined and respected by everyone who knew her. Stephanie did an excellent job telling her story and providing what I call thinking material for students. What a inspiring edition to her series of strong women.
August 2, 2023
This is a really well written book for young girls! This is a must read for any young girl in your life! I know I will definitely be buying this book foe my niece!
December 9, 2023
Hidden Gems: Margaret Getchell LaForge is a must-read! The author thoughtfully crafts chapters with insight into Margaret's personal and professional life to help us get to know this "hidden gem." Macy's Department Store is undeniably one of the most recognizable name brands on the planet, and this behind-the-scenes story uncovers that Margaret Getchell LaForge is to thank for much of the company's success.
Children and adults will learn valuable lessons of perseverance, leadership, and the grit and creativity required to inspire change and innovation. I love the glossary of business terms, the poems and excepts from Margaret's diary and the "Gem Time" interactive pages that invite kids to think up their own business ideas.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the coming books!
Children and adults will learn valuable lessons of perseverance, leadership, and the grit and creativity required to inspire change and innovation. I love the glossary of business terms, the poems and excepts from Margaret's diary and the "Gem Time" interactive pages that invite kids to think up their own business ideas.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the coming books!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews