The Outsider Advantage: Because You Don't Need to Fit in to Win

by Ciera Rogers

From the fashion mogul and entrepreneur behind Babes, an empowering memoir about turning what makes you different into the foundation of your successCiera Rogers is known for being an “Outsider”—and she likes it that way. As the founder and CEO of a multi-million-dollar brand that caters to curvy women of all shades, worn by the likes of Kim Kardashian and championed by Beyoncé, Ciera has rallied the very women the fashion industry is designed to ignore around the radical idea that what makes you different is actually your superpower.The Outsider Advantage is for Outsiders like the dreamers, doers, and go-getters that society continuously overlooks and underestimates, but who are uniquely equipped to achieve glass-shattering success.In this bold and inspiring memoir, Ciera shares the moments in her life that left the biggest impact—being kidnapped at a young age by her estranged father, running hustles in strip clubs, living in her mom’s red Jeep, daring to post her first outfit for sale on Instagram, hitting seven-figures, and buying a home—and unearths the powerful lessons she has taken away from her past and her unorthodox rise, like how to harness what you already have and how to use your trauma as a motivator. She also speaks to feelings of millennial rage, as on her journey, she came to realize that the American Dream is a lie. But she didn’t allow that to stop her from outmaneuvering the system to finally live the life she wanted.Arguing that what the world calls limitations—lack of connections, resources, fancy degrees, or even the “right” look—are actually our biggest competitive advantages, Ciera teaches anyone who has ever been overlooked, ignored or underestimated how to embrace their Outsider status to find unstoppable success.

Genres: Memoir, Business

272 pages, Hardcover

Published June 18, 2024

About the author

Ciera Rogers is a Los Angeles-based fashion designer who has brazenly forged a path as “the new voice of influencer fashion,” and her women's wear line Babes is worn by notable high-profile celebs.

As a social media influencer, Ciera uses her reach of 3 million to spread her message of body positivity, creativity, and empowerment to women worldwide.

She and her work have been featured in well-known outlets, such as: Mashable, Fox, NY Post, The New York Journal, KTLA and many more.

Reviews

[Texas Standard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explores how individuals who perceive themselves as outsiders can leverage their unique perspectives and experiences to achieve success. Rogers argues that being an outsider fosters creativity, resilience, and an innovative mindset that can lead to breakthroughs in various fields. She provides examples and strategies to help outsiders harness these advantages for personal and professional growth.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Portfolio Penguin for my copy. My opinions are my own.

Not fitting in doesn't have to be a disadvantage--just ask Ciera Rogers. In her book, The Outsider Advantage, Rogers argues that what makes you different is actually what gives you a competitive advantage. Embrace it. Lean into it. Use what you do have, build on it, and know your value. Part memoir, part advice, and all power, Rogers compares her journey to the "traditional" path, and shows how every step of the way, what made her different is what brought her success. And wow, did she go through some traumatic, difficult things. I really felt for her, but I was also inspired by how she used those experiences to become the strong woman she is, and how they gave her insight into an unfilled gap in the market. And then she filled it, bringing monetary success and an amazing clothing brand that celebrates one's natural individuality and shapes. She is confident in herself and her accomplishments, in a way that I might find arrogant in an individual at first, but knowing her story now I can see why she has to be. Based on that confidence, she shares affirmations that may help you gain confidence too. I appreciated how she emphasized that you are valuable for who you are, and that no one can take that away from you or make you any less than the amazing person you are.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part memoir and part guide for those who may consider themselves outsiders in the circles and spaces that they play in. Appreciated the blend between anecdotes and open, ended questions or prompts that support someone building a vision for their career that is meaningful, empowered, and creative. Ciera seems like a powerhouse of a human and offers many thoughtful nuggets.

I might recommend this book to anyone who is early in career, seeking to follow a creative passion, or interested in exploring what it means to be underrepresented in industries that you want to break into.

[Jennifer]

Ciera Rogers outlines her rags to riches story and how she turned what made her different into a successful and thriving multi-million dollar company, Babes.

While Rogers doesn’t necessarily highlight anything completely unique in her steps, what she does is highlight the Grit, tenacity and growth mindset that she employed to keep her going to succeed. In my opinion, this is never highlighted enough in business books. Her willingness to adapt and ability to evolve even when it was hard came through. Overall a great read for anyone trying to succeed at their goal.

[M Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine but maybe just not for me. She makes some good points but I'm either a little outside the generation she's speaking to or maybe not in the same situation of starting a business, etc.

Thanks to EBury Publishing for this #gifted copy and PRH Audio for a complimentary audiobook. My thoughts are my own.

[Chyanne Diaries · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an inspiring book for any up and coming entrepreneurs and business owners. This book can not lead you astray and make you feel like you can achieve your dreams. This book with the style and formatting of each story reminded me of Jada Pinkett Smith’s memoir. But a calm read overall.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read!
I've been following Ciera for years and was so excited that she had a book coming out. If you are not an entrepreneur, this book is still for you!

There were so many moments that I could relate to and I didn't want to stop reading. She continued to keep you engaged and encouraged you to remind yourself that success looks different for everyone. Where you are right now, is just a stepping stone to where you will be.

[Bianca Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

From humble beginnings, hard-working, sassy and so smart. This book is inspiring makes me want to work to achieve more in my life. Recommend reading this one 👌🏾

[hayley Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best books I’ve ever read

I have never related so much to a book. Ciera stories about childhood living with poverty made me feel less alone. I feel motivated now to start my dream