Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Self Made: Becoming Empowered, Self-Reliant, and Rich in Every Way

Rate this book
For readers of #GIRLBOSS and viewers of Shark Tank —a  global revolution in entrepreneurship is under way, inspiring women to blaze a trail of financial self-reliance and become self-made.  Featuring a foreword by Suze Orman.
 
What does it mean to be self-made? It’s not just about having money, but financial empowerment is where it begins. It means getting out of survival mode, where you are one problem away from catastrophe. It means changing your mindset from instant gratification to goal orientation. It means being able to sleep at night without worry. It means being rich in every rich in money, rich in family, rich in love, rich in time—abundant!
 
For Nely Galán—entrepreneur, TV producer, and real estate mogul—helping women to become self-made is a movement and a mission. Galán pulls no punches. She is the straight-talking friend and mentor you’ve always wanted, and here she shares valuable, candid, no-nonsense lessons learned on her own path to becoming self-made (“There is no Prince Charming”; “Think like an immigrant”; “In your pain is your brand”; “Don’t buy shoes, buy buildings!”). You’ll read inspiring stories of women who started and grew businesses out of ingenuity, opportunity, and need. You’ll find exercises to help you identify your goals and your strengths. You’ll learn tips and tricks for saving money, making money, and finding “hidden money” that can help jump-start your self-made dreams.
 
When you become self-made, the change in you inspires change in those around you, because one of the greatest rewards of a self-made life is seeing how the sparks from your personal revolution can light a fire in others. So come, join the Self-Made movement. The revolution starts inside of you!
 
Praise for Self Made
 
“A much-needed and wise book that teaches women not to fear money but to see it as a means of reaching our dreams. Nely shows us how to become money courageous instead of finance fearful. I want to give this book to so many women (and men) I know. Thank you, Nely.” —Sandra Cisneros
 
“Nely Galán and I have traveled the country together helping women grow their businesses and live their dreams. I know firsthand that Nely is the ultimate self-made woman and your best girlfriend. Her generosity of spirit jumps off the page as she shares the secrets of her hard-won success and her contagious confidence.” —Nell Merlino, creator of Take Our Daughters to Work Day and founder of Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence
 
“ Self Made teaches women to unleash their spark and hustle. Nely inspires readers to use what they have to get what they want on their path to becoming self-made.” —Tory Johnson, “Deals & Steals” contributor on ABC’s Good Morning America and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Shift
 
“You are not truly complete as a woman until you feel confident and empowered to make decisions about your money. Throughout my career, I have seen how a woman who takes ownership of her financial life is transformed and liberated, and how that in turn has a tremendous impact on her children. This is my belief and my personal experience, and it’s why Self Made resonates so strongly with me.” —Maria Elena Lagomasino, CEO of WE Family Offices and member of the board of directors of the Walt Disney Company, the Coca-Cola Company, and Avon Products, Inc.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published February 23, 2016

46 people are currently reading
848 people want to read

About the author

Nely Galan

5 books6 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
147 (34%)
4 stars
173 (40%)
3 stars
84 (19%)
2 stars
14 (3%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Alex.
167 reviews21 followers
August 17, 2016
Nely Galan gives her take on her successes and failures to becoming self-made in various areas of her life/career. With a voice geared toward women, Self Made is about becoming self-reliant with an emphasis on financial security by way of an entrepreneurial lifestyle. Galan states, "there is no true empowerment until you have your own money."

In a nutshell, it is basic career and financial advice with some poignant observations about relationships, such as when she breaks down her theory about "Prince Charming;" developing a mindset geared toward success, as she goes into detail in a section titled "Think Like an Immigrant." Some of this info was not new to me, however, there was a lot to gain from the perspectives she presented as the daughter of immigrants in the United States. She also, offers several perspectives from other women who have come to be "Self Made," interspersed throughout the book. Although most of this for me was a reiteration of things I've heard in most financial self-help books, there are a few little gems that make it worthwhile, as it is a short, easy read of only 200 pages.

Something that stuck out to me with this book is a small passage about hiring professionals. When you are not good at something, it's okay to try to get better at it by doing things to improve on your own, but sometimes it is more cost-effective to make the investment in a professional. it also builds your network. Little helpful tidbits like this are sprinkled throughout the book.

The meat and potatoes of this book, for me, is near the end. The beginning is basically about her life and her upbringing having immigrant parents. However, in the end she gets more detailed with her financial advice as she discusses topics such as the "golden triangle" of where the money is to be made in the U.S. She also discusses and gives real-life examples of how to break into that triangle. Most of the information is geared toward the novice entrepreneur and can be deemed as motivational. Yet I felt, this information toward the end would be helpful to even some seasoned entrepreneurs, as she gives advice on securing government contracts, and how to become a supplier, and how to benefit from diversity programs as women. She has a website as a resource for this book that gives targeted advice to women, based on race, which is both interesting, and appreciative acknowledging the different challenges that each may face.

Self Made is about making the transition from being an employee to an owner. It's about "having your own chips" vs managing someone else's who can take them away whenever they choose. It's not an all-inclusive guide, there are not specific rules or steps given here, but it scratches the surface of most things that one will consider on her journey to entrepreneurship and being self-made, and it sets the tone for developing the mindset to being successful. I would say this book is a primer, but inspiring nonetheless.
Profile Image for M..
2,471 reviews
May 4, 2016
I remember watching Nely Galan on the first Celebrity Apprentice and wondering who she was, this book explains that. Even she didn't think she was a "celebrity" at the time but she seized the opportunity to promote herself and her business. I liked the book. I am already "Self Made" (although I never thought the words until I read them) so I read it from a possibly different perspective. I would say it is more motivating than informative. It is meant to help kick start your brain into thinking how you can get to the step of being self made including some journaling activities. It leads you to break down your experiences and skills to try and come up with what can you do. Full of lots of inspirational stories. I won this book in a contest and I was happy to read it!
Profile Image for Ember James.
45 reviews20 followers
May 29, 2016
I found this book to be really inspirational. As a female entrepreneur struggling to make my business successful, it's nice to hear about other women who have struggled and succeeded. It's really great to read about other's stories. It's also nice to read something so down to Earth. I felt like this book resonated with me.
Profile Image for Madeline Wright.
220 reviews6 followers
April 10, 2017
Read this book if you want to plan wisely for your financial future.
Profile Image for Cori.
692 reviews16 followers
September 13, 2021
What intrigued me: Our Women with Drive 2021Q3 book club selection to honor Hispanic Heritage Month.

What I liked: I really like Galan's style of writing and I thought this book was well-paced. I don't normally do all of the exercises in workbooks, but I felt compelled to write my own I Am... poem. Not all of the advice is applicable to me, but it made for a great conversation starter with my team.

What I didn't like: I do not admire some of the mentors she listed in the book. But it did drive an excellent conversation in our book club about being able to find admirable qualities in most people if you shift your perspective.

Favorite quote: "I am a Swan -- With nothing to prove, I burned my resume." p. 77
Profile Image for Valene Hill.
52 reviews17 followers
June 12, 2019
I really enjoyed Nely's book and she gives amazing advice. She even has a website to go to to help you become self-made. This book thus far has been the most helpful in helping me to keep my business going and to grow. In parts of it, I was a bit annoyed because she is Latina and she references a lot of Latina's in the book and seems to help them more, but I understand that is her journey nit mine. If you are looking for a book to help you as a women become an entrepreneur I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Ladyl.
6 reviews
March 2, 2018
this book was definitely to me a motivator to get something going. Nely is a very intense woman and for those who are feeling just as intense as her, this is the book for you. she tells many stories of people who are self made from different walks of life. I love that she made absolutely everything work no matter the circumstance. Although some of the things she does and did , i don't necessarily care for, i was able to see the valuable lesson through all her experiences.
7 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2017
Inspirational and motivating. Brought some blind spot awareness to my career as an architect looking to launch on my own. Gave some great tips of what success is and how to achieve it. I will be adding this book to my top favorite books.
1,173 reviews5 followers
April 12, 2019
Very helpful and practical book!

Ms. Galán knows how to make yourself "self-made". She did it. And she is sharing her valuable and honest views on life and money and women here.

This is truly one of the books what can help you. Ms Galán truly goes out to meet you and share with you her advice and frank opinions - and she has enough of life experiences under her belt and enough honesty in her to share them well. To be honest, I don´t share all of her life philosophies about the financial empowerment (and it is not required to do so :)), but her practical views are more than helpful. There truly is no human Prince Charming to save you and to think like an immigrant is truly practical, savvy and smart (to name just a few of her ways of thinking). And she is practical like that in the whole book. No blabla around the bush, but lots of savvy tips concerning the way to the financial freedom and entrepreneurship here.
And the is warm and approachable and no-nonsense while doing so and I would love to share a nice cup of cafe con leche with her!

I have learned a lot here, and this is one of the books I think I am going to return to (and I truly do not do that often in non-fiction).
Profile Image for Yoric.
178 reviews9 followers
October 18, 2018
Nothing exceptional here, but there are still some nice pieces, such as:

Money should never be an end in itself. But until you are financially self-reliant, you are not truly free.
I am going to show you how to think like an entrepreneur
Self-made is about having a dream, and the desire and discipline to work toward that dream.
I have to tell you: One of my favorite words is “sacrifice.”
Self-made is a state of mind, and it’s about thinking even bigger than getting a good job.
When you embrace the self-made mindset, you will not feel victimized or disappointed, because you’re taking power into your own hands, and you understand that no one else can do it for you.
I finally saw it for myself. I’d been looking for fulfillment in the wrong place. I didn’t need anybody to rescue me. I was my own Prince Charming.
Profile Image for La-Shanda.
242 reviews9 followers
May 13, 2022
What I enjoyed about listening to Nely Galan narrate her book Self Made, it gives good advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. From possessing an entrepreneur mindset to leaning into your network, these are useful tips. I especially appreciate her being vulnerable, sharing her story of challenges she faced throughout her life’s journey. What I found unrealistic, becoming “self made” seem to elude every women can become million or even billionaires. Is this really possible? Can you sustain that income? Nely was fortunate to have access to a network of people who opened doors for her. Not everyone is fortune to be at the right place at the right time. What I found interesting, besides her mom and the nuns, she was the obstacle preventing her from becoming “self made.”
Profile Image for Riana.
15 reviews
January 4, 2019
Galán tells the story of her journey in the entertainment industry from an unpaid intern as a teenager to the president of Telemundo. She gives advice from everything she learned along the way, as well as stories of other women who have become self made. I like reading about successful women so I really enjoyed the “inside perspectives” that this book offered. I felt that parts of Galán’s experience were based on luck (like buying her first building when the previous owner just so happened to need to move across the country) but I found this book motivational nonetheless.
31 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2019
This is a great book, if your trying to open a business or figure out a career path. This book is funny book and helps you question yourself in how to be self made. Nely has a lot of ideas. She share many women from different background on there journey. She show that you can learn anything at any age. I love when someone tells Nely "You write like a Rapper." Which made Nely realize that she needed to get a tutor. This book is giving you tips on how to solve problem feels and issues. I do recommend especially women to read this book.
Profile Image for Eli.
105 reviews6 followers
November 22, 2025
This was a painfully outdated read that I thought would be more about the authors life but was just repetitive reiterations that she’s self made (yet gaps in how she eventually had the capital to buy all those investments) and that you can be too. There aren’t actions until the end like another commenter points out, in that the rest of the advice (when it isn’t anecdotes) is pull yourself up by bootstraps quips, advice to save your money, and somehow magically be a landlord. It felt like it directly veered into woo-woo territory at times too, with think yourself thin and rich sentiments. I feel bad I’m being harsh because women deserve better advice now than capitalizing on their pain.
16 reviews
January 14, 2020
This was a great book. I listened to the audiobook and I found it to be so full of useful information and inspiring stories. Nely also had the most wonderful voice. I could listen to her all day! I like how the book is split into small bite-size chapters as well, so easy to dip into and out of for the busy people who are likely to be interested in the subject matter. I can see that I'll probably keep revisiting this book in the future for more ideas and inspiration.
2 reviews
December 15, 2022
A book addressing young women (20s-30s) giving guidance on how to become financially aware of the money they make and how to become financially independent with it by way of entrepreneurship. A quick read that addresses a wide range of topics from how immigrants are in a strong place to take advantage of the self-made movement, to advice on how to set yourself up for entrepreneurship, with brief case examples along the way.
Profile Image for Deborah Munoz-chacon.
3 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2024
Inspiring and revealing

I love Nely's story. Her determination and fearlessness to succeed shows that we are the only true obstacle that stands in our way. As a Hispanic woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, this book was just the kick in the pants motivation I needed to get myself back on track. Definitely worth reading.
Profile Image for Lynnluis Colon.
61 reviews
May 6, 2017
A great book for any women who needs a reminder that she can experience success no matter where they come from. I really enjoyed the snapshots of diverse women who have set the stage for others. Inspiring and loaded with great advice.
Profile Image for Hollee Archibald.
Author 1 book18 followers
July 8, 2018
Hear first hand stories from Immigrant Women who became Self Made. If you're an entrepreneur this book will give you tips on how to get your business up and running, maybe even give you before hand tips before you even know what you want to do with your life.
Profile Image for Amanda.
68 reviews14 followers
November 26, 2020
Sadly this book was archived before I could download to read it. It has been added to my TBR and I’ll keep an eye out for it again in the future or at my local library.
Profile Image for Mirka Mendez.
34 reviews
May 9, 2021
The highlights of Nely Galan's steps to her success. Not necessarily applicable to everyone's life but definitely brings a new perspective.
Profile Image for Julie.
398 reviews6 followers
June 8, 2021
Rounding up to 4.5, actually. Motivating and encouraging - I need to return this to the library, but I am buying a copy to go back and highlight.
Profile Image for Rashi Sharma.
7 reviews
October 11, 2021
Some great advice about being a women entrepreneur in general and a lot of specifics for the US market.
Profile Image for Amanda.
192 reviews
February 3, 2020
Easy and very inspirational read! Recommend to all women, but especially entrepreneurs and business owners.
Profile Image for Kimberly Wilson.
64 reviews13 followers
August 19, 2016
MY NOTES FROM THE BOOK.



5 Men or Women in life with whose qualities I'd like to emulate myself& why


Bravest Person I know:


Speaks to people in a respectful and powerful way:
How can I model myself this way?

What do I want out of life? Happiness, fulfillment, skills, care for others,
Goals:To be Healthier,Feel acceptance,feel worthy of others admiration,friendship, acceptance
Where am I stuck? Overcoming Comfort
Biggest Fears about the Future: Not achieving anything worthwhile,Letting my family down.
Greatest Dreams: Not worrying about hospital bills, Dr. Trips, time to volunteer at schools,To see family whenever we wanted,vacation time when needed and not "counting days"

WHAT AM I WAITING FOR? COurage

What do I need to do to take personal responsibility for my own happiness?AM I willing to change my relationship with" Prince Charming" whoever or whatever it may be in order to become self made.
Look into finances, overhead Pride- nothing to lose by being confident, competitive edge, what will I sacrifice for my dream? AM I in it for the Long Haul? I WANT TO GET MY OWN CHIPS!

FOMO- FEAR of MiSSING Out
DO i want to spend my life watching what other people are doing? Or do I want to do what other people will watch.
Most women give up on their dreams in the 2nd year of entrepreneurship
Look more into Warren Buffet- Figure out my Own Voice

What are my skills?Natural Abilities?- How can I make $ off of them?
Is there a business I can start on the side to make me $
What do I love to do that I would do for free?
Can I cultivate this. my mission while making $?
AM I READY TO BECOME SELF MADE?
How am I going to let go of my rescue fantasies?
Think about if Fear has shown up lately? Is it Guiding me? Have I pushed myself to confront this fear?

Discovering who I am? Thinking like an owner? Acknowledging I'm ready to be self made.
Opportunity to take power that Ive been reluctant to act on? Why? Whats holding me back?

Invest in self: How am I growing?Who is my support team? Who can I add?
Commit$- What can I do to make $? How much can I put away?
Am I cultivating what I LOVE , Embracing sacrifice? Sewing, scrap booking,movies, chores

Go after Hidden $- Look into the Golden Triangle, Government,Small Business, Administration, Government Tax Incentives, Nonprofits - corporations need Female owned companies

Take Advantage of Emerging Oppertunities,Invent a Company or Product, Disrupt an existing Business, Franchise,Buy exsisting Business, Partner with Friends, Brand Online to monitize
No other option than to choose yourself,declare my intentions,forge the self made path so that I can life a life that is rich in every way. Map the Trajectory of life- what has my past experience taught me?

"Pain is the gateway to your most authentic brand" Unique problems to solve- how to turn this into a business.- Find an audience , show your solutions

In order to keep growing we have to clean out the past- Marie Kondos theme

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stephanie Thoma.
Author 2 books26 followers
March 10, 2018
This book was oozing with inspiration for women aspiring for more in their careers. Not the kind of inspiration that makes you roll your eyes or gawk, but a truly, I-can-do-this sort of kick-in-the-pants that I'm still buzzing from.

Anyway, here are some takeaways:

1. "When we rely on someone else to make our dreams come true, we actually give up on our dreams."
2. Are you waiting to be rescued, or handed opportunity? The idea of prince charming (a cushy corporate job, well-to-do man who says you won't need to work, etc.) being the thing to take care of you is actually limiting your potential. These things give you an opportunity in one sense and also limit them. Being an entrepreneur and owning at least one stream of income is a surefire way to kick the prince charming complex and own your ambition and the results that can come in time.
3. "Do I want to spend my life watching what other people are doing? Or do I want to do what other people watch?"
4. In your pain is your brand
5. "Don't buy shoes. Buy buildings." Galan advocates for investing in real estate, insisting you'll make a profit renting/Airbnb it out within 20-25 years of ownership. Up-and-coming areas are key.
6. Make a list of every job you've ever held and what you liked, didn't like and skills learned. Circle what's in common across categories and it'll drive you closer to your purpose.
7. Hidden gems for entrepreneurs: gov't gigs found on state, federal and municipal websites. They're always looking for contractors but don't market it well and can take a year to get cleared.
8. Tax incentives are published every August, so save big-ticket spending for around then. There could be an incentive or write-off for dryers/washers/specific types of cars the IRS wants you to buy.
9. Look out for contests targeting female entrepreneurs: "Make Mine a Million" is one example
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.