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How to Be an Overnight Success: Making It in Business
When the skincare company Rodial launched its cult "snake" serum, the press quickly called the business an "overnight success." However, Rodial's founder Maria Hatzistefanis had been toiling for 18 years, building the company from scratch in her bedroom. Now, the beauty boss sets out to demonstrate how her success stemmed from sheer hard work, tireless efforts and a lot of patience. She did it by worked hard, surrounded herself with the best, created buzz, and built her own personal brand, now a favorite with high-profile models and media personalities including Poppy Delevingne, Daisy Lowe, Erin O'Connor, Jade Jagger, and Kylie Jenner. She believes anyone can do this and her book shows how.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2018
269 people are currently reading
3111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
dnf-or-lost-interest
February 17, 2018DNF at 50%
The language only got worse, and the targeted audience is like 0,001% of the population. Or at least so it felt to me.
The language only got worse, and the targeted audience is like 0,001% of the population. Or at least so it felt to me.
December 3, 2020
My Goodreads reviews usually aren’t very lengthy. It’s more a stock-taking exercise for me to recall whether a book was “good” or “bad” by my own standards.
This book really annoyed me. Possibly because I am very VERY hormonal.
I got totally fed up of reading the phrase “Well, not quite.” And some of the copy didn’t actually make sense. One example out of many: Chapter 13 was called “Get on the Best-Dressed lists” (no idea what that means) and the first sentence reads “You don’t really need to get on the best-dressed lists”
Huh???
She also writes about the fact she was never a fan of the Kardashians and couldn’t even stand to watch an entire episode. Until, of course, she landed a huge PR gig with Kylie after she shared one of her products on Instagram. Nice.
The book is head-to-toe in embarrassing sweeping statements that really got on my tits.
“A stable family life is really important for success.”
Says who? My family has always been wildly unstable but I still consider myself to be successful. I believe I can achieve greatness without a stable nuclear family set up. To suggest otherwise reaffirms some pretty sad core beliefs.
“You can’t keep up your drive and inspiration alone.”
Betcha bottom dollar I can! While I have multiple close people to me, I make a point of being my own cheerleader and don’t rely on anyone else to refuel my drive and determination in life. Sure the outsider support is encouraging, but it’s certainly not vital to achieve YOUR OWN DREAMS.
Felt the whole thing to be insensitive, self-important, privileged and it definitely didn’t tell me “how to be* an overnight success.” Neither did it give me any useful business strategies to implement.
That’s all. 👩🏼💻👋🏼
*become
This book really annoyed me. Possibly because I am very VERY hormonal.
I got totally fed up of reading the phrase “Well, not quite.” And some of the copy didn’t actually make sense. One example out of many: Chapter 13 was called “Get on the Best-Dressed lists” (no idea what that means) and the first sentence reads “You don’t really need to get on the best-dressed lists”
Huh???
She also writes about the fact she was never a fan of the Kardashians and couldn’t even stand to watch an entire episode. Until, of course, she landed a huge PR gig with Kylie after she shared one of her products on Instagram. Nice.
The book is head-to-toe in embarrassing sweeping statements that really got on my tits.
“A stable family life is really important for success.”
Says who? My family has always been wildly unstable but I still consider myself to be successful. I believe I can achieve greatness without a stable nuclear family set up. To suggest otherwise reaffirms some pretty sad core beliefs.
“You can’t keep up your drive and inspiration alone.”
Betcha bottom dollar I can! While I have multiple close people to me, I make a point of being my own cheerleader and don’t rely on anyone else to refuel my drive and determination in life. Sure the outsider support is encouraging, but it’s certainly not vital to achieve YOUR OWN DREAMS.
Felt the whole thing to be insensitive, self-important, privileged and it definitely didn’t tell me “how to be* an overnight success.” Neither did it give me any useful business strategies to implement.
That’s all. 👩🏼💻👋🏼
*become
March 20, 2021
Good motivation story. It is not something exceptional but it is not boring. The story is interesting, real and close to me.
February 24, 2020
Sometimes I feel like buying a book only because I think it looks nice. Maybe it's shallow but also it helped me to find some really interesting books. But this is not that case.
I hate motivational books although sometimes I feel like I need a little bit of motivation in my life and that's why I like to read story of some entrepreneurs. There's a real story, real things, no lies about positive way of life and other bullshit. But this book seems to be written for only 1% of people interested in this concrete area of beauty industry. I understand it's a story of Maria's success but it could be done better i.e. GirlBoss is a perfect book - there's a real life behind. Story of a woman who was stealing things from shops and suddenly become an entrepreneur - that wow, but this is just...why? It could be good as a school essay about "how I become overnight success" but how many school essays deserves to be published?
I hate motivational books although sometimes I feel like I need a little bit of motivation in my life and that's why I like to read story of some entrepreneurs. There's a real story, real things, no lies about positive way of life and other bullshit. But this book seems to be written for only 1% of people interested in this concrete area of beauty industry. I understand it's a story of Maria's success but it could be done better i.e. GirlBoss is a perfect book - there's a real life behind. Story of a woman who was stealing things from shops and suddenly become an entrepreneur - that wow, but this is just...why? It could be good as a school essay about "how I become overnight success" but how many school essays deserves to be published?
January 12, 2021
Absolutely lacking substance - I have to admit I was expecting a bit more in-depth insights and theories on how to build a successful company since she is a journalism major, worked in finance and has been building her company for the last 2 decades. The good thing is that she tried to break it down as narrow and easy for the readers as it possibly gets or maybe her story just lacked these deep insights and routes. It all just reads like a linear, straight line (growing up in Greece, then studying and working in fashion journalism, being able to do a MBA at Columbia in NYC and then work in banking), the only interruption being her fired from this reputable bank. What is the possibility of someone from a small town of Greece or elsewhere doing all this in no mean time? How did she pull it off? Her background does count into the „recipe“ on how to start and lead a successful start up as she could have explained that this is the reason her resilience and flexible work ethic come from or not? Was she born into wealth and had the right guidance? Or did she really bust her butt off and started from the bottom? Her writing style is cut off in many passages. She throws buzzing words and advice without further deeper explanations into the book and calls it a guide on how to build an overnight success. Her points are valid but not explained well.
2/5 stars
2/5 stars
September 30, 2023
The title is catchy and has no doubt sold a lot of books, but it’s certainly misleading. Whilst parts of this book are motivating and feature okay (but not revolutionary) business and entrepreneurial advice, it is a lot more specific to Maria’s journey than I had anticipated. I’m not sure why, and it’s probably naive of me, but I had really hoped that it would allow a bit more insight into the more general aspects of ‘becoming a success’. Its specific nature does limit the value that entrepreneurs in other industries or who wish to work for themselves but without a team can glean from the book. Although I massively respect Maria’s ethic and passion for her businesses, much of this book (such as the whole section on exercise) felt quite fluffy.
January 15, 2021
This book looks at the journey of Maria Hatzistefanis.
Maria owns two big skincare brands Rodial and Nip and Fab. In this book she writes about how she started the brands and what she learnt on her journey of becoming an entrepreneur. Throughout the book she gives advice and tips on how you too can start your own brand.
I read this book because I came across it many times online, it's an easy read and gives inspiration and motivation to anyone wanting to start their own business.
General tips on how to start a business can be found online, but if you want to know more about Maria and her brands give this book a read.
If you read this book with hope to 'be an overnight success', just remember there is no such as overnight success this book proves that.
Maria owns two big skincare brands Rodial and Nip and Fab. In this book she writes about how she started the brands and what she learnt on her journey of becoming an entrepreneur. Throughout the book she gives advice and tips on how you too can start your own brand.
I read this book because I came across it many times online, it's an easy read and gives inspiration and motivation to anyone wanting to start their own business.
General tips on how to start a business can be found online, but if you want to know more about Maria and her brands give this book a read.
If you read this book with hope to 'be an overnight success', just remember there is no such as overnight success this book proves that.
December 24, 2024
2.5/3 stars for some useful advice on business, social media and work ethicist. But it lacked substance and at times I felt I was reading the same things over again. I also didn’t feel I connected with Maria, I felt we were presented a sugar-coated version of her life and business which made the prospect of entrepreneurship daunting. However the book has left me feeling motivated to pursue setting up my own business with some useful tips to help along the way. I would definitely pick the book again and revisit the pages I folded down for some inspiration.
April 6, 2022
This wasn't great. Hardly anything of substance, reads like a teenager wrote it.
April 23, 2023
Loved the story, however at times it seemed like an ode to the Kardashians 😂
November 8, 2023
I really enjoy Maria Hatzistefanis books. Learning from her struggles are a game changer and she really inspires you to never give up and follow your plan, vision and dreams. Definitely recommend it
April 28, 2022
Me gustó lo que planteaba pero no cómo lo hacía, muy aburrido.
July 14, 2018
Ms. Hatzistefanis writes an interesting book on her journey as an entrepreneur. For anyone looking at starting their own company, this books offers some valuable tips. She realistically sets the expectations that being an entrepreneur is about hard work and long hours, so you better love what you're doing.
I've used her products (both Rodial and Nip+Fab) and believe there is a need for them in my skincare regime. Reading her story was intriguing as I've always wondered what it took to start up a skincare line and gain prominence in an industry that seems to have endless choices.
A good, quick read.
I've used her products (both Rodial and Nip+Fab) and believe there is a need for them in my skincare regime. Reading her story was intriguing as I've always wondered what it took to start up a skincare line and gain prominence in an industry that seems to have endless choices.
A good, quick read.
July 14, 2022
I don’t know why this woman got a book deal in the first place. I hadn’t heard of Rodial before the release of the book but thought I’d give it a try. The book reads like a semester assignment of a marketing student. She could have said everything within 5 pages. But no she had to drag it out and over-explain her own steps. Who would even be the target audience for this one?
January 29, 2025
Not the most exceptional thing I’ve read, but if you feel like you need a pick-me-up, or a book that gives you that extra incentive to just go and do it, read this one.
March 17, 2020
Even though this book isn't revolutionary in the genre of self-help / business advice, for a good portion, it was charming. I could feel her passion for helping her readers with their dreams radiating from each word. There is not one piece of advice in this book that is original, but, for a while, it was still cute and fun. It's always nice to read the origin story of a famous company.
The two star rating stems from the later parts of the story. Somewhere in about the last quarter to half of the book, it turned into a total mess. There was no structure, and I can't fathom why some of the stories ended up here, or what they were supposed to teach. Maria Hatizstefanis humblebrags, throughout the whole book. Most writers of these kinds of things do. But, towards the end, the humblebragging ramped up to a ten; in part because all the "challenges" she faced were really rich company problems.
A lot of the latter portion really felt like she slapped down her daily to-do lists of the last few years and expanded on them, acting like they really meant something. It went from mildly enjoyable to listen to at the gym, to "When is this over?"
I really wish she stuck to talking about the early years more. It was nice to read about what she gave up to start Rodial and what she did to take it from a minor success to a large one, but, really, I think she just wants us to look at her Instagram, in order to learn who she really is.
Edit: I forgot to mention this book takes a switch in tone, mid way. It ends up sounding like she's an announcer for E News from the mid 2000's. It was all so juvenile and overly bubbly.
The two star rating stems from the later parts of the story. Somewhere in about the last quarter to half of the book, it turned into a total mess. There was no structure, and I can't fathom why some of the stories ended up here, or what they were supposed to teach. Maria Hatizstefanis humblebrags, throughout the whole book. Most writers of these kinds of things do. But, towards the end, the humblebragging ramped up to a ten; in part because all the "challenges" she faced were really rich company problems.
A lot of the latter portion really felt like she slapped down her daily to-do lists of the last few years and expanded on them, acting like they really meant something. It went from mildly enjoyable to listen to at the gym, to "When is this over?"
I really wish she stuck to talking about the early years more. It was nice to read about what she gave up to start Rodial and what she did to take it from a minor success to a large one, but, really, I think she just wants us to look at her Instagram, in order to learn who she really is.
Edit: I forgot to mention this book takes a switch in tone, mid way. It ends up sounding like she's an announcer for E News from the mid 2000's. It was all so juvenile and overly bubbly.
August 5, 2021
Why I'm interested in this book at the first place
Fifth book chosen for What You Read: Instagram edition.
Fellow Instagram buddy whom reading this currently owns a side income; and most probably a fan of the author and/or the skincare brand, Rodial.
A teeny note: Both Insta buddy and Ms. Hatzistefanis (the founder of Rodial) operates in different industries.
What do I think of this book... now that I've done reading it
I heard about this brand before, but it's a little vague. So, I did some googling prior to reading this book.
By the time I type this review, Rodial is yet to be available in Sephora Malaysia. Categorized as a luxury brand, it reminds me of the likes of Drunk Elephant, Tatcha, Fresh Beauty.
Overall: it's a 3.9 ⭐ for me. This book is a combination of (semi-) memoir and self-help in business.
I'm jotting down my view from an outsider perspective,and my quirky note-taking begins:
Chapter 3: trademark; logo design; financial support from spouse; hire accountant
Chapter 4: goodie bags
Chapter 7: the role of (an) influencer; hire a small (PR) agency
Chapter 10: utilizing social media
Chapter 12: "We buy a lifestyle"
Chapter 14: (to-go Starbucks order) almond-filled-croissant and extra large soy cappuccino
+
1. At the end of each chapter, the author shares tips, and to be honest, they're kinda practical.
-
Skipped the following chapters:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 11
Chapter 13
Yeah, obviously a quick read for me. Since this book interjects with author's personal stories, I'm only interested in her success tips.
In other way, I understand that her writing style is made this way so that she be able to connect to her fans on a personal level.
Get this
1. If you're a skincare enthusiasts,
2. If you're a fan of Rodial; or
3. You're interested in the business perspective in beauty industry.
Fifth book chosen for What You Read: Instagram edition.
Fellow Instagram buddy whom reading this currently owns a side income; and most probably a fan of the author and/or the skincare brand, Rodial.
A teeny note: Both Insta buddy and Ms. Hatzistefanis (the founder of Rodial) operates in different industries.
What do I think of this book... now that I've done reading it
I heard about this brand before, but it's a little vague. So, I did some googling prior to reading this book.
By the time I type this review, Rodial is yet to be available in Sephora Malaysia. Categorized as a luxury brand, it reminds me of the likes of Drunk Elephant, Tatcha, Fresh Beauty.
Overall: it's a 3.9 ⭐ for me. This book is a combination of (semi-) memoir and self-help in business.
I'm jotting down my view from an outsider perspective,and my quirky note-taking begins:
Chapter 3: trademark; logo design; financial support from spouse; hire accountant
Chapter 4: goodie bags
Chapter 7: the role of (an) influencer; hire a small (PR) agency
Chapter 10: utilizing social media
Chapter 12: "We buy a lifestyle"
Chapter 14: (to-go Starbucks order) almond-filled-croissant and extra large soy cappuccino
+
1. At the end of each chapter, the author shares tips, and to be honest, they're kinda practical.
-
Skipped the following chapters:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 11
Chapter 13
Yeah, obviously a quick read for me. Since this book interjects with author's personal stories, I'm only interested in her success tips.
In other way, I understand that her writing style is made this way so that she be able to connect to her fans on a personal level.
Get this
1. If you're a skincare enthusiasts,
2. If you're a fan of Rodial; or
3. You're interested in the business perspective in beauty industry.
May 9, 2024
Як сказав мій чоловік - «Не пам‘ятаю, щоб якась книга на тебе ТАК вплинула». Читала я її довго, але такі книги потрібно читати повільно, змінюючи день за днем своє мислення та життя.
Почну з того, що перше речення книги - «забудьте про миттєвий успіх, бо він приходить тільки після років непосильної праці». Автор - засновниця косметичного бренду Rodial, лише блиск для губ в якого коштує близько 2 000 грн.
Глава за главою вона розповідає про свої цінності, особистий бренд, шлях становлення компанії та виведення її на світову арену, співпрацю з інфлюенсерами і багато такого, до чого в нашій країні ще тільки починають додумуватись маркетологи.
Після кожної глави негайно біжиш втілювати, натхненно виписуєш алгоритм дій для того чи інакшого.
Книга змінить твоє уявлення про бізнес категоричністю і жорсткістю. Жодних вихідних. Жодних «але». Тільки бізнес. Тільки успіх.
Почну з того, що перше речення книги - «забудьте про миттєвий успіх, бо він приходить тільки після років непосильної праці». Автор - засновниця косметичного бренду Rodial, лише блиск для губ в якого коштує близько 2 000 грн.
Глава за главою вона розповідає про свої цінності, особистий бренд, шлях становлення компанії та виведення її на світову арену, співпрацю з інфлюенсерами і багато такого, до чого в нашій країні ще тільки починають додумуватись маркетологи.
Після кожної глави негайно біжиш втілювати, натхненно виписуєш алгоритм дій для того чи інакшого.
Книга змінить твоє уявлення про бізнес категоричністю і жорсткістю. Жодних вихідних. Жодних «але». Тільки бізнес. Тільки успіх.
July 29, 2019
Whilst it was not the most detailed of books, and I feel a bit of editing could have taken place on the writing style, the overall tone of the book was very inspirational, and teamed up with more academic books it would work very nicely to push a young woman on her way to taking the plunge and starting a business.
It is not a book that will tell you what you should do step by step, as her start would be different from someone else's, it does give you points of where to start, and for me I used those points to think deeper into the ideas she gave, especially that about branding (which isn't as dull as it seems typing it now).
Overall if you have read other similar books such as #Girlboss and liked it I would definitely recommend this as well
It is not a book that will tell you what you should do step by step, as her start would be different from someone else's, it does give you points of where to start, and for me I used those points to think deeper into the ideas she gave, especially that about branding (which isn't as dull as it seems typing it now).
Overall if you have read other similar books such as #Girlboss and liked it I would definitely recommend this as well
March 3, 2024
I might be a little biased because I have met Maria personally and also am a very big fan of her and her achievements.
Some of her statements -as other reviews did also point out- might be a little iffy but as she also mentions, getting inspired by someone means keeping the things that you like and can adapt to in your life and the rest you just don’t.
She is very successful and as a small business owner I can learn a lot from her and I love seeing her view on so many aspects of every day life.
If I had to make a specific “comment” on the book it would be that the layout is a bit different that usual with the chapters also having a list of points of what she just said but despite that the book is very interesting and also delightful to read 😄
Some of her statements -as other reviews did also point out- might be a little iffy but as she also mentions, getting inspired by someone means keeping the things that you like and can adapt to in your life and the rest you just don’t.
She is very successful and as a small business owner I can learn a lot from her and I love seeing her view on so many aspects of every day life.
If I had to make a specific “comment” on the book it would be that the layout is a bit different that usual with the chapters also having a list of points of what she just said but despite that the book is very interesting and also delightful to read 😄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2023
I loved this book! It was so good and made me feel so motivated. It basically works as a guide to help you achieve your business dreams and get inspired. Through Maria's Hatzistefanis life journey from a little girl who used to live on the Greek island of Lesvos, to a succesfull business-woman who achieved her dream and built two skincare-makeup brands that have their products sold in thousands of stores worldwide, you get to see how this woman became so iconic . Anyone intrested in the makeup/business industry should read this!
P.S. As a Greek woman, I feel super proud of her. She is someone to look up to.. ❤️
P.S. As a Greek woman, I feel super proud of her. She is someone to look up to.. ❤️
April 5, 2023
Finished it in 3 days and that says A LOT! It's definitely not the deep nonfiction book most of people are used to, the language resembles more that of a friendly catch-up rather than a CEO writing her autobiography ... which I get it, it isn't for everyone!
Why the 5 stars? Because she told things how they are, she didn't sugar coat it and as someone who originally wanted to start a business this book made me think twice about all the sacrifices I'd have to make. The chapter about hiring people and how she treats her employees was also eye opening. It makes sense even if it sounds cruel to us employees.
I'll definitely continue reading her book series!
Why the 5 stars? Because she told things how they are, she didn't sugar coat it and as someone who originally wanted to start a business this book made me think twice about all the sacrifices I'd have to make. The chapter about hiring people and how she treats her employees was also eye opening. It makes sense even if it sounds cruel to us employees.
I'll definitely continue reading her book series!
April 10, 2022
I liked this book but it’s more focused on entrepreneurship. I thought it was going to be more inspirational stuff and it was but heavily focussed on entrepreneurship which is not what I was looking for but for someone starting out or thinking about that field it would be great. it was an interesting different read for me and while there were a few quotes I marked I didn’t love this book. mom got it for free from one of the carts at childrens. the fashion and beauty side was interesting and while I liked this book I just don’t think it was for me with the entrepreneurship and all.
March 11, 2018
First of all I love the design of this book! The book gave a lot of tips for making it in business. Most of the tips I can't use for myself (at least not yet) because I am not in that stage in my life, but I found the last few tips really good for anyone like: Get on the Best-Dressed Lists, stay motivated: coffee, sugar and other stimulants and Make it Happen. I found the book to be very motivating.
January 30, 2021
Took it as a light reading and I’m not interested in becoming an entrepreneur BUT there’s a lot of take always from Maria’s book; if you’re looking to build your own brand or how to carry yourself out as your brand it’s an excellent book to learn about a successful woman in the business and have key takeaways to elevate your professional image and life in general. I do have to say I found the book and language (printing and paper wise) a very non-impressive quality.
January 25, 2024
Entrepreneurs must read!
I found this book to be an informative read. I loved the advice shared in the "secret" portion. That part spoke out to me more than the other portions. Although I loved the come up story, I was more interested in hearing the struggles before the "Shine." Overall, this read was extremely motivating. It made my mind run wildly full of creative ideas. As an entrepreneur, I recommend reading this book to get an outlook of another entrepreneurs startup!
I found this book to be an informative read. I loved the advice shared in the "secret" portion. That part spoke out to me more than the other portions. Although I loved the come up story, I was more interested in hearing the struggles before the "Shine." Overall, this read was extremely motivating. It made my mind run wildly full of creative ideas. As an entrepreneur, I recommend reading this book to get an outlook of another entrepreneurs startup!
June 22, 2018
I really enjoyed reading Maria’s journey with both her very popular beautiful brands Rodial & Nip + Fab.
There way she laid out the book was great, easy to read sections focused on different stories of things she had to over come or successful company moments. Her tips were good for those who want to start a brand in many a larger scale, they were very interesting to read.
There way she laid out the book was great, easy to read sections focused on different stories of things she had to over come or successful company moments. Her tips were good for those who want to start a brand in many a larger scale, they were very interesting to read.
November 3, 2018
The book started off amateur but she became a little comfortable with her writing as the book continued. I really enjoyed reading her story about how she grew her brand, the time it took and how she continues to evolve. I also enjoyed that she gave the tips she perceived helpful for her “overnight success” a recommended read for women in business.
April 1, 2019
I read this book via audio, and I absolutely loved it! Maria takes us through her background, how she created a brand and how she grew it into something huge and successful. There are many business and personal tips which are highly motivational. If you liked the style of Girlboss and The Devil Wears Prada, then you will adore this book! A fabulously uplifting experience.
July 29, 2020
Dress to enhance your assets.
Eine Mischung aus Biografie und Selbsthilfe.
+ sehr viele nützliche Tipps zum Umsetzen
+ interessante Eindrücke in die wirkliche Welt eines Gründers & CEO's
+ gute Gliederung
+ am Ende eines Kapitels noch einmal die wichtigsten Punkte zusammengefasst
- sehr kurz
- optisch im Inneren eher weniger ansprechend
Eine Mischung aus Biografie und Selbsthilfe.
+ sehr viele nützliche Tipps zum Umsetzen
+ interessante Eindrücke in die wirkliche Welt eines Gründers & CEO's
+ gute Gliederung
+ am Ende eines Kapitels noch einmal die wichtigsten Punkte zusammengefasst
- sehr kurz
- optisch im Inneren eher weniger ansprechend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews