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Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success
Take your rightful place in the driver’s seat of your own life and career through focused and fearless business strategies. Luxury fashion mogul and social activist Rebecca Minkoff built a fashion empire through hard work and a relentless drive to live her dream. It wasn’t easy and took tremendous resolve to remain hungry and persevere. By never giving up, she has created a space for herself on the shelves of luxury department stores across the world. In Fearless , Minkoff helps you learn how to: Through this book, Rebecca shares her own stories and teaches you how she was able to reach her goals to become the successful fashion designer she is today. She shows that if you remain hungry, work hard, and face the unspoken rules that have held women back for centuries, you can make success happen for yourself.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published June 15, 2021
69 people are currently reading
971 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 24, 2021
Rebecca Minkoff's FEARLESS memoir is FABULOUS.
FEARLESS is not your "typical" memoir or business playbook. Instead, it's an inspirational story of a talented and highly motivated fashion designer's unorthodox journey to success and the "new rules" that made it all happen.
Rebecca Minkoff moved to New York City when she was 18 years old. She had no money, college degree, NYC friends, or connections in the fashion industry. Instead, she had a strong work ethic, a passion for fashion, perseverance, resilience, and a dream.
Through a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend, Rebecca was miraculously able to secure a low-paying internship at an apparel company. From there, Rebecca shares the birth of her $100 million fashion brand as well as the brand's highs and lows. Candid details of Rebecca's personal life are also shared with readers.
TRUE CONFESSION: Before listening to FEARLESS, I was a huge fan of the Rebecca Minkoff brand and Rebecca Minkoff's "Superwomen" business podcast. After listening to her book, I am now a 'Super Fan" of everything "Super Woman" Rebecca Minkoff does.
I listened to the audiobook that was read by Rebecca Minkoff. I always love it when memoirs are read by authors and Rebecca did a superb job with the book's narration.
Five stars PLUS!
FEARLESS is not your "typical" memoir or business playbook. Instead, it's an inspirational story of a talented and highly motivated fashion designer's unorthodox journey to success and the "new rules" that made it all happen.
Rebecca Minkoff moved to New York City when she was 18 years old. She had no money, college degree, NYC friends, or connections in the fashion industry. Instead, she had a strong work ethic, a passion for fashion, perseverance, resilience, and a dream.
Through a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend, Rebecca was miraculously able to secure a low-paying internship at an apparel company. From there, Rebecca shares the birth of her $100 million fashion brand as well as the brand's highs and lows. Candid details of Rebecca's personal life are also shared with readers.
TRUE CONFESSION: Before listening to FEARLESS, I was a huge fan of the Rebecca Minkoff brand and Rebecca Minkoff's "Superwomen" business podcast. After listening to her book, I am now a 'Super Fan" of everything "Super Woman" Rebecca Minkoff does.
I listened to the audiobook that was read by Rebecca Minkoff. I always love it when memoirs are read by authors and Rebecca did a superb job with the book's narration.
Five stars PLUS!
December 12, 2021
I’m not into fashion nor do I know who Rebecca Minkoff is - but her book was fabulous!
This was a memoir of a designer and business woman. It’s truly inspirational reading about her journey and struggles to get her business off the ground and keep it successful.
Some of my favorite pieces:
“We spend so much of our lives waiting for permission…By the time we’re adults, we’ve been conditioned to look outside ourselves for someone to give us permission to do even the little things…The only person you need permission from is yourself. Not your parents. Not your friends. Not society.”
“We often shy away from following our dreams because we feel like they won’t be able to support us. But when we come from a of purpose, no matter what we are doing, we walk away full and satisfied.”
“Always remember that your time is your own…You might have a job, but getting up and actually going every day is a choice. The truth is that your boss is not making you go to work; you are going yo work because you’re a good either love it, find some purpose for in it, or want yo avoid the consequences of not going. Those are all choices.”
“If there’s one aspect of your life, work, or project that seems like it’s really working, pay attention. It might not be the obvious one or the one that you always imagined it would be, but if it’s working and working for you, focus on it.”
“Today, it’s so common for an entrepreneur or a company to change directions that it’s just called pivoting…it means their ego isn’t too wrapped up in the business and they are capable of being objective…Big tech companies…come up with ideas, build them, test them out, and what works keeps going and what doesn’t goes in the trash. There’s no feeling of sadness. They don’t berate themselves. The ideas are experiments. They learn from them and move on. It’s okay if they don’t work out. Don’t take it personally if something doesn’t work. Don’t beat yourself up if you decide you need to go in a different direction.”
“I aspire to be direct and to the point. It took years for me to get comfortable with being straightforward.”
“Start by looking inward to discover who you really are, and then try to be that way with everyone you interact with. For me, no longer overthinking things or being afraid yo share what’s on my mind helps me feel more confident being myself.”
“Wether it’s connected to your career, home, partner, or any area of your life, taking the time to articulate what is that you want, as well as all of the things that you don’t want, helps get you off the hamster wheel in your brain and move forward.”
“If you run a small business, remember that you are in control of your choices and actions. You have the ability to be nimble, and also to do things at your own pace, thoughtfully and carefully.”
“Meet her where she’s at.”
“There are no shortcuts when it comes to doing what needs to be done…taking shortcuts can actually rob you of values or experience.”
“Once I really accepted that I was an outsider, it really frees me up to do whatever I wanted, however I wanted to to do it. I didn’t need to into anyone’s mold, and neither did my business…In school they teach us they two plus two equals four, when you hear or see an equation repeatedly, it’s easy to fall into thinking that it is the one and only way to get the outcome you’re going for. But one plus three equals four, and two and half plus one and half equals four as well. No matter how simple and how obvious the solution may seem, remember the are many ways to get there.”
“I do not regret my big messy failures. I refer that when I knew in my gut something was wrong, even when it was something small, I didn’t have enough faith I myself to fight for what I knew was right. I regret the times I trusted someone else or an outside entity more than I trusted myself.”
“If you’re aiming to ring something fresh, new, and different into the world, go for it. Do it differently. Try it your way.”
“It’s taken me year to realize that I could do things in exactly the way that felt best for the brand and ultimately me. As an entrepreneur, you enter into a field that has a certain set of rules or way of doing things that were established by the people who succeeded by doing things those ways. But did those people just follow the rules or were they pioneers? What was happening before they came onto the scene? Each person who helped pave the way was an innovator. Why can’t you be one too.”
“Let’s get one thing straight: Being fearless doesn’t mean you don’t fear. It means that as you look dear head-on, shaking in your boots, you do what’s scaring you anyways.”
“We had to completely rethink what marketing and influence looked like…it was up to me to reignite a closer and deeper relationship without customer, figuring out how to delight her, entertain her, take her mind off things, and be there for her.”
“Remember that this path is endless. Which means the possibilities are endless too. Feel your fears. Learn to understand what they are trying to sho youZ and push them aside when they are holding you back…be fearless for what you want.”
This was a memoir of a designer and business woman. It’s truly inspirational reading about her journey and struggles to get her business off the ground and keep it successful.
Some of my favorite pieces:
“We spend so much of our lives waiting for permission…By the time we’re adults, we’ve been conditioned to look outside ourselves for someone to give us permission to do even the little things…The only person you need permission from is yourself. Not your parents. Not your friends. Not society.”
“We often shy away from following our dreams because we feel like they won’t be able to support us. But when we come from a of purpose, no matter what we are doing, we walk away full and satisfied.”
“Always remember that your time is your own…You might have a job, but getting up and actually going every day is a choice. The truth is that your boss is not making you go to work; you are going yo work because you’re a good either love it, find some purpose for in it, or want yo avoid the consequences of not going. Those are all choices.”
“If there’s one aspect of your life, work, or project that seems like it’s really working, pay attention. It might not be the obvious one or the one that you always imagined it would be, but if it’s working and working for you, focus on it.”
“Today, it’s so common for an entrepreneur or a company to change directions that it’s just called pivoting…it means their ego isn’t too wrapped up in the business and they are capable of being objective…Big tech companies…come up with ideas, build them, test them out, and what works keeps going and what doesn’t goes in the trash. There’s no feeling of sadness. They don’t berate themselves. The ideas are experiments. They learn from them and move on. It’s okay if they don’t work out. Don’t take it personally if something doesn’t work. Don’t beat yourself up if you decide you need to go in a different direction.”
“I aspire to be direct and to the point. It took years for me to get comfortable with being straightforward.”
“Start by looking inward to discover who you really are, and then try to be that way with everyone you interact with. For me, no longer overthinking things or being afraid yo share what’s on my mind helps me feel more confident being myself.”
“Wether it’s connected to your career, home, partner, or any area of your life, taking the time to articulate what is that you want, as well as all of the things that you don’t want, helps get you off the hamster wheel in your brain and move forward.”
“If you run a small business, remember that you are in control of your choices and actions. You have the ability to be nimble, and also to do things at your own pace, thoughtfully and carefully.”
“Meet her where she’s at.”
“There are no shortcuts when it comes to doing what needs to be done…taking shortcuts can actually rob you of values or experience.”
“Once I really accepted that I was an outsider, it really frees me up to do whatever I wanted, however I wanted to to do it. I didn’t need to into anyone’s mold, and neither did my business…In school they teach us they two plus two equals four, when you hear or see an equation repeatedly, it’s easy to fall into thinking that it is the one and only way to get the outcome you’re going for. But one plus three equals four, and two and half plus one and half equals four as well. No matter how simple and how obvious the solution may seem, remember the are many ways to get there.”
“I do not regret my big messy failures. I refer that when I knew in my gut something was wrong, even when it was something small, I didn’t have enough faith I myself to fight for what I knew was right. I regret the times I trusted someone else or an outside entity more than I trusted myself.”
“If you’re aiming to ring something fresh, new, and different into the world, go for it. Do it differently. Try it your way.”
“It’s taken me year to realize that I could do things in exactly the way that felt best for the brand and ultimately me. As an entrepreneur, you enter into a field that has a certain set of rules or way of doing things that were established by the people who succeeded by doing things those ways. But did those people just follow the rules or were they pioneers? What was happening before they came onto the scene? Each person who helped pave the way was an innovator. Why can’t you be one too.”
“Let’s get one thing straight: Being fearless doesn’t mean you don’t fear. It means that as you look dear head-on, shaking in your boots, you do what’s scaring you anyways.”
“We had to completely rethink what marketing and influence looked like…it was up to me to reignite a closer and deeper relationship without customer, figuring out how to delight her, entertain her, take her mind off things, and be there for her.”
“Remember that this path is endless. Which means the possibilities are endless too. Feel your fears. Learn to understand what they are trying to sho youZ and push them aside when they are holding you back…be fearless for what you want.”
February 26, 2021
First and foremost, this was one of the most amazing fashion books I have read in quite some time. I wanted to start off the review by stating how much better this read is than the recent "influencer fashion novel". This is not only a fashion, story but a life story. If you are a young girl, this is a book to help remind you that your dreams are never too big. I loved learning about Rebecca Minkoff's journey of her career. She truly started from nothing, living on a relatives floor, to living with elderly to save money, and just try to make it. I think it is safe to say that most 20 year olds are more worried about partying, tiktok, the next big thing, and would rather be broke, and miserable than to live with a 65+ woman in NYC, but that is what is so special about this book and this woman. She was so dedicated to her brand from day one, and knew she had so much to offer if she was just given the chance. She asked for what she wanted, and never let anything get in the way, and if it did she figured a way to overcome it. Whether you are a young woman in a business career, fashion career or finance career, we can all learn something from Rebecca, about life, about love and about tenacity. I will forever look at her brand in such a different light, and when I have the chance to choose, I will choose her brand over others, because I know I am supporting much more than a label.
I just reviewed Fearless by Rebecca Minkoff. #Fearless #NetGalley
I just reviewed Fearless by Rebecca Minkoff. #Fearless #NetGalley
June 20, 2021
I can honestly say it is a page turner. I really hope, and believe, it will become a bestseller very soon. I can see this book will create positive abilities all around for anyone reading this book. I think the title is just perfect.
Great story and rich writing style! I can picture it unfolding like a good movie of a unique heroine adventure :)
And I love the sense of humor and the dialogue with the reader , making the reader, inadvertently, an invisible but real part of this "screen play." In other words the book is very alive, and I can relate to that and assume the viewpoint with vividness.
Great story and rich writing style! I can picture it unfolding like a good movie of a unique heroine adventure :)
And I love the sense of humor and the dialogue with the reader , making the reader, inadvertently, an invisible but real part of this "screen play." In other words the book is very alive, and I can relate to that and assume the viewpoint with vividness.
April 16, 2021
I loved this book. This is a book on fashion, business, entrepreneurship and all the fun, fancy stuff, definitely, but it is also a book on perseverance, determination, hard work, taking risks, dedication to the dreams and endurance to keep the balls moving even everything seems to be stacked against you. Rebecca Minkoff, in this book, shares her story of making a name for herself in the hyper competitive and ruthless fashion world, as an outsider who started with nothing. Her journey from her toils as an intern, to becoming an independent designer to becoming a global brand to her current vision as a mentor to support fellow female founders is truly inspiring. Her insights on how to figure things out, how to communicate, how to take chances, and especially how to ask for help are going to stay in my memories for a very long time. A must read for any career or business oriented woman who is keen to learn from one of the best.
June 20, 2021
I read /Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success/, by Rebecca Minkoff:
https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-...
The book consists of Minkoff's new rules, but I ignored those and focused on her story which is super-inspirational.
She designed her first dress at 12 when her mother wouldn't buy her a polka-dotted dress she wanted - her Mom bought her the fabric and she made a similar dress. Minkoff designed costumes for her school's theater department, four hours a day after class. She went to NY rather than college, to work minimum-wage ($4.25 an hour back then), as a designer's assistant. She made her own AirBnB when she first got to NY, as she couldn't afford a place, so she negotiated the right to sleep on an air matress in someone's house to get a place to live. For years when she had her full-time minimum wage job, she worked a second job afternoons and nights, seven days a week.
You couldn't conjure up someone more inspired, more motivated, more willing to do whatever it takes to make it in her chosen industry.
It was a couple years of that before Jenna Elfman wore her alterered I love NY shirt on Letterman... and then four more years before the Morning After Bag.
Much respect, Rebecca Minkoff!
https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-...
The book consists of Minkoff's new rules, but I ignored those and focused on her story which is super-inspirational.
She designed her first dress at 12 when her mother wouldn't buy her a polka-dotted dress she wanted - her Mom bought her the fabric and she made a similar dress. Minkoff designed costumes for her school's theater department, four hours a day after class. She went to NY rather than college, to work minimum-wage ($4.25 an hour back then), as a designer's assistant. She made her own AirBnB when she first got to NY, as she couldn't afford a place, so she negotiated the right to sleep on an air matress in someone's house to get a place to live. For years when she had her full-time minimum wage job, she worked a second job afternoons and nights, seven days a week.
You couldn't conjure up someone more inspired, more motivated, more willing to do whatever it takes to make it in her chosen industry.
It was a couple years of that before Jenna Elfman wore her alterered I love NY shirt on Letterman... and then four more years before the Morning After Bag.
Much respect, Rebecca Minkoff!
March 16, 2022
Listened to the audiobook which was read by Rebecca herself. I really enjoyed this book. Rebecca was pretty open about her journey to founding her eponymous brand and the many different struggles and successes she faced. I would actually have enjoyed a longer book that went more in-depth on her journey, however this is very digestible and enjoyable. The audiobook is only four hours in length. Would definitely recommend to fans of hers and people who like this category (memoirs by female entrepreneurs).
July 6, 2021
I love Rebecca minkoff bags so why not read the book!
It was a quick read and if u love her bags read the book if not don't. ✌🙃
It was a quick read and if u love her bags read the book if not don't. ✌🙃
April 30, 2025
Very light and easy read. I don’t agree with everything that she says but there are some good nuggets of advice in here for professionals in any field. I was able to attend a webinar with the author herself which was really cool🤩
July 15, 2021
I sped through this, so I might have missed some details. I ordered this for the teen collection at my library and I am really glad I did. Rebecca candidly talks about her failures as much as her successes. This is a great read for teens facing adulthood.
June 18, 2021
It’s a little more autobiography than business guide book, but she had a very interesting road to success and her “rules” are good notes to keep in mind for any entrepreneur. I think the biggest takeaway is that she really knew her target market, “her girls”, and that when we really focus on our specific target market, their needs and wants, we are far more likely to succeed.
March 1, 2021
Fearless is a remarkable read about how drive and perseverance will help you achieve your goals even when they may feel like a goal that will never be attainable. Rebecca Minkoff discusses her trials and tribulations in her life and career that shaped her into the boss she is today!
Rebecca Minkoff has been one of my favorite designers for some time now. I still have my very first M.A.C. crossbody bag and it reminds me of the journey I have been through over the years. It was so exciting and encouraging to read about Rebecca's journey as a designer and entrepreneur. She shares her life from the time she realized that she wanted to design clothes to the now. She had a dream to make it in NYC and she did that and now she is sharing some of her wisdom and tips to lead a life in which we pursue our dreams without letting our fears hold us back.
She gives some sound advice with her lessons. Her experiences made her stronger as a person and businesswoman and her willingness to share her ups and downs are simply amazing. So, when a boss like Rebecca Minkoff shares lessons, you better pay attention. Communicate your heart out, skip the shortcuts, and get friendly with failure are just some examples of her 21 lessons in the book. The book left me feeling inspired to follow my passion and hopeful that I can actually accomplish my goals.
I give Fearless 5 stars. Rebecca shares her lessons and they are so important in making it in the business world, following your dreams, and learning to move past your fears. The best part of the book is that she is honest and genuine. She knows that fears exist and will most likely always be there but you can learn to shut them off for a while and move past them to greatness.
Rebecca Minkoff has been one of my favorite designers for some time now. I still have my very first M.A.C. crossbody bag and it reminds me of the journey I have been through over the years. It was so exciting and encouraging to read about Rebecca's journey as a designer and entrepreneur. She shares her life from the time she realized that she wanted to design clothes to the now. She had a dream to make it in NYC and she did that and now she is sharing some of her wisdom and tips to lead a life in which we pursue our dreams without letting our fears hold us back.
She gives some sound advice with her lessons. Her experiences made her stronger as a person and businesswoman and her willingness to share her ups and downs are simply amazing. So, when a boss like Rebecca Minkoff shares lessons, you better pay attention. Communicate your heart out, skip the shortcuts, and get friendly with failure are just some examples of her 21 lessons in the book. The book left me feeling inspired to follow my passion and hopeful that I can actually accomplish my goals.
I give Fearless 5 stars. Rebecca shares her lessons and they are so important in making it in the business world, following your dreams, and learning to move past your fears. The best part of the book is that she is honest and genuine. She knows that fears exist and will most likely always be there but you can learn to shut them off for a while and move past them to greatness.
January 25, 2022
Rebecca Minkoff’s “Fearless” shows us new rules to unlock creativity, independence, perseverance, and success. Minkoff started off in San Diego where she was raised until she was nine years old. Her family then moved to Florida which she did not really enjoy. Minkoff moved to New York after searching for jobs in fashion. She knew she was destined for fashion with her passion and drive to work. When she landed her first job in New York as an intern for a designer, she was running around doing different tasks that maybe didn’t even involve fashion; but she did it anyway because she knew she would make it someday. She continuously worked until new opportunities came. Even after her long hours at work, she would go to different non profit events that got her name out there. She started off with a t - shirt that said “I Love New York.” It went viral and she continued to produce more. Minkoff then created her first bag, the MAB which was well populated. Yet, when she wanted to publicize this bag and go further with her new brand; she received criticism. This criticism was constructive although she did not know how to feel about it. Yet, what did she do, she took it and ran with it. She reformed the bag so that the materials were spot on, and prices were just right. Everything was amazing.
Minkoff continued to build her brand and did a lot to get where she is today. One thing that I particularly enjoyed about reading this book is how she connected her personal experiences to lessons she can teach others. ‘Fearless’ is a book that makes you want to get out of your comfortability and build something new. It makes you want to be innovative, creative and most of all courageous. Over the time that I have read this book, I went along highlighting what I thought was important and what I could particularly connect with. One quote that I thought could apply to my life and the lives of many others was, “Do you want to spend your time thinking that everything is falling apart, or would you rather tell yourself it’s going to work out?” We constantly doubt ourselves; which is regular human nature. Yet, do we need to do so consistently and too often? Minkoff emphasizes the rule of trusting your gut. She proclaims how no one knows your business more than yourself; after all you're the one who created it. Or, we could say no one knows you, better than you. In this way, we could recognize how much we should trust our gut and believe in ourselves.
In conclusion, this book reveals to you that life is not always easy, which I’m pretty sure we have all figured out by now. Minkoff tells about her experiences, especially being a public figure, and how she faces her problems as an entrepreneur for her company. From this book, I definitely started to admire Minkoff for her perseverance, work ethic, courage and positive attitude towards her work. Overall, this book was excellent and I would definitely recommend it to other girls and women around the world.
Minkoff continued to build her brand and did a lot to get where she is today. One thing that I particularly enjoyed about reading this book is how she connected her personal experiences to lessons she can teach others. ‘Fearless’ is a book that makes you want to get out of your comfortability and build something new. It makes you want to be innovative, creative and most of all courageous. Over the time that I have read this book, I went along highlighting what I thought was important and what I could particularly connect with. One quote that I thought could apply to my life and the lives of many others was, “Do you want to spend your time thinking that everything is falling apart, or would you rather tell yourself it’s going to work out?” We constantly doubt ourselves; which is regular human nature. Yet, do we need to do so consistently and too often? Minkoff emphasizes the rule of trusting your gut. She proclaims how no one knows your business more than yourself; after all you're the one who created it. Or, we could say no one knows you, better than you. In this way, we could recognize how much we should trust our gut and believe in ourselves.
In conclusion, this book reveals to you that life is not always easy, which I’m pretty sure we have all figured out by now. Minkoff tells about her experiences, especially being a public figure, and how she faces her problems as an entrepreneur for her company. From this book, I definitely started to admire Minkoff for her perseverance, work ethic, courage and positive attitude towards her work. Overall, this book was excellent and I would definitely recommend it to other girls and women around the world.
July 26, 2021
Rebecca Minkoff is one of those people who heard of the self-made person we hear about from time to time, believed in the concept, and set out to make it her reality. I know little or nothing about clothing/fashion/accessory design, but I do know a great up-by-your-bootstraps tale when I read one, and Minkoff's is one that's been stitched together out of whole cloth. Formatted in 21 different 'rules', otherwise known as chapters, the book follows Minkoff's struggles from her early days in New York starving and struggling to get by, to the creation of her breakout product, the Morning After Bag, which grew legs and secured her place as a name designer. These self-made tales always seem to be based on a journey to New York City, it seems, and Fearless follows that pattern as well. If Ms Minkoff has a theme to her life's pursuit, it seems to be that found in rule #2: '...design your purpose, not your paycheck.'
Some of her advice and insight is reasonably trite and predictable: 'The truth is that cutting corners has never paid off for me. Not once' But it's never a good idea to dismiss sound advice. The author refers to the way our minds create our reality, and this, too, though a common enough theme, never seems to gain the traction it deserves, so it's good that she mentions it. The final rule 'It's Endless' can be read either way, as caution, or encouragement. The author describes various trials and triumphs, the challenges she faced to establish her brand, the events of 9/11, and more recently the COVID crisis and its impact on everything, including walk in establishments. All in all, Fearless is a good rendition of one woman's journey toward self-branding, and the current fabric of American entrepreneurship.
Some of her advice and insight is reasonably trite and predictable: 'The truth is that cutting corners has never paid off for me. Not once' But it's never a good idea to dismiss sound advice. The author refers to the way our minds create our reality, and this, too, though a common enough theme, never seems to gain the traction it deserves, so it's good that she mentions it. The final rule 'It's Endless' can be read either way, as caution, or encouragement. The author describes various trials and triumphs, the challenges she faced to establish her brand, the events of 9/11, and more recently the COVID crisis and its impact on everything, including walk in establishments. All in all, Fearless is a good rendition of one woman's journey toward self-branding, and the current fabric of American entrepreneurship.
January 2, 2025
-The Shirt
-The morning after bag or M.A.B
-Podcast: Super Woman
-business network: Female Founders Collective
1. Start sewing clothes
2. Get permission from yourself
3. Know what you need and ask for it
4. Follow your passion and the success will come, so will the burnout so you might be forced to take some breaks short and long
5. Success won’t actually be the end but the beginning
6. We all have something to give, so if we each give it our all then that’s good (unless you’re a supervillain)
- The boyfriend shirt
7. Know your own shortcomings and challenges
8. Say what you meannnnnn queennn
9. Know what your partners (sexy or otherwise) are all about
10. Relationships and networking are everythinggg if you know yourself and will help you figure out who you want to be if you don’t know yet, we will all help eachother when we show up sharing or wanting to share one day
11. Change things up when you need to, but do it for fun (change for fun) sometimes
12. You’re always gonna have to do the work, it will truly relieve your stress about it when you just do it, but you should try strategic shortcuts because you also never really know… the shortcuts may really be helpful shortcuts, at least if they don’t work you’re still headed in the right direction
13. Play some wildcards in life and fucking experiment for once or twice or forever more! Hehe, but have some statement moments too. A statement moment could become a life long moment.
14. Let ur life give u life
15. It’s not about that hot bath or massage or yoga class or margarita being relaxing, its ultimately that you reflected and let yourself be tired enough to get a little hot and messy and give yourself a little space. The stuff is the tool, but you are the true magic.
-The morning after bag or M.A.B
-Podcast: Super Woman
-business network: Female Founders Collective
1. Start sewing clothes
2. Get permission from yourself
3. Know what you need and ask for it
4. Follow your passion and the success will come, so will the burnout so you might be forced to take some breaks short and long
5. Success won’t actually be the end but the beginning
6. We all have something to give, so if we each give it our all then that’s good (unless you’re a supervillain)
- The boyfriend shirt
7. Know your own shortcomings and challenges
8. Say what you meannnnnn queennn
9. Know what your partners (sexy or otherwise) are all about
10. Relationships and networking are everythinggg if you know yourself and will help you figure out who you want to be if you don’t know yet, we will all help eachother when we show up sharing or wanting to share one day
11. Change things up when you need to, but do it for fun (change for fun) sometimes
12. You’re always gonna have to do the work, it will truly relieve your stress about it when you just do it, but you should try strategic shortcuts because you also never really know… the shortcuts may really be helpful shortcuts, at least if they don’t work you’re still headed in the right direction
13. Play some wildcards in life and fucking experiment for once or twice or forever more! Hehe, but have some statement moments too. A statement moment could become a life long moment.
14. Let ur life give u life
15. It’s not about that hot bath or massage or yoga class or margarita being relaxing, its ultimately that you reflected and let yourself be tired enough to get a little hot and messy and give yourself a little space. The stuff is the tool, but you are the true magic.
February 24, 2025
This inspiring blend of memoir and business guide offers a candid look at a fashion mogul's journey, from her beginnings as an aspiring designer to her success as an entrepreneur. The book aims to empower women to thrive in both their professional and personal lives. The author covers many essential topics for personal growth and business success, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance. She encourages women to face challenges head-on and overcome difficult obstacles.
The book addresses the unique issues female entrepreneurs encounter and inspires them to break the rules to succeed. I loved hearing the author's personal story and the numerous times she had to pivot. Her experiences are honest, raw, and inspirational, serving as both motivation and practical lessons. They demonstrate that success is attainable through hard work, perseverance, and a fearless mindset. Minkoff's combination of personal narrative and actionable advice gives readers a roadmap to take control of their destinies and pursue their passions without fear. I especially enjoyed peering behind the curtain and witnessing the highs and lows of building a fashion empire.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
The book addresses the unique issues female entrepreneurs encounter and inspires them to break the rules to succeed. I loved hearing the author's personal story and the numerous times she had to pivot. Her experiences are honest, raw, and inspirational, serving as both motivation and practical lessons. They demonstrate that success is attainable through hard work, perseverance, and a fearless mindset. Minkoff's combination of personal narrative and actionable advice gives readers a roadmap to take control of their destinies and pursue their passions without fear. I especially enjoyed peering behind the curtain and witnessing the highs and lows of building a fashion empire.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
April 8, 2025
The most interesting thing about this book was the interview with her mother at the end. For one thing, her mother she only had four fears. And she’d overcome them all, so her mother is now completely fearless at the age of 73. and her biggest fear was that someone would climb in their window during the day and then murder them all in the night and she passed that fun little bit of fear on our children and the author said she still won’t spend the night alone. Dear old mom also told her daughter if she didn’t do drugs, she could have sex under their roof. No questions asked. At 16 she let her daughter go to New York City for New Year’s Eve unsupervised with her boyfriend where they stayed in some friend of his’ apartment with no furniture, sleeping in sleeping bags. She said she wanted to raise her children to be extra socialized and not shy so she put them in daycare and nursery school when they were very young. And she also let her children run around the neighborhood and go to the store and sell candy bars door-to-door at the age of five.
Clearly the mom was a hippie weirdo, that’s all I have to say. And I guess it turned out OK for her on her siblings, but most of it still seemed unadvisable.
Clearly the mom was a hippie weirdo, that’s all I have to say. And I guess it turned out OK for her on her siblings, but most of it still seemed unadvisable.
August 3, 2021
I adored the way it was written in that there are “rules” to follow for unlocking your personal successes. Each rule had a story to back up why she believes what she believes and evidence to back that. The rags to riches sort of female empowerment stories are always something I reach for, so learning how Rebecca built her brand was fascinating. As a handbag lover, I was also drawn to this book for obvious reasons. I practically wore my bag the entire time I read the book just to get closer to the author. Did I always agree with her rules? No, I don’t think so. Experimenting and risk taking might be good for a brand who’s on the rise but as an individual, those can be make or break decisions. But I loved that she touched on mental health, burnout, and failing in order to succeed. I’ve quoted the networking chapter more than once lately! Do yourself a favor and read it - even if you aren’t a business owner!
February 23, 2022
I love how this book was written and formatted. How she broke up each chapter was very organized and clever. She organizes each chapter into her "rules." I loved the titles of each chapter.
Memoirs are becoming a new genre for me and this is the third memoir I've read this year. I LOVE how much Rebecca Minkoff lets us into herself. How she started her business. The business and most importantly the life lessons she offers readers based off of her own experiences are priceless.
One of my favorite lessons she writes about it is in lesson #1 where she titles it "If You Want To Go, Go." In this chapter she urges you to "sign your own permission slip.", because “When we ask someone else to validate our choice before we make it, it puts the responsibility on that person…. We still have to deal with the fallout. We’re still the face of the mistake.” pg 11
I received this copy from publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Memoirs are becoming a new genre for me and this is the third memoir I've read this year. I LOVE how much Rebecca Minkoff lets us into herself. How she started her business. The business and most importantly the life lessons she offers readers based off of her own experiences are priceless.
One of my favorite lessons she writes about it is in lesson #1 where she titles it "If You Want To Go, Go." In this chapter she urges you to "sign your own permission slip.", because “When we ask someone else to validate our choice before we make it, it puts the responsibility on that person…. We still have to deal with the fallout. We’re still the face of the mistake.” pg 11
I received this copy from publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
May 16, 2023
I liked the RM brand a few years back, so when I saw she published a book and it was recommended on a page I follow, I picked it up. The book is her tips on how she succeeded in the business, starting from her beginning to the present. What I liked:
1) Tips format is easy to read and follow. While some of the tips are nothing new, they are brought to life with her examples. About halfway through the book, the examples aren't as interesting, but it's real life.
2) Learning more about the beginning of her brand and how she made it- it's inspiring
3) As I retrace my memory of how I became aware of her brand and eventually bought a bag a decade ago, it's interesting to match my own experience with RM to where the business was. Later, I stopped following RM IG because I moved on and didn't like the content as much anymore. At that time, according to the book, she wanted to share more of her own day-to-day life.
1) Tips format is easy to read and follow. While some of the tips are nothing new, they are brought to life with her examples. About halfway through the book, the examples aren't as interesting, but it's real life.
2) Learning more about the beginning of her brand and how she made it- it's inspiring
3) As I retrace my memory of how I became aware of her brand and eventually bought a bag a decade ago, it's interesting to match my own experience with RM to where the business was. Later, I stopped following RM IG because I moved on and didn't like the content as much anymore. At that time, according to the book, she wanted to share more of her own day-to-day life.
December 27, 2021
I had no idea who this author was when I purchased the book. I judged the book by the cover and the fact that it was a daily deal. My philosophy is, if I learn at least one thing from this book, then it’s worth it. I learned that I absolutely know nothing about fashion and I’m cool with that. I’m in awe at how courageous and wise this author is though. We need more people telling their stories for those of us who are paralyzed by the unknown. I loved when she realized that she would be okay, no matter what, as long as she still has her family. Money and friends come and go, but family is forever. I hope I can get my daughter to read this book. I also love the Woman’s group. It’s time we start running this sh!t show. “Sit down men, you’ve done enough damage”.
February 2, 2024
Rebecca Minkoff really spoke to me about trusting your gut. Understanding that life has it's ups and downs that we have to learn to live with it but make it our own. Her message about pursing my goals is a dynamic, ever-changing process. This book was so empowering that her story inspired me to be my authentic self. I am a book lover through and through. I have been that way since I was a little good. She truly inspired me to start my bookstagram in the first place and I hope one day to work in a library or maybe (crossing my first) at a publishing firm. Working from the bottom up. Rebecca Minkoff should be inspiration to everyone. She opened my eyes and made me realize that we only get one life and we need to live our life our way. I highly recommend everyone should read this book!
March 1, 2023
I know nothing about fashion and didn’t even know who Rebecca Minkoff was before this book. But i turkey enjoyed it. I learned aspects of the fashion industry but also she inspired me to want to think outside the box. To not do what everyone else is doing. I also love this quote from her rule 19: “It seems like the common understanding now is we are all going to deal with burnout. And then we are going to have to do enough self-care so we can get ourselves back together so we jump right back in to what was burning us out. To me that seems like a cycle.” It’s so true that we treat self-care as a bandaid versus getting to the root cause of burnout.
June 4, 2023
Favorite quotes:
Don’t ask for help - ask for what you need
When things go awry, it’s natural to start asking yourself why things are the way things are. This line of questioning can be really helpful when you’re trying to learn from your past experiences and grow from them. “Why” questions are often stuck in the past, so they can keep you stuck there too. “How” questions are the type of questions that will help push you toward solutions. Asking why things are the way they are might land you on an explanation, but asking how you are going to get to where you want to go is what will move you forward.
Don’t ask for help - ask for what you need
When things go awry, it’s natural to start asking yourself why things are the way things are. This line of questioning can be really helpful when you’re trying to learn from your past experiences and grow from them. “Why” questions are often stuck in the past, so they can keep you stuck there too. “How” questions are the type of questions that will help push you toward solutions. Asking why things are the way they are might land you on an explanation, but asking how you are going to get to where you want to go is what will move you forward.
October 30, 2021
This is one of those books that you cannot let off your hand until you read it. It took me only a few days and that only because I had a very busy week. The writing style is so easy and relaxing to read, that every advice is easily assimilated and remembered later on. I can vouch for his because I read it a couple of months ago and it feels like I read it yesterday. I will let a few more weeks to pass then I’ll read it again. I know a second time can unveil more hidden meanings that could be so helpful.
Thank you for a great read, Rebecca! Hope for more books coming from you!
Mima
Thank you for a great read, Rebecca! Hope for more books coming from you!
Mima
January 8, 2022
Like others have mentioned, this book maybe falls more into an autobiographical category than a business or self help category. The rules and lessons that the author shares and motivational, although a bit redundant if you’ve already read 3-5 other business books.
The author uses lots of anecdotes to make her points, which helped me to stay engaged. Her writing style is very straightforward, so the content is easy to comprehend. I appreciate the book overall, but didn’t get as much out of it as I hoped I would.
The author uses lots of anecdotes to make her points, which helped me to stay engaged. Her writing style is very straightforward, so the content is easy to comprehend. I appreciate the book overall, but didn’t get as much out of it as I hoped I would.
January 20, 2022
This is a memoir and while it's writing and narration is fine it I get nothing more than "if you work hard in your passionate you can make it your career" but the problem is many of us are trying to find our passion and are forging out own paths where there is no one we can go to for interning, career experience, or mentoring if we can even take these steps because many are bound by preexisting restrictions on our lives. If you are looking for a help book or motivational guide, other than to be a professional fashionista, move along.
June 28, 2023
First of all, this is a beautifully published book. The look and feel are excellent which makes it a pleasure to read.
Rebecca's story is awesome. I found it in an indie bookstore in St. Petersburg. I enjoy stories about people who know their purpose and can make adjustments when something they try doesn't work out and keep moving forward. Her family's personal story is relatable to me so that made the book even more interesting.
Rebecca's story is awesome. I found it in an indie bookstore in St. Petersburg. I enjoy stories about people who know their purpose and can make adjustments when something they try doesn't work out and keep moving forward. Her family's personal story is relatable to me so that made the book even more interesting.
November 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I am always skeptical about books like this because sometimes the advice is not obtainable or applicable to different levels of wealth and class. But this book was wonderful. The chapter were short and concise, they offered great advice. I look forward to supporting her brand moving forward.
February 28, 2022
Surprisingly excellent, with good advice for entrepreneurs just setting out. I had no idea who she was before listening, but enjoyed it none-the-less. She's made some really innovative choices over the years.
Other than the section on burnout, I'd recommend this to anyone feeling entrepreneurial.
4.5⭐
Other than the section on burnout, I'd recommend this to anyone feeling entrepreneurial.
4.5⭐
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