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Blowing My Way to the Top: How to Break the Rules, Find Your Purpose, and Create the Life and Career You Deserve
From celebrity hairstylist, social media influencer, and wildly successful entrepreneur Jen Atkin comes a glimpse into the glam life, with lessons and insights on how to forge your own path and succeed in business and in life.
Hailed by the New York Times as “the most influential hair stylist in the world,” Jen Atkin is a celebrated businesswoman, tastemaker, and friend to A-list celebrities like Chrissy Tiegan and the Kardashians . . . but her success didn’t arrive overnight. Her glamorous, jet-setting lifestyle came from years of hard work, humility, and hustle. In Blowing My Way to the Top, Jen shatters the illusion of effortless, instant success that permeates social media to reveal the sweat, dedication, and drive it really takes to make it.
Jen chronicles her remarkable journey—from growing up in an isolated, conservative religious community where girls were encouraged to marry young, to striking out on her own and breaking every rule and convention to build an empire valued at $80 million.
Though Jen rebelled against the restrictions meant to limit her potential as a young woman, she has since formed her own core principles, which serve as the foundation of her daily life. In Blowing My Way to the Top, she offers insight into the values that have allowed her to thrive in the modern, digital landscape, from looking out for others to embracing humility and financial responsibility. As a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, Jen also speaks frankly about the difficulties and challenges women face in business. She offers crucial advice, from the importance of running your business like a feminist—hiring, nurturing, and promoting female talent; finding mentors; and building camaraderie amid the competition—to learning to navigate the work and life issues that impact women most.
Jen makes it clear to those who aspire to follow in her footsteps that while inhabiting the world of celebrity culture has its perks, it can also be dangerously distracting and misleading. Part personal narrative, part practical how-to, Blowing My Way to the Top is a fierce, funny, and inspiring book about how Jen built a one-of-a-kind business against all odds—and how readers can take what she’s learned the hard way to live their own dreams.
Hailed by the New York Times as “the most influential hair stylist in the world,” Jen Atkin is a celebrated businesswoman, tastemaker, and friend to A-list celebrities like Chrissy Tiegan and the Kardashians . . . but her success didn’t arrive overnight. Her glamorous, jet-setting lifestyle came from years of hard work, humility, and hustle. In Blowing My Way to the Top, Jen shatters the illusion of effortless, instant success that permeates social media to reveal the sweat, dedication, and drive it really takes to make it.
Jen chronicles her remarkable journey—from growing up in an isolated, conservative religious community where girls were encouraged to marry young, to striking out on her own and breaking every rule and convention to build an empire valued at $80 million.
Though Jen rebelled against the restrictions meant to limit her potential as a young woman, she has since formed her own core principles, which serve as the foundation of her daily life. In Blowing My Way to the Top, she offers insight into the values that have allowed her to thrive in the modern, digital landscape, from looking out for others to embracing humility and financial responsibility. As a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, Jen also speaks frankly about the difficulties and challenges women face in business. She offers crucial advice, from the importance of running your business like a feminist—hiring, nurturing, and promoting female talent; finding mentors; and building camaraderie amid the competition—to learning to navigate the work and life issues that impact women most.
Jen makes it clear to those who aspire to follow in her footsteps that while inhabiting the world of celebrity culture has its perks, it can also be dangerously distracting and misleading. Part personal narrative, part practical how-to, Blowing My Way to the Top is a fierce, funny, and inspiring book about how Jen built a one-of-a-kind business against all odds—and how readers can take what she’s learned the hard way to live their own dreams.
6 pages, Audio CD
First published December 8, 2020
298 people are currently reading
2385 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
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December 14, 2020Love her but this was way more generic and way less anecdotal than anticipated.
December 27, 2020
It ended up being an amalgamation of advice from Jen Atkin’s collection of self-help literature — which she admittedly enjoys as stated in the book.
l suppose I am biased in that I wanted this to be more gossip than gratitude. Reading it elicited the sort of dopamine drip one would experience scrolling Instagram or watching Youtube tutorials. I would typically read books like this as a brain break when actively trying to avoid the agitation of reading something difficult. I wish it was more about hair and less about emotional intelligence.
l suppose I am biased in that I wanted this to be more gossip than gratitude. Reading it elicited the sort of dopamine drip one would experience scrolling Instagram or watching Youtube tutorials. I would typically read books like this as a brain break when actively trying to avoid the agitation of reading something difficult. I wish it was more about hair and less about emotional intelligence.
December 16, 2020
I’m a big fan of Ouai and Atkin’s entrepreneurial journey, but this book was a miss, lacking in substantial insights from her journey that goes beyond conventional coffee table wisdom
April 12, 2021
I will admit that I was very excited to read Jen Atkin’s book. Her success as a hair stylist in Los Angeles and how she harnessed her talent into two successful businesses has long been an inspiration to me. I would also be remiss to say that I have also always been intrigued by her glamorous, jet setting lifestyle and proximity to the Kardashians, Chrissy Teigen, etc.
But the book that I was hoping would be a captivating memoir about her upbringing in Mormon Utah to being a celebrity hair stylist and then celebrity in her own right fell dramatically flat. Instead of what I thought it be, it reads like a very generic self-help book. And when I say generic, I mean go to Pinterest look up “inspirational quotes” and you’ll feel like you’re reading this book.
But the book that I was hoping would be a captivating memoir about her upbringing in Mormon Utah to being a celebrity hair stylist and then celebrity in her own right fell dramatically flat. Instead of what I thought it be, it reads like a very generic self-help book. And when I say generic, I mean go to Pinterest look up “inspirational quotes” and you’ll feel like you’re reading this book.
April 4, 2021
Blowing My Way To The Top disappointed me because it was way more generic self help than a memoir. I would have much preferred a chronological memoir about growing up Mormon, her early days in Los Angeles, and the inception & success of OUAI. I would have loved more in depth storytelling, because all of her stories are told at a very superficial level and leave you wanting more.
December 30, 2021
TLDR this book is like a pep talk from your super confident, badass and also respectful, successful older sister who loves you and only wants the best for you and to empower you to achieve your dreams and goals.
4.5
Oof, so hard for me to decide between four or five. I absolutely gobbled this book up and I love the essence of this book. The only reason I think it would be a four rather than a five is because I feel like a lot of what she says could definitely be summarized in a motivational instagram post lol.
I don’t wanna take away value though of the lessons she’s teaching and what she preaches throughout the book. Her story and her work ethic are amazing. The entire essence of the book is the super dose of self belief, self confidence, and self love every woman could use a booster of. I would love to come back and reread this book.
She’s really honest about how her hyper focus and dedication took her career really took a toll on her health and her relationships. But I appreciate that she encourages her readers to learn from her mistakes and definitely make more time for relationships and self-care it makes me wonder Who are the people that become her level of success with that kind of balance? I feel like there’s so many successful women who like her sacrifice so much to get where they are and they encourage the next generation to learn from their mistakes and take care of themselves better but I just don’t feel like I can think of off the top my head a woman who has achieved balance while also achieving that level of mega success.
Something about super unique about her experience is how she really leveraged her personal strengths to success within her field. She is not naturally the type of person that wants the front and center of attention and in all the action and she really leverages her internal strength of being more of a supporting/helper role it’s becoming one of the best hairdressers in the world. Because as she emphasizes in the book in her field it’s really all about the client and the service that you provide that client. She how to opportunities where it could’ve been more about her but because of her own natural preference to avoid that kind of all on her limelight she built her success in other ways. I think this is a great perspective for girls and women to read who feel like they have to be a certain archetype of a Girlboss when there are women like Jen who have built mega success around their personal strengths of preferring to be more in the background as a part of a group rather than a standalone rockstar.
If you’re really into celebrity pop culture and the reason that you’re picking up this book is because you want to learn more about celeb life and clients she’s worked with I would say this book mostly focuses on her lessons throughout her career and is less about that LA celeb culture.
4.5
Oof, so hard for me to decide between four or five. I absolutely gobbled this book up and I love the essence of this book. The only reason I think it would be a four rather than a five is because I feel like a lot of what she says could definitely be summarized in a motivational instagram post lol.
I don’t wanna take away value though of the lessons she’s teaching and what she preaches throughout the book. Her story and her work ethic are amazing. The entire essence of the book is the super dose of self belief, self confidence, and self love every woman could use a booster of. I would love to come back and reread this book.
She’s really honest about how her hyper focus and dedication took her career really took a toll on her health and her relationships. But I appreciate that she encourages her readers to learn from her mistakes and definitely make more time for relationships and self-care it makes me wonder Who are the people that become her level of success with that kind of balance? I feel like there’s so many successful women who like her sacrifice so much to get where they are and they encourage the next generation to learn from their mistakes and take care of themselves better but I just don’t feel like I can think of off the top my head a woman who has achieved balance while also achieving that level of mega success.
Something about super unique about her experience is how she really leveraged her personal strengths to success within her field. She is not naturally the type of person that wants the front and center of attention and in all the action and she really leverages her internal strength of being more of a supporting/helper role it’s becoming one of the best hairdressers in the world. Because as she emphasizes in the book in her field it’s really all about the client and the service that you provide that client. She how to opportunities where it could’ve been more about her but because of her own natural preference to avoid that kind of all on her limelight she built her success in other ways. I think this is a great perspective for girls and women to read who feel like they have to be a certain archetype of a Girlboss when there are women like Jen who have built mega success around their personal strengths of preferring to be more in the background as a part of a group rather than a standalone rockstar.
If you’re really into celebrity pop culture and the reason that you’re picking up this book is because you want to learn more about celeb life and clients she’s worked with I would say this book mostly focuses on her lessons throughout her career and is less about that LA celeb culture.
January 2, 2021
I really like Jen but didn’t find any groundbreaking lessons from this book. I think it could be useful if you haven’t read other female books on business
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December 13, 2021I had to quit this book. It’s not for me. Not in this lifetime.
prob helpful if you are a fledgling tween influencer or hair industry professional? unclear as I am not those things!
prob helpful if you are a fledgling tween influencer or hair industry professional? unclear as I am not those things!
March 21, 2022
Generic and not enough dirt on Khloe!!!
December 10, 2020
I am not a hairstylist, but I do have my own business that relies heavily on self-promotion. I am an avid reader and love memoirs, so I thought I'd give Jen Atkin's book a try. I thought she may have some funny stories and she's clearly very successful, so maybe I'd learn a thing or two. I finished the book in one day. Jen's approach is classy, professional and honest. She offers tips on confidence, promotion, professionalism, networking and more!
And like I said, you don't have to be a hairstylist, an influencer or running a product line to read this book. I'm a psychotherapist in Beverly Hills and I learned so much from Jen. Thank you!!
And like I said, you don't have to be a hairstylist, an influencer or running a product line to read this book. I'm a psychotherapist in Beverly Hills and I learned so much from Jen. Thank you!!
February 5, 2024
I enjoyed listening to this book, as I truly knew nothing about Jen Atkin or the fact that she started OUAI, which is one of my fave hair brands. I thought her backstory was interesting, but I didn’t think her advice was necessarily groundbreaking. Much of it was cookie cutter advice that didn’t feel too new to me, but I still thought the book had some interesting tidbits about famous people and Hollywood, as well as starting your own business. Solid memoir!
January 18, 2021
"BLOWING MY WAY TO THE TOP" is a brilliant title for a memoir penned by a celebrity hairstylist.
Yes, even though I was clueless about who Jen Atkin was, I loved the title of her book and, therefore, decided to give her debut memoir a try. After all, it's the start of a new year and I wanted to learn EVERYTHING that was keeping me from living my best life.
If you're seeking groundbreaking advice on starting a new business/product line and/or "living your best life", this is NOT the book for you. The author's tips were superficial and none of her "strategies" were new or different. (Yawn, yawn!)
The major reason why I gave this book a "thumbs down", however, was that it included too much of the author's political views as well as disparaging remarks about those who opposed her political views. When I selected this book, I was not seeking a commentary on George Floyd, LGBT rights, or social justice. I wanted to find out more about Jen Atkin's successful rise to the top.
I listened to the book's audio version that was read by the author. Jen did an amazing job with the book's narration and I always love it when authors read their own memoirs. I just was not liking what Jen was saying.
Jen, you blew this one! Next time, omit the political commentary unless you want to write a political book.
Yes, even though I was clueless about who Jen Atkin was, I loved the title of her book and, therefore, decided to give her debut memoir a try. After all, it's the start of a new year and I wanted to learn EVERYTHING that was keeping me from living my best life.
If you're seeking groundbreaking advice on starting a new business/product line and/or "living your best life", this is NOT the book for you. The author's tips were superficial and none of her "strategies" were new or different. (Yawn, yawn!)
The major reason why I gave this book a "thumbs down", however, was that it included too much of the author's political views as well as disparaging remarks about those who opposed her political views. When I selected this book, I was not seeking a commentary on George Floyd, LGBT rights, or social justice. I wanted to find out more about Jen Atkin's successful rise to the top.
I listened to the book's audio version that was read by the author. Jen did an amazing job with the book's narration and I always love it when authors read their own memoirs. I just was not liking what Jen was saying.
Jen, you blew this one! Next time, omit the political commentary unless you want to write a political book.
December 29, 2021
Interesting read! Jen Atkin narrates the audiobook, which is always my favorite. She offers great business, financial, and relationship advice as tells her own story.
January 21, 2022
Oofda. Nope. Not for me. I love celebrity memoirs and thought I’d also love this celebrity adjacent memoir, but it’s not a memoir! Did you think it was a memoir too? I was so disappointed to learn that it was just a generic self help book.
A memoir had so much potential. She hinted at glimpses into her life growing up, moving to LA, figuring out the ins and outs of an exclusive world. But each moment that could have become an interesting narrative, immediately reverted back to bland platitudes and generic advice. She needed a high school English teacher to help her dig deeper into stories! (Me Jen! It was me! I would have done it!)
If you are interested in building an empire or just wanting to be an entrepreneur then you might love this book. But I cannot recommend this to most people.
A memoir had so much potential. She hinted at glimpses into her life growing up, moving to LA, figuring out the ins and outs of an exclusive world. But each moment that could have become an interesting narrative, immediately reverted back to bland platitudes and generic advice. She needed a high school English teacher to help her dig deeper into stories! (Me Jen! It was me! I would have done it!)
If you are interested in building an empire or just wanting to be an entrepreneur then you might love this book. But I cannot recommend this to most people.
March 14, 2024
oof— this was a hard one for me. I’ve admired Jen Atkin and have enjoyed her talent and products from Ouai for years. I was looking forward to hearing more about her story and her path to success. Instead, the book was filled with generalizations such as “everyone works Monday through Friday” and very general advice - “make eye contact, use a coaster, don’t put your feet on the couch and you do you!” It felt like she downplayed her success to luck, but then had random advice to go along with it about working hard. She often would write “more on this later”, and then didn’t circle back to it. It was at best, condescending and mostly unrelatable (“an NDA is a non-disclosure agreement”). Overall, disappointed and would not recommend unless you are looking for a generalized follow your dreams book. I still really admire Jen and just wish this book went in a different direction!
March 16, 2021
Jen Atkin has built a wonderful brand and career. I was excited to learn more about her journey. Unfortunately this book is not structured in a ‘story’ format, rather a ‘lesson’ format. Her lessons were fairly generic and were paired with generic stories lacking many details. I think written as a chronological story, this could have been way stronger and had lessons spread throughout. With all that said, I did walk away admiring and respecting Jen Atkin more. One lesson I’ll put into practice in my daily life: 1) showing gratitude more openly (always sending thank you notes, emails, gifts, etc.). As I think of other lessons they are things like “don’t gossip,” “be in charge of your finances,” “work hard, don’t complain,” “practice self care and meditate,” “if you want to seek fertility services, it’s okay.” I listened to the audiobook and it was a fairly quick read. Definitely don’t recommend if you’re looking for celebrity stories.
January 24, 2021
Couldn’t wait to read as I love a good celeb memoir. This one was a snooze. Another book by a privileged white woman about the hustle and self care necessary to be successful. Maybe if I wanted to start a business, I would find this more interesting. I was the most intrigued by the acknowledgements at the end where she shouted out to her celeb friends!
March 4, 2021
I keep changing my rating of this book because I realise more and more that the truth she tells may be common sense to me, but is not going to be common sense to everyone. She reminds people in a certain industry to watch how they act and tells them how to be professional in order to be successful.
April 2, 2021
I love Jen (her YouTube videos, social media presence, etc.), but this book seems very 'just starting out' to me. Which is great for recent grads or hairstylist newbies, but if you're even semi-established in your career or interested in starting your own business & have already done the legwork when it comes to reading other biz-related books & autobiographies, I would pass on this book.
March 4, 2022
This would be great for people in the service industry, or people who want to grow a brand, utilize social media better - etc. I am none of those people! Haha but it was interesting at times but overall a meh memoir.
February 4, 2025
This book was not as much of a memoir as I had hoped. It was more about lessons learned - some were insightful, but nothing groundbreaking. Second half gave a bit more of a look into her personal life vs just advice.
February 28, 2021
"You're always one decision away from a totally different life."
July 28, 2022
100% respect the authors hustle. She worked incredibly hard for a lot of years, is gutsy as hell and made her own way through the world. Great hairstylist and business person = fun read, but not effective at translating her success into tactics others can apply. Fun, quick read. Cannot emphasize enough how much I admire her business acumen and work ethic.
December 5, 2020
The first few chapters were too focused on general lessons learned. Once we got more into Jen’s career story the book got significantly more interesting. I will say while I appreciate her humor IRL, it was not as funny to read, but I did enjoy hearing her story and some of her takes on celebrity/social media culture.
January 1, 2021
This was an ok read & as another reviewer noted, pretty generic.
April 5, 2021
I was expecting a bunch of fluff advice, and believe it or not, this book was much more than that. Although much of her advice is well known, Jen delivers it in a way that can be applicable to any area of life.
December 23, 2021
i guess i’ve been on a streak of self-development books that just aren’t resonating with me, but i’m a quarter of the way through and am deeming this a did-not-finish. i admire jen atkin’s entrepreneurialism, but i don’t think i’m the right audience for this book. it’s less memoir or personal and more self-help with a list of conventional wisdom (e.g. be confident, don’t shit-talk in front of clients, don’t wear booty shorts to work, practice gratitude). i feel bad giving low ratings for books like this but my personal opinion: pass on this one.
December 29, 2020
Love Jen but as others have noted, the book is full of general advice such as get sleep, hire a staff, and learn to say no. I was hoping for a “show not tell” approach to her life through stories and examples but her success is mostly reflected on through platitudes. I believe she worked hard to get where she is and would have loved to hear more about it.
January 4, 2021
An easy read. If you are new to self help this is a good intro especially if you follow her brand. If you read many self help books, this one is pretty generic but still a good read nonetheless. Some more practical tips than I have found in other books.
I do wonder though, she mentions a lot about not working so hard and carving out time for friends, family + self care, if her workaholic nature in the early days is what led to so much of her success and only now that she has the liberty + financial freedom to take it easy she can.
Can someone build a multi million dollar successful brand while taking weekends off, carving out time for self care + family in the early days? I sure hope so.
I do wonder though, she mentions a lot about not working so hard and carving out time for friends, family + self care, if her workaholic nature in the early days is what led to so much of her success and only now that she has the liberty + financial freedom to take it easy she can.
Can someone build a multi million dollar successful brand while taking weekends off, carving out time for self care + family in the early days? I sure hope so.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews