Digest

This episode of Infamous explores the rise and fall of the "girl boss" phenomenon, a term that emerged in the early 2010s to describe young, female entrepreneurs who were often seen as aspirational figures. The episode features an interview with Merson Meltzer, author of "Glossier: The Inside Story of Glossier," who provides insights into the origins of the term and its evolution. Meltzer argues that the girl boss was a product of marketing and that the term was often used to promote a narrow and idealized vision of female entrepreneurship. The episode also examines the downfall of several prominent girl bosses, including Sophia Amoroso of Nasty Gal, Emily Weiss of Glossier, and Audrey Gelman of The Wing. Meltzer suggests that the girl boss phenomenon reached its peak in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, when Hillary Clinton was marketed as a champion of women. However, the episode concludes that the girl boss is a relic of a bygone era, and that the next generation of business celebrities will likely be more focused on practicality and sustainability.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the topic of the "girl boss" phenomenon and the episode's guest, Merson Meltzer, author of "Glossier: The Inside Story of Glossier."

00:01:22

Defining the Girl Boss

This Chapter delves into the definition of the "girl boss" and explores its origins and evolution. Meltzer discusses how the term was often used to describe young, female entrepreneurs who were seen as aspirational figures, but also how it was often used to promote a narrow and idealized vision of female entrepreneurship.

00:06:06

The Rise of the Girl Boss

This Chapter examines the rise of the girl boss phenomenon in the context of the early 2010s startup boom and the growing interest in female entrepreneurship. Meltzer discusses how the girl boss was seen as a reaction to the lack of funding and opportunities for women in the tech industry.

00:07:34

The Limitations of the Girl Boss

This Chapter explores the limitations of the girl boss concept, arguing that it often excluded women who did not fit a certain mold. Meltzer discusses how the girl boss was often associated with a specific type of woman, one who was young, beautiful, socially connected, and conventionally attractive.

00:11:24

The Downfall of the Girl Boss

This Chapter examines the downfall of the girl boss phenomenon, arguing that it was ultimately a product of its time. Meltzer discusses how the girl boss was often seen as a symbol of female empowerment, but that it ultimately failed to address the systemic issues that women face in business.

00:32:54

The Future of Business Celebrities

This Chapter speculates on the future of business celebrities, suggesting that the next generation will likely be more focused on practicality and sustainability. Meltzer discusses how the rise of TikTok and the economic downturn may lead to a new era of business celebrities who are more relatable and less aspirational.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is a "girl boss"?

  A "girl boss" is a term that emerged in the early 2010s to describe young, female entrepreneurs who were often seen as aspirational figures. The term was often associated with a specific type of woman, one who was young, beautiful, socially connected, and conventionally attractive. The girl boss phenomenon reached its peak in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, when Hillary Clinton was marketed as a champion of women. However, the term has since fallen out of favor, as it is seen as being too narrow and idealized.

• What are some examples of "girl bosses"?

  Some examples of "girl bosses" include Sophia Amoroso of Nasty Gal, Emily Weiss of Glossier, and Audrey Gelman of The Wing. These women were all successful entrepreneurs who built businesses that were often seen as being empowering to women. However, they have also faced criticism for their handling of employee complaints and their lack of diversity at the executive level.

• Why did the "girl boss" phenomenon decline?

  The "girl boss" phenomenon declined for a number of reasons. One reason is that the term was often used to promote a narrow and idealized vision of female entrepreneurship. Another reason is that the term was often associated with a specific type of woman, one who was young, beautiful, socially connected, and conventionally attractive. This exclusionary nature of the term led to criticism from many women who felt that they were not represented by the "girl boss" ideal. Finally, the "girl boss" phenomenon was also a product of its time. The early 2010s was a time of great optimism about the potential of startups to create new opportunities for women. However, this optimism was not always borne out in reality. Many women who started businesses during this time faced challenges, including a lack of funding and a culture of sexism in the tech industry.

• What is the future of business celebrities?

  The future of business celebrities is uncertain. However, it is likely that the next generation of business celebrities will be more focused on practicality and sustainability. The rise of TikTok and the economic downturn may lead to a new era of business celebrities who are more relatable and less aspirational. These celebrities may be more likely to focus on issues such as financial literacy, mental health, and social justice. They may also be more likely to use their platforms to promote sustainable businesses and practices.

• What is the significance of the "girl boss" phenomenon?

  The "girl boss" phenomenon is significant because it reflects the changing role of women in society. The term emerged at a time when women were increasingly entering the workforce and starting their own businesses. However, the term also reflects the challenges that women continue to face in business. The "girl boss" phenomenon is a reminder that women are still fighting for equality and that there is still work to be done to create a more equitable and inclusive business world.

Show Notes