What Does Being "Self-made" Mean?
On July 11th 2018, Forbes Magazine released a list of America's richest self-made women. Forbes is very good at creating lists and its lists are often very good at stirring up public reaction, which in media terms is a winning formula. The list itself is very interesting and it contained so many women whose journeys to success and financial prowess are fascinating. There are some truly amazing women from a range of industries on the list and if you have a chance do some research on them because their stories can and should be used as inspiration and encouragement.
One particular individual who was not only featured on the list but also on the front cover of Forbes magazine has caused a media storm and that is Kylie Jenner. Kylie is a member of the infamous Jenner-Kardashian family who have built their careers using reality TV entertainment, social media, fashion & beauty endorsements and powerful personal brands. The matriarch of the family, Kris Jenner is central to the strategic success of the family and has enabled her children to reach heights that for some is unimaginable.
Kylie Jenner, who at not even 21 years old has built a $900 million cosmetics fortune with virtually no employees or capital. This new model of extreme fame leverage is radically reshaping business, culture and politics. Kylie Cosmetics launched two years ago and has since sold more than $630 million worth of makeup. She has leveraged her mammoth social media following to build a giant business. "Social media is an amazing platform," says Jenner. "I have such easy access to my fans and my customers." Kylie Cosmetics is now worth nearly $800 million and Kylie Jenner owns 100% of the company. - Forbes
A debate has been raging as to what it actually means to be "Self-made". How does one define it when certain individuals have literally had no starting support system to get them where they are whilst others, like Kylie, have an excess of privilege and access to wealth. Being mindful that this is based on Forbes on form of measurement what do you think of the list? In this video I share my thoughts and I would love to hear what you think.
What does being "self-made" mean to you?