You never know what you’re going to find when you read the headlines. You might see a story of someone who believed in her product so much that she refused to give up even when 60 people told her it was absolutely no good at all. Maybe there will be a story about a woman who survived an attempted assassination. Or a story about a reality TV star who retired from MTV primetime. Do these sound like people to look up to? Where can you find successful women to look up to as role models these days, anyhow?
Would you believe me if I told you there’s a success story—or three—in there? Check out seven women who have fashioned super awesome careers, even in the face of adversity.
1. Tina Fey
The world’s funniest woman has it all—a comfy seat on Saturday Night Live, seven Emmy awards, a super popular—and hilarious—book that dominated the New York Times bestseller list for over a month, four Screen Actors Guild Awards, and on and on. A pretty impressive list for someone who, at the age of five, was attacked by a stranger and now sports a scar from a cut on her face. She didn’t let it affect her dreams, and she went on to tour with celebrated comedy group The Second City. She impressed coworkers with her biting wit, met with SNL producers to show off some sketches, and began writing for Saturday Night Live. The self-proclaimed nerd didn’t stop there—she co-wrote and starred in everyone’s go-to movie Mean Girls and created 30 Rock.
Lesson learned: Your talent can take you in a hundred different directions. Don’t be afraid to try variations on what you’re good at.
2. Lauren Conrad
Who ever thought a girl who got her start on a MTV reality show would end up being famous and successful for all the right reasons (like promoting a healthy balance of school, friends and family)? Whether you loved the show or hated it, you can’t deny that Conrad’s reason for staying on it—building a platform—was brilliant. Reality TV show days behind her, Conrad now has several books, two fashion lines, and one badass beauty website to her name.
Lesson learned: Humble beginnings can lead to big payoffs. (Also, know when to let a good thing go.)
3. Kathryn Stockett
Down on your luck? Bummed about being turned down from a job or an internship or, heck, even a guy for the umpteenth time? Kathryn Stockett, author of the hit novel-turned-film The Help, feels your pain. The mega-popular book was turned down 60 TIMES before an agent picked it up, took a chance, and sold it to Amy Einhorn books. What would have happened if she had given up after her fifth rejection? Or her 15th? Or her 50th? Don’t dwell on what isn’t working out; instead, keep your eye on the prize and push forward.
Lesson learned: Believe in yourself and your ideas. Persevere.
4. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen
Child actresses turned straight-to-VHS movie stars turned Barbie dolls turned book heroines turned fashion designers… is there anything MK&A haven’t done? Catapulting to stardom before age 5 may sound like a dream come true, but Mary Kate and Ashley don’t always see it that way. They had little say in their career until they bought out the owners of Dualstar on their eighteenth birthday. Now the girls are focusing on business and fashion; their three lines (The Row, Elizabeth and James, and Olsenboye) keep them busy.
Lesson learned: Stand up for yourself. Do what you love.
[pagebreak]
5. Jennifer Hudson
Academy Award winner. Grammy recipient. WeightWatchers spokeswoman. Jennifer Hudson has climbed the ladder of success thanks to her powerhouse voice and sweet personality, but it hasn’t been without a few stumbles along the way, like coming in seventh runner-up on American Idol or enduring the publicized kidnapping and murders of two family members. Through it all, Hudson held her head high and focused on her music. She didn’t win American Idol, but it led her to a starring role in the film Dreamgirls, which earned her an Academy Award.
Lesson learned: Find your niche. Stick to it.
6. Gabrielle Giffords
Serving our country is an under-recognized career, whether you physically fight for our country or work in politics. Gabrielle Giffords chose the latter, dedicating over 10 years to both her Arizona State House of Representatives as well as the U.S. House of Reps. Her repayment? A incredibly publicized assassination attempt. Her condition hasn’t stopped her. She recovered in time to appear in the House and vote on the debt ceiling bill. What’s stopping you from success?
Lesson learned: You are strong enough to overcome even the most difficult hardships. Get back on your feet and keep going.
7. Lauren Bush
How easy is it to rely on your family when you need something? What about celebrities—how often do they use their family name to accelerate (or enhance) their success? Don’t ask Lauren Bush, niece of former president George W. Bush and granddaughter of former president George H. W. Bush. Politics may be in her blood, but she’s not following that path. She attended Princeton and spent summers studying fashion at Parsons The New School for Design and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. On top of that, she modeled (she was once the face of Tommy Hilfiger) and interned for Zac Posen. She may have an uber famous last name, but she’s not using it to sell her ready-to-wear sustainable collection Lauren Pierce, named after her grandmother’s maiden name and her younger brother.
Lesson learned: Try something different, even if you’re afraid of feeling like a black sheep in your family. Success can be yours if you work hard.
Who are your celebrity career role models? Tell us below!
Photo Credits:
http://tina-fey-fans.blogspot.com
US Magazine
http://www.secondact.com/2010/05/a-first-time-author-who-persevered-and-finally-triumphed/
fanpop.com
People.com
USA Today
treehugger.com