Don’t get me wrong…I’m all for the sisterhood and love to see another woman succeed. But, I think we do a great disservice to the millions of other #women whose opportunities and access are far different than Ms. Alba’s were. Surely there has to be a fairly large given advantage when you are a recognized film star with a worldwide fan base and millions already in the bank?
Sure, Ms. Alba claimed it was still nerve wracking to get people to take her #business idea seriously and to find the backing and the right people to help her launch her vision. I have no doubt. But try that same approach while working from your dining room table, post-divorce, 3 kids in tow and working freelance, anxiously awaiting your next paying gig. Talk about risk taking.
Overall, I think it’s time we stop touting the multimillion-dollar VC funded venture as the great marker of capitalist achievement. I think it’s time to respect the struggle and pay attention to the quieter stories that take longer to get from idea to launch – because down deep in the trenches is where real risks are being taken by people like you and me, with an idea, a dream, ambition and drive and very little else.
And it is this work, the gritty very real work that entrepreneurs endure in the process of going from idea to vision to business to brand, that shines a light on what it takes to make success happen. In fact, I’m far more interested in the work Ms. Alba did leading up to her first big film role – I suspect that journey prepared her for her current success and it is that story that I personally would find more compelling.
But I will tell you this – my favorite part about Ms. Alba’s success – the fact that she’s making something. A physical product with a brand philosophy that isn’t tied to an app or social media device. No disrespect, but if you ever want to stop off-shoring or a hundred other ills that plague the U.S. economy, start by making things, good quality, beautiful things that can be shared and appreciated.
Things that are, well, “Honest”….. and for that, I’ll call Ms. Alba and entrepreneur.