BIZ BOOK REVIEW: Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success by Rebecca Minkoff

As a small business owner, I'm always looking for a fresh take on my business, so I was really excited when Rebecca Minkoff, the owner of global fashion brand Rebecca Minkoff, published her new book Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success. 

With raving reviews from stars like Jessica Alba and Daphne Oz, as well as prominent business owners in the fashion/lifestyle industry (such as Bozoma Saint John, CMO of Netflix and Alli Webb, Co-Founder of Drybar), it was an easy choice to snag this book off the shelf. 

Here's my review of Rebecca Minkoff's book, Fearless. 

First off, I have to admit that I wasn't super familiar with Rebecca's brand prior to reading her book. I saw the names on the back cover and was drawn to them. If Alli Webb (who I've been following on the Girlfriends & Business podcast for several months now) recommends a book, I'm probably going to read it. 

But from the first chapter, I related to Rebecca in a way that I wasn't expecting. She talks about the ins and outs of owning a small business (particularly, a fashion brand). She gets down to the nitty gritty of it all - from the feelings of imposter syndrome, those days/weeks/months where it just feels like you're losing, and the impatience that happens when you pour your heart into a brand and it doesn't always work out how you want. 

There were a lot of things I freaking loved about this book, but here are my main takeaways. 

1. Business is accessible. It's not only for the chosen ones. When you're starting out in business, it's really easy to get bogged down in the comparison trap (especially in the age of social media!). This can literally kill a business. By revealing the raw, behind-the-scenes shit that Rebecca had to overcome when starting her global fashion brand, she makes business feel accessible. Reading this book not only proved it was possible to be successful in fashion design, she proved it was possible for me. And you. 
2. Balance doesn't really exist. And that's okay. At this point in my life and business, this point was the one that I could relate to the most. For a couple of years now, I have been trying to find "balance" - looking for ways to spend equal amounts of time on business, family, hobbies, and rest. Rebecca and I obviously operate similarly, because I've never been able to find it. And honestly, I don't think it's a realistic expectation for most women who want it all: significant others, careers, businesses, kids, dogs, and a rockin' bod. Here's my favorite quote from Rebecca on why Balance isn't a realistic goal: 
   "There is always a lot on the line. In an unpredictable world, you're never going to be able to achieve balance. Life has too many surprises; there's no way to know where your energy is going to be needed day after day. When your attention needs to shift, so does your approach. That's why life design works. What do you want your life to look like? What is most important to you? What do you need? What are your deal breakers? Reevaluate as you go. You know change is coming, so be adaptable. Work may demand your full attention. Your friends might need you in the middle of the night. And the needs of your family can be completely different from one day to the next. Accept this, and be ready for whatever life throws your way." -Rebecca Minkoff, Fearless, pg. 191.
3. Growth isn't always glamorous. Business and personal growth are hard. And it doesn't always feel good. When Rebecca talks about her business, she doesn't just share the highlight reel. She takes you through the toughest decisions she's had to make in business - from switching suppliers to regrettable new hires. She isn't talking to you from an ivory tower. She's talking to you from the trenches. 

If you check out Fearless, be sure to let us know on Instagram @fidgeyray with #fidgeyray! We would love to hear your thoughts! 

Love,

Katie