In May, the New York Times published an article titled “The Sunsetting of the Girlboss Is Nearly Complete”. The article addresses the recent announcement that the founder and CEO of beauty brand Glossier will be transitioning into the role of Executive Chairwoman. The NYT positions CEO Emily Weiss as the face of a failing brand, leaving the role because of her own incapability.
Weiss founded the unicorn business in 2014 and developed its cult following over the ensuing years. From the start, Glossier’s business model prioritised consumer feedback, producing affordable products designed at enhancing the wearer’s natural features. For many in Gen Z, the brand redefined beauty expectations and created a new genre of make-up.
That is not to say it is perfect. Reports of toxic workplace culture surfaced in 2020, with employees facing racism from customers in store and failing to be protected by management.
The product range has faced criticism for excluding darker skin tones. At a time when new brands are releasing up to 50 shades of foundation, you have to ask why Glossier has not expanded their range of 12 shades in 6 years.
Despite this, Weiss built a business valued at $1.8 billion. She is now set to take maternity leave and “move upstairs” to the Chairwoman role upon her return. She has recognised that the brand needs a new CEO to continue moving forward.
Rather than praise for her trailblazing work, and celebration of her self-awareness, the New York Times decided to brand her another failed “girlboss” and gossip about her downfall.
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This is a rhetoric we have seen before. The article even lists a handful of other “girlbosses” (female entrepreneurs who built their own businesses) and details their respective falls from grace. The second we stop putting female entrepreneurs on pedestals, avidly following their journeys and criticising them at any turn, we might actually begin to see a change in the gender disparity in the industry.
This build-up and subsequent tear-down is not a new phenomenon. How do we expect to get over the peak of 2.8% of venture capital funding going to women if this is how we talk about them?
Even using the term “girlboss” like this is rooted in sexism. Is it really SO exceptional that a woman could found a successful business? Do we need to invent a whole new word for them?
When male CEOs have made similar moves to Weiss, they have been congratulated on their foresight and ability to make smart career decisions.
As a young woman, this hyper focus and negativity in the media is hardly encouraging me to consider starting my own business. We need to shift the conversation away from the pessimistic gossip about these women, and focus on what they have done RIGHT.
In May, the New York Times published an article titled “The Sunsetting of the Girlboss Is Nearly Complete”. The article addresses the recent announcement that the founder and CEO of beauty brand Glossier will be transitioning into the role of Executive Chairwoman. The NYT positions CEO Emily Weiss as the face of a failing brand, leaving the role because of her own incapability.
Weiss founded the unicorn business in 2014 and developed its cult following over the ensuing years. From the start, Glossier’s business model prioritised consumer feedback, producing affordable products designed at enhancing the wearer’s natural features. For many in Gen Z, the brand redefined beauty expectations and created a new genre of make-up.
That is not to say it is perfect. Reports of toxic workplace culture surfaced in 2020, with employees facing racism from customers in store and failing to be protected by management.
The product range has faced criticism for excluding darker skin tones. At a time when new brands are releasing up to 50 shades of foundation, you have to ask why Glossier has not expanded their range of 12 shades in 6 years.
Despite this, Weiss built a business valued at $1.8 billion. She is now set to take maternity leave and “move upstairs” to the Chairwoman role upon her return. She has recognised that the brand needs a new CEO to continue moving forward.
Rather than praise for her trailblazing work, and celebration of her self-awareness, the New York Times decided to brand her another failed “girlboss” and gossip about her downfall.
Suggested Reading
5 years on from Grenfell
This year marked the fifth anniversary of one of [...]
This is a rhetoric we have seen before. The article even lists a handful of other “girlbosses” (female entrepreneurs who built their own businesses) and details their respective falls from grace. The second we stop putting female entrepreneurs on pedestals, avidly following their journeys and criticising them at any turn, we might actually begin to see a change in the gender disparity in the industry.
This build-up and subsequent tear-down is not a new phenomenon. How do we expect to get over the peak of 2.8% of venture capital funding going to women if this is how we talk about them?
Even using the term “girlboss” like this is rooted in sexism. Is it really SO exceptional that a woman could found a successful business? Do we need to invent a whole new word for them?
When male CEOs have made similar moves to Weiss, they have been congratulated on their foresight and ability to make smart career decisions.
As a young woman, this hyper focus and negativity in the media is hardly encouraging me to consider starting my own business. We need to shift the conversation away from the pessimistic gossip about these women, and focus on what they have done RIGHT.
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Great read!