Forbes StaffSophia Amoruso is an American entrepreneur, bestselling author, and pioneer in the realm of modern business for women. Best known as the founder of Nasty Gal and Girlboss, Sophia has become a symbol of resilience and reinvention, inspiring millions with her journey from selling vintage clothing on eBay to building a multimillion-dollar fashion empire.
Born on April 20, 1984, in San Diego, California, Sophia’s path to entrepreneurship was unconventional. At 22, she started selling vintage clothes on eBay, blending her keen eye for fashion with entrepreneurial instincts. Her knack for curating unique pieces and marketing them creatively led to rapid growth, and in 2006, she founded Nasty Gal, an online retailer that quickly gained a cult following. By 2012, Nasty Gal was generating over $100 million in revenue, making it one of the fastest-growing retailers in the United States.
In 2014, Sophia published her memoir, #GIRLBOSS, which became a New York Times bestseller and chronicled her journey from a scrappy entrepreneur to a fashion mogul. The book resonated with young women worldwide, offering candid advice on embracing ambition, taking risks, and learning from failures. It also inspired the Netflix series Girlboss in 2017.
Despite her successes, Nasty Gal faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy in 2016. Undeterred, Sophia used this experience as a stepping stone to her next venture, Girlboss, a media platform designed to empower and connect ambitious women through content, events, and digital tools. Under her leadership, Girlboss became a community for women navigating careers and entrepreneurship.
Today, Sophia is a prominent figure in business and media, celebrated for her resilience and ability to adapt. She continues to inspire through her work as a speaker, mentor, and advocate for women in business, proving that failure can be a catalyst for growth and reinvention. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of carving your own path.
