The festive season is here and it’s time to kick back and relax. Whether you are going away on holiday or having a stacation at home, nothing beats some down time with a good book and a glass of wine or a good cuppa. Today I will be reviewing two books that will inspire to get the creative juices flowing and get you ready for 2018. So sit back, relax and enjoy.

#Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso

What started out as a simple eBay store as Nasty Gal (which later moved to its own website), from a single laptop in a small apartment in San Francisco filled with vintage clothing, became an overnight success with an estimated $300 million in sales 10 years later. #Girlboss is based on the hard work and rise of Nasty Gal, told by none other than the CEO and founder herself Sophia Amoruso.

Amoruso speaks about her journey with Nasty Gal and what it took to make it the phenomenon it is today.

#Girlboss focuses on entrepreneurship skills and what it takes to start a business. My favourite chapter in this book is “Money looks better in the Bank than on your Feet” which focuses on money matters when it comes to starting and running a business. Learning to manage your money is one of the most important things you can do. Amoruso emphasizes to make smart money decisions now to avoid stupid ones later.

You can’t act like you have arrived when you’re only just receiving the invitation. – Sophia Amoruso

At the end of each chapter is “Portrait of a #Girlboss” which is a short story or testimonial from a successful woman in business.

Even though Nasty Gal filed for bankruptcy in 2016, and was purchased by the British-Owned BooHoo group in 2017, this book carries great motivation and inspiration to believe in yourself and follow your dreams. Sophia Amoruso keeps you entertained while learning from her journey. If you are looking to start your own business, or need some inspiration to improve and grow your business then this book is for you. This book is for #Girlbosses and #Dudebosses, introverts and extroverts alike.

Related Post: Paris for One

Sisterhood Charter by Pontsho Manzi

Sisterhood Charter is a book aimed at fostering a spirit of sisterhood amongst women. This book focuses on issues such as women retracting their claws and dealing with issues in a civilised manner. I loved the fact that there was a lot of focus drawn to being content with yourself and finding your purpose. If a woman is comfortable with who she is and her purpose, the temptation to hurt or compete with another person becomes a futile exploit. By doing so you will not feel threatened by another woman’s success. There is great focus in knowing that what was meant for you will always be for you, so run your own race and wish everyone else well.

When you know your purpose, life is an everyday win. – Pontsho Manzi

About the Author

Pontsho Manzi is an award winning business woman, motivational speaker, coach, image consultant and author of:

  • Diary for Fabulous You
  • Journal for Fabulous You
  • Journal for Fabulous Wife
  • Publisher of Fabulous Woman Magazine

Pontsho draws on personal experience through dealing with many women from all walks of life. This is one of the reasons why she wrote this book.

I enjoyed reading this book as it reminded me how important it is to love yourself first, a notion we all seem to forget. I love how this book promotes unity and support amongst women of every age, race and gender. As far as reading goes I found it to be easy, light reading which is perfect for this festive season. There is no heaviness and a lot of positivity. So if you are looking for some inspiration going into the new year, or looking for a gift for a special woman in your life, then I think this gift will look great under the Christmas tree.

As this is my last post for the year I would like to wish everyone a happy and joyous festive season. Please be safe on the roads and lets start 2018 with renewed energy to achieve our goals and dreams. 

See you next year!

Your Whimsical Girl…Taryn Victor

4 Replies to “Jolly Reading this Festive Season”

  1. Thank you for the book recommendations. I’m looking for new holiday material and will definitely check these out. I have enjoyed your blog this year. Have a great festive season. 😊💗

    1. Hi Desle. Thank you so much for reading my blog posts and supporting my blog. I truly appreciate it. 💖 I love your blog and look forward to all your amazing blog posts in 2018. Have a wonderful festive season and a prosperous new year! 😘

  2. I watched the Girl Boss series on Netflix and LOVED it! I love the story and the determination of Sophia to make her dreams happen – no matter what. But, what really inspires me – is that she’s still out there inspiring other women to own their story, be themselves and go for it… even after her company collapsed. There’s nothing wrong with failing in my book, it’s what you do afterwards that counts. So many people put their dreams on hold because their scared of failing. And so many criticize others for having the guts to try, which is really sad too.I feel like we need more role models like Sophia and I need to read this book! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts about it 🙂 x

    1. I’ve only read the book and what you mentioned in your comment here is exactly what I took away from the book. She started the business and she did it her way. She has lived her life according to her rules and no one else’s. And on top of it all she is an introvert too. Sophia Amoruso and her story is truly inspiring. You’ll love the book Melanie. I struggled to put it down.

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