The Impossible Dream
I only want people around me who can do the impossible.
- Elizabeth Arden
Many of us are familiar with the Elizabeth Arden Red Door spas. And everyone knows that cosmetics are a billion dollar business. But it wasn't always that way. Back in 1912, when Elizabeth Arden opened her first salon in New York City, only "prosititutes and performers" painted their faces. Arden and her contemporary (and fierce competitor) Helena Rubenstein - who opened her own salon in 1915 only a few blocks from her rival's -- changed all that by convincing women that wearing makeup was not only okay, but absolutely necessary!
Many of us are familiar with the Elizabeth Arden Red Door spas. And everyone knows that cosmetics are a billion dollar business. But it wasn't always that way. Back in 1912, when Elizabeth Arden opened her first salon in New York City, only "prosititutes and performers" painted their faces. Arden and her contemporary (and fierce competitor) Helena Rubenstein - who opened her own salon in 1915 only a few blocks from her rival's -- changed all that by convincing women that wearing makeup was not only okay, but absolutely necessary!
Keep in mind that in that era, entrepreneurial women existed, but they were rare. Starting a company took a lot of courage, and especially one based on the idea of changing the way people thought and behaved with respect to a certain type of product. That's a large mountain to climb, but believing in themselves and their ideas, and taking action toward achieving their dreams, made both women wildly wealthy. Although each has long since passed away, their companies both survive and have become household names.
Do you have an idea that you think is "crazy"? Are you dismissing a dream because you don't think there's a market? Think about these entrepreneurial ladies and their "impossible" dream. Worked out pretty well, I think you'd agree. Give your idea a chance. What if you could do the impossible? What would that look like? Surround yourself with people who can help you and take steps toward making it a reality. Maybe you'll change the world too!
Want more information about these pioneering women entrepreneurs and the birth of the cosmetics industry? PBS is airing a documentary on March 23 called "The Powder and the Glory," based on the book War Paint: Madame Helena Rubinstein and Miss Elizabeth Arden, Their Lives, Their Times, Their Rivalry
by British author Lindy Woodhead.
Are you ready to have more Joy, Unity, Meaning and Prosperity in your life? Need a little help to JUMPstart your dreams? Email me at kate@inspiration4success.com today to schedule a Creative Career Consultation (evening and weekend appointments available). As Barbara Sher says, It's Only Too Late If You Don't Start Now
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by British author Lindy Woodhead.Are you ready to have more Joy, Unity, Meaning and Prosperity in your life? Need a little help to JUMPstart your dreams? Email me at kate@inspiration4success.com today to schedule a Creative Career Consultation (evening and weekend appointments available). As Barbara Sher says, It's Only Too Late If You Don't Start Now
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Posted by Kate Fessler at 03-16-2009 
Categories: News and Inspiration
Tags: career job entrepreneur innovation breakthrough business inspiration work creative
Categories: News and Inspiration
Tags: career job entrepreneur innovation breakthrough business inspiration work creative
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