Is there ever not a good time to surround yourself with the words of people that inspire?
Personally, I think the answer to is always no.
Reading may be the single most useful way to educate yourself on anything. No matter the topic, you can bet on the fact that there's a book out there on it.
For some good winter reads that aim to encourage, empower, and educate, these are 5 of my all time favourite books written by female authors and entrepreneurs that have built their careers around staying true to themselves.
Filled with words of wisdom, these are the perfect books for helping you inspire your creative self, whilst working to pursue a lifestyle and career you desire.
So without further ado, let's get into them!
1. Nasty Galaxy by Sophia Amoruso
"FOR THE GIRL WHO DOESN'T YET KNOW SHE'S A GIRLBOSS"... I think the intro dedication in this book sums up the entire read pretty damn well. Nasty Galaxy is the type of all-rounder book that will leave you inspired in 1000 different ways. Giving you everything from quotes, music, horoscopes, interior design, fashion, female entrepreneur interviews, life tips, and stories from/of influential women - each page will motivate you in a different manner. It presents as an abundance of creativity, helping you to understand the importance of expressing yourself in every way possible. Pretty much, if you're looking for a book that you can flick open every day as part of your morning empowerment regime, this one is for you.
2. IT by Alexa Chung
Alexa Chung is the quintessential classy tomboy. Unsure of whether its her British accent or effortless style that manages to entertain those two words in the same sentence, IT is essentially a tour through the inner workings of her creative mind. Covering the trial and error of growing up, female fashion icons through history, heartbreak, life lessons, and how her self expression through style has evolved over the years, this book will remind you to never follow the trends of anything in life; find what inspires you and forget what anyone else will think. Meeting elegance with ease in all aspects of your life, this read is anything but your typical fashion book.
3. Living in Style by Rachel Zoe
"Inspiration and advice for everyday glamour". Rachel Zoe is a renowned fashion designer, writer, and business woman, reminding us through Living in Style that a "glamorous life" is not fancy, materialistic things; but it is allowing yourself to live with confidence, shine, and independence - all traits that are learned through real experiences that are nothing short of tough when you're going through them. This book discusses family rituals, fashion, home interiors, and beauty, helping you to feel inspired to create a world of beauty around you, so that you can be your most creative and productive self.
4. #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso (again)
Featuring for the second time in this list, Sophia Amoruso is pretty much as raw and open as it gets when discussing the nitty gritty of modern day business. #GIRLBOSS is the type of book that makes you want to start your own side hustle the moment you start reading. Daring to open up about the true difficulties of building a career from the ground up, this book discusses Sophias entire entrepreneurial journey; the good, the bad, and the ugly. Also interviewing many other female businesswomen, this book gives you the life lessons in money, mistakes, and old school hard work, that other authors and self-starters will rarely disclose. If there's one lesson you will learn from this book it's this; authenticity is key!
5. New York by Megan Hess
Now this final book stands more as an example for personalising your inspiration. Megan Hess is an Australian fashion illustrator who who was determined to succeed in her chosen field, and has now worked with everyone from Vogue and Tiffany & Co, to Disney and Michelle Obama. Showing that with consistency and hard work, you can achieve your dreams no matter what they are, Megan Hess is one of my favourite illustrators to date. If the differential lives lived in cities other than your own draws inspiration within you, any of Megan Hess's reads would be of a perfect suit. From Paris to New York, her ability to illustrate life in a foreign city reminds you that the world is far greater than just the neighbourhood surrounding you. My personal favourite (as you can probably tell) is her book on New York, where she provides all the best places to eat, drink, sleep, shop and play. Travelling will always keep you inspired, but in the times when you're mid-way through the year and have no holiday in sight, a book like this will allow you all the excitement from the comfort of your bed!
