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Even today, it continues to be a rare achievement for girls to construct an entrepreneurial empire from nothing. Chanel is considered one of the few exceptions. While her brand enjoys global recognition, her groundbreaking business acumen is commonly ignored. In a rustic like France, where stories of entrepreneurship rarely enter mainstream discourse, her successes weren’t celebrated in the identical way as they could have been had she been American. But even within the USA, where the parable of the “self-made man” thrives, the concept of a “self-made woman” stays underdeveloped.
Entrepreneurship research often highlights that constructing a sustainable business requires capital, which tends to learn those that have already got wealth or social connections – privileges which are disproportionately enjoyed by men. Academic studies similar to those by Le Loarne-Lemaire (2014) show that educational access and networks, which are sometimes inherited, play a vital role. Entrepreneurs are sometimes the youngsters of other entrepreneurs, perpetuating the vicious cycle of privilege.
The self-made woman archetype
In this context, Gabrielle Chanel stands out as an anomaly. The American myth of the self-made man, as described by researcher James Catano, depicts a hard-working, typically white male immigrant who rises from obscurity to create a business empire. This archetype has its roots in nineteenth century America, with characters like Andrew Carnegie embody the best.
Chanel's story turns this gendered narrative on its head. From humble beginnings, she transformed her life right into a rigorously crafted legend. Orphaned and raised in a convent, she turned these early troubles into a mixture of fact and fiction that shaped her image. She controlled every detail – even the design of her own gravestone.
A path paved by independence
Unlike heirs who construct on family fortunes, Chanel began with nothing. Having no formal training in couture, she relied on creativity and her vision of ladies. Her first store was financed with the assistance of a lover, but she paid him back. Even her partnership with the Wertheimer brothers, who helped capture Chanel No. 5, was rigorously negotiated to keep up control of her brand.
Chanel's wartime actions, including collaboration with the Nazi regime, remain a controversial a part of her legacy. Still, it’s price noting that she was not alone amongst French business leaders in making morally questionable decisions during World War II. The critical scrutiny to which it’s exposed today often exceeds that of its contemporaries.
Gabrielle Chanel is a real self-made woman – probably considered one of the primary within the history of capitalism. Her rival Elsa Schiaparelli cannot say the identical. Schiaparelli was born right into a privileged family, had considerable social and economic capital, and married a count before starting her business. Even within the United States, where entrepreneurship flourished, contemporaries like Helena Rubinstein don't quite fit the self-made mold – Rubinstein built her empire with the assistance of her husband.
The closest contender for Chanel's title is likely to be Elizabeth Arden. Arden, a nurse from rural Canada, moved to New York to make her fortune. Using her own savings, she opened her first cosmetics store and grew it into a world brand and franchise. While loans helped fuel her growth – likely facilitated by her marriage to a banker – her husband's attempts to impose his friends and concepts on the corporate underscored its momentum. Coco Chanel, at all times fiercely independent, would never have tolerated such interference.
The big names
If Chanel represents the parable of the self-made woman, then why isn't she celebrated as such? Would her achievements have received greater recognition if she had built her empire within the United States? The answer is anything but clear.
Before taking a look at the American perspective, let's take a more in-depth take a look at the French context. Despite the globalization of culture and economy, certain myths don’t cross borders so easily. In France there may be a noticeable lack of interest within the stories of entrepreneurs. How many individuals are you able to name the founders of Carrefour or Seb? The founding father of L'Oréal is somewhat well-known, but mostly due to scandals of his descendants. Family business sagas just like the Mulliez clan are attracting more attention. Yet glorification of entrepreneurs – especially those that start with nothing – is basically missing. Even initiatives like French Tech Nation and efforts by BPI France haven’t sparked cultural change.
There are attempts to create female “role models” for female entrepreneurs, but the main target is commonly on contemporary personalities. Instead of counting on past successes, the main target is on profiles which are still being developed. While this approach increases the visibility of current entrepreneurs, does it also encourage the following generation? Research suggests this may increasingly not be the case.
Although Chanel is the topic of countless biographies in France, she is never cited as a job model in entrepreneurship courses or programs promoting female leadership. In France, the parable of the feminine entrepreneur continues to be unfinished – and the thought of the self-made woman dates back even further.
The paradox of the self-made man
Would Chanel's achievements have been more celebrated if she had operated within the United States? Maybe not. The American myth of the “self-made man” struggles to adapt to gender and contemporary reality. As Catano notesThe archetype elevates individuals who challenge societal norms while paradoxically reinforcing a rigid, masculine ideal that excludes women.
In the Nineteen Fifties, when Chanel's empire was flourishing, the dominant image of ladies in America was that of the housewife – a stark contrast to Chanel's distinguished role as a businesswoman. Even in the course of the “working girl” era of the Nineteen Seventies and Eighties, Chanel’s success could have seemed too daring. Her story challenges traditional gender roles in ways which are still uncomfortable today.
A myth that also must be written
Chanel would be the ultimate symbol of a “self-made woman,” but this narrative stays largely untold. In fact, the thought of the “self-made man” itself – the classic rags-to-riches archetype – seems increasingly outdated.
Today's cultural highlight favors contemporary role models over historical figures, as Forbes' power rankings show. Modern entrepreneurial icons often have pedigrees tied to elite institutions—Mark Zuckerberg of Harvard, Larry Page of Stanford. Even Elon Musk, who claims to have graduated, benefited from a head start in social and financial capital. These realities undermine the self-made narrative, especially in today's technology-driven economy. The focus has shifted from celebrating humble beginnings to examining the broader impact of those empires.
However, Chanel has left a profound impact through her work. Her designs helped free women from the constraints of the corset and offered practical yet elegant alternatives that redefined fashion. But although her influence was revolutionary, social activism was not an indicator of her profession. Chanel made daring, sometimes reckless decisions, similar to closing her company and shedding her entire workforce during World War II. To be fair, it should be said that only a number of of her contemporaries showed any significant social commitment.
Gabrielle Chanel, an inspiration
“Different times, different values”? When the parable of the “self-made man” loses relevance – questioned due to its “self-made” ideal and its inherently masculine formulation – Chanel’s story stays a lesson in resilience and innovation that deserves attention in each France and the United States.
Her life took place within the transformative Nineteen Twenties, a time of newfound freedoms for girls that was later stifled by war and authoritarian regimes. Chanel deftly navigated the prevailing business sectors and never allowed herself to be dismissed or pigeonholed. Her profession highlights the importance of partnerships and the incontrovertible fact that few entrepreneurs achieve greatness alone.
Chanel's journey also provides a guide to securing funding and maintaining autonomy – skills which are critical for any aspiring entrepreneur. In some ways it preceded postfeminism by embodying its principles. She redefined entrepreneurship as a field where working with men didn’t compromise her control or vision. Chanel's legacy not only transformed fashion, but in addition challenged entrenched social hierarchies and proved that girls can succeed and innovate within the entrepreneurial world.
image credit : theconversation.com