From New Jersey Incubator Member, Andrea Stein founder of Girl Mogul.
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be many things. An astronaut, a diplomat, an interior designer, or an inventor, but never a princess. Even then I knew being a princess was a dicey proposition. Princesses got to where they were through the lucky accident of birth or marriage. Princesses waited to get rescued. Princesses were always the victims of attempted assassination. Princesses got left behind when the fun started. I, on the other hand, dreamed of being a SOMEONE (not just an anyone), but it was always a someone who had gotten there through talent and hard work.
It seems that we’re in the midst of a princess craze, where everything for young girls is pink and revolves dressing like a princess, and growing up to become a princess. And I wonder why? Why are princesses, with their vacant looks and adventure unfriendly clothes, so enticing? Why, with so many truly exciting things out there to do in the world, does being a princess still seem like fun? It seems to me, that in today’s competitive economy we should be teaching our daughters to discover their talents and how to use them to create wonderful, fulfilling, economically sustainable lives, without the castle, or the prince. My daughter may the only girl at daycare without a Future Princess t-shirt, but I’m going beat this Princess craze.
And that’s why I launched GirlMogul. At GirlMogul we develop and sell products that encourage girls to think about becoming something other than a princess. You’ll find t-shirts and products with slogans like “Future Rocket Scientist” and inspiring quotes by encouraging women, reminding girls that not all role models come with a tiara. So, if you’re as discouraged as I am by the Princess craze, please join my movement, check out my progress, share ideas, or just chat, by reaching out to me at [email protected] - together we can inspire a little girl to see the world differently.
While I commend your ideas..I don't agree with your thoughts on the Princess factor. My definition of a Princess is not someone with a vacant stare- it is someone who uses their title and blessings to help whether with their voice speaking out against something they don't believe in or with their actions. My interpertation of the personality that you have written about is a Diva.
That said I agree with your basic theory girls can be anything they want in this day and age. My Niece who is 9 loves everything pink and is definitly a Princess in my sense of thinking- she helps in her community and is a team leader- wants to go to Harvard Law school so please think of all aspects before labeling.
Posted by: Carolyn Miller | April 08, 2008 at 12:10 PM
You Go Girl! No princess here either. That's why I started my online business too. You want to tell girls they can be rocket scientists. I want to tell girls they can travel the world.
Posted by: kellykellykelly | April 08, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Very cool, Andrea. I'm on the fence about the princess stuff. My 4-year-old just loves them and I know her dad and I never encouraged it - it's just her thing. But she is also a dynamic individual who speaks her mind and defends her choices - even the choice to love princesses. If you ask her what she wants to be or do, she'll go on forever. My "princess" loves her tiaras, pretty dresses (and pants, depending on her mood) and she's not afaid to pair that with a pair of sneakers and go play in the dirt. Really! I watched her do it just the other day! LOL! Can't wait to see what you have to offer. Sounds intriguing.
Posted by: Monica Dennis | April 18, 2008 at 07:04 PM