13A – Reading Reflection No. 1

1) You read about an entrepreneur: Coco Chanel

• What surprised you the most?

Before this assignment, I knew next to nothing about Coco Chanel! I was surprised to learn that she grew up in an orphanage after her mother died and her father left her there. This is where she learned to sew under the guidance of nuns.

• What about the entrepreneur did you most admire?

I admire and respect her perseverance and work ethic. She could have chosen to blame her circumstances and remain mediocre but she chose to work and pursue an art that brought her happiness.

• What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?

I am aware that many don't find this a fault, but as someone more traditionally-minded, I do find it a fault that Chanel was in a relationship with a duke of Westminster for several years and was proposed to several times. She is known to have said, “There have been several Duchesses of Westminster—but there is only one Chanel!” Perhaps I watch too much Frasier, but it seems to me that there is an underlying hint of pride and distrust to be found in that statement that are probably due to her childhood experiences. She also said that she no more wished to weigh a man down than a bird. I think that's an interesting statement for someone who is in a relationship and refuses to marry that person. So many complain about dating someone for 5 years and not being proposed to. Isn't that a weight on the mind?

• Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it?

Absolutely! The Great Depression as well as World War II forced her to shut down her shops. In addition, she made a bad deal concerning her perfume under which she only received 10% of the profits.

2) What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited? 

Perseverance, passion, and determination.

3) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

I think it's confusing that Chanel made such a deal that compromised her earnings from her perfume. I wish that was explained more.

4) If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why?

How did you persevere during such hard times - whether is was when you were abandoned by your father after the death of your mother or when you were forced to shut your businesses down during the Depression and War? What was your driving force?

Who was your role model?

5) For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion?

I think she would say that hard work (as well as the right connections) is the greatest factor in the equation of success and I would agree.