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Salute To Iconic Women: Gabrielle “Coco” Bonheur Chanel

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Mar. 18 2013, Published 3:00 a.m. ET

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“Success is often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable.” –Coco Chanel

Occupation: Fashion Designer

How she made her mark: Gabrielle Coco Bonheur Chanel, better known as Coco Chanel was a pioneer in the fashion industry. But her impact runs much deeper. Chanel is undoubtedly an icon and leader beyond the realm of fashion.

Chanel came from the bottom of the map and built an empire.  Born on August 19th, 1883 in France, Chanel was raised in orphanages and taught how to sew. She was a true hustler who may not have always known what she wanted to do, but she knew the kind of woman she wanted to be.  She started out singing in small bars and pubs before opening her first clothing store in the year 1910. Known for her very simplistic yet elegant style, Chanel started off by simply making hats. Her first dress was made almost by accident. She created the piece for herself out of jersey she found lying around because she was cold one day, and after she had a few customers ask her about it, she knew she needed to add clothing to her growing company.

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She launched her first perfume in the 1920’s: Chanel No.5 — and it was the first perfume to ever feature a designers name. And in 1925, she introduced the legendary Chanel suit.  In the age of corsets, and huge wired gowns and other contraptions, her simplicity was ahead of it’s time. No one had the courage to dress like her, or take the style risks she took, yet they admired it and many became her customers. She also was a leader as an entrepreneur, creating an empire and having the courage to go after what she wanted, no matter what it took.

Chanel died on January 10th, 1971 at her apartment in the Hotel Ritz.

Which iconic woman who made history inspires you?

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By: Rhonesha Byng

Rhonesha Byng is the founder and CEO of Her Agenda— a digital media platform bridging the gap between ambition and achievement for millennial women. The site provides access to content and community that gives millennial women access to information and inspiration to help them get started or to move to the next level of their career. Rhonesha is an Emmy award-winning journalist and entrepreneur whose philosophy in life is established by her acronym of N.E.S.H.A. No one Ever Slows Her Agenda. This motto served as the inspiration for Her Agenda. Rhonesha was named to the 2017 Forbes 30 Under 30 list and ESSENCE magazine named her among 50 Founders To Watch. Rhonesha is also the co-founder of the newly formed nonprofit org The Black Owned Media Equity and Sustainability Institute (BOMESI).

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