Stefani Germonatta started at Manhatten's Upper West Side and by age 27 is a household name. Oh, you don't know Stefani? Maybe Lady Gaga will ring a bell.
At 27 Gaga has:
-sold out Madison Square Garden where, she nostalgically tells fans, she often visited to see her favorite artists growing up in NYC.
-3 top selling albums
-5 Grammy awards
-the Born This Way Foundation supporting youth inspiration and community unity
-"Gaga's Workshop" exhibit and pop-up store in Barneys New York
and much more that I'll most likely never catch up on in my next 5 years!
Entrepreneurs and marketing experts alike think we can all learn from Gaga.
1. Who says you have to be born into royalty? Gaga's story is a true struggle from the bottom and fight your way to the top tale and it's the long climb that keeps you comfortably at the top.
2. Embrace it. Gaga creates a community of "little monsters" (as she lovingly refers to her devout fans) and actively communicates with them via Twitter and viral videos.
3. Stand up for something. Consumers are used to seeing brands. Don't be afraid to show what you're passionate about, like Lady Gaga frequently speaking out on gay rights and equality. Fans will see past a packaged brand and connect with your passion.
Below is the opening of Gaga's Workshop for Barneys New York which truly encompasses the Monster vibe. Paws up!