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Believe It: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable
In Believe IT, Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics, shares the wild but true story of how a once struggling waitress turned her against-the-grain idea into an international bestselling sensation, eventually selling the company for over a billion dollars and becoming the first female CEO of a brand in L’Oréal’s 100+ year history. Faced with self-doubt, body-doubt, God-doubt, down to her last few dollars and told: “No one is going to buy makeup from someone who has your body,� Jamie reveals for the first time what really went down, how she almost didn’t make it, and the deeply personal and powerful business lessons you can use to go from underestimated to unstoppable. With radical vulnerability and honesty, Jamie also shares deeply personal stories of heartbreak and resilience—including accidentally finding out that she was adopted when she was in her twenties, and the reverberations this has had on all aspects of her life. Spellbinding, riveting, with raw vulnerability, and down-to-earth warmth, Believe IT shakes your soul and shows you that you, too, have what it takes to achieve the impossible.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published February 23, 2021
983 people are currently reading
6,710 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 491 reviews
March 28, 2021
BELIEVE ME...............
"BELIEVE IT" was NOT a beautiful read for this reviewer.
BELIEVE ME..............
The first half of the book was strong and compelling. Readers learn that the beauty brand Jamie Kern Lima started with her husband in their living room was not an instant hit. Even though Jamie received hundreds of rejections multiple times from major beauty brands, retailers, distributors and news outlets, however, she undauntingly refused to quit because she believed in her product. Jamie's candid struggles were both inspirational and admirable; providing readers with a deeper understanding of the woman behind the brand that was sold to L'Oreal in 2016 for $1.2 billion.
BELIEVE ME...............
The last half of the book was repetitious and could have easily been deleted. Also, much-too-much information about the author's faith in God was showcased in the latter portion of the book. I respect the author's religious beliefs and I am certainly not denouncing these beliefs. However, if the author's book was a faith-based memoir this should have been told to readers upfront.
BELIEVE ME and BEWARE:
The author invested $$$ in creating a robust "BELIEVE IT launch team"; giving away many free copies of BELIEVE IT as well as sizable "incentive rewards".
Soooo.... when you see many of those 5-star BELIEVE IT reviews, BEWARE! In other words, when viewing one of those 5-star BELIEVE IT reviews, don't feel that you have to BELIEVE IT.
I listened to the audio version of this book. I always love it when memoirs are read by the author and Jamie Kern Lima did a superb job with the narration.
"BELIEVE IT" was NOT a beautiful read for this reviewer.
BELIEVE ME..............
The first half of the book was strong and compelling. Readers learn that the beauty brand Jamie Kern Lima started with her husband in their living room was not an instant hit. Even though Jamie received hundreds of rejections multiple times from major beauty brands, retailers, distributors and news outlets, however, she undauntingly refused to quit because she believed in her product. Jamie's candid struggles were both inspirational and admirable; providing readers with a deeper understanding of the woman behind the brand that was sold to L'Oreal in 2016 for $1.2 billion.
BELIEVE ME...............
The last half of the book was repetitious and could have easily been deleted. Also, much-too-much information about the author's faith in God was showcased in the latter portion of the book. I respect the author's religious beliefs and I am certainly not denouncing these beliefs. However, if the author's book was a faith-based memoir this should have been told to readers upfront.
BELIEVE ME and BEWARE:
The author invested $$$ in creating a robust "BELIEVE IT launch team"; giving away many free copies of BELIEVE IT as well as sizable "incentive rewards".
Soooo.... when you see many of those 5-star BELIEVE IT reviews, BEWARE! In other words, when viewing one of those 5-star BELIEVE IT reviews, don't feel that you have to BELIEVE IT.
I listened to the audio version of this book. I always love it when memoirs are read by the author and Jamie Kern Lima did a superb job with the narration.
February 21, 2021
Get yourself the Kindle version! You’re gonna wanna highlight A LOT!
This was very inspirational, and Jamie says and shares a lot of things that just need to be said and shared, especially today! Regardless if you are aware of Jamie Kern Lima for her IT Cosmetics fame (a brand whose products I love in addition to their mission), I guarantee there will be something that resonates with anyone who picks up a copy of this book—for me, I found it to be a veritable treasure trove and such a treat! I highlighted so many amazing gems, but I want you to discover them for yourself, and so I will not share or spoil any details.💎
I preordered a Kindle copy and joined Jamie’s book launch team to be able to read an ARC.
This was very inspirational, and Jamie says and shares a lot of things that just need to be said and shared, especially today! Regardless if you are aware of Jamie Kern Lima for her IT Cosmetics fame (a brand whose products I love in addition to their mission), I guarantee there will be something that resonates with anyone who picks up a copy of this book—for me, I found it to be a veritable treasure trove and such a treat! I highlighted so many amazing gems, but I want you to discover them for yourself, and so I will not share or spoil any details.💎
I preordered a Kindle copy and joined Jamie’s book launch team to be able to read an ARC.
February 23, 2021
This is a review of Netgalley copy that I received in advance of the publishing date - that I paid for by being a part of the author's "pre-launch team."
Until January, I'd never heard of Jamie Kern Lima. On New Year's Day, I watched an all-day motivational online program from Brandon Burchard, ONLY because Mel Robbins was on it, and I like Mel Robbins. The program line-up included Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT cosmetics. At the time, I was like, "Cool. Successful female entrepreneur" and moved on. Then I started seeing Facebook ads for her "launch team" for her book. What pulled me in was the activity book/journal to use with the book and a program from her. I'm a sucker for activity books/journals and online personal development programs if they have some validity. In this case, she was a successful entrepreneur who hadn't inherited a business or wealth.
After looking at the launch team goodies, I decided to spend the money on the Kindle version, which would give me access to a Netgalley copy.
Here's the review:
It's an easy read, and she, or her ghostwriter, is a good writer.
Yes, there's some God talk, and a lot of it. I suspected as much when I saw that she had Victoria Osteen as a speaker on her free all-day online "pump you up" presentation on February 22, 2021, the day before the book was available. (It became available today.) There's a whole chapter devoted to her definition of her faith. It's light on Jesus, no mention of Christ, and all God light. Just putting that out there for those who want to know. By praising Osteen, I knew what kind of mentality I was dealing with.
My takeaway is this: She's worked very hard for a long time to be where she is. She also probably couldn't have done it without her husband, Paulo, whom she met when they were both at an elite business graduate school. Over at least a decade, they put so many hours in that they didn't spend time with family, they didn't spend time together as a married couple, and their physical health was in tatters for years. You may be a business success, but what does that say about your life? That's not my definition of a successful life. She may have the time and money now to live life, but there was no guarantee that this would happen, and that after 40, she could finally start truly living.
Also, she does touch on her and her husband's addiction to work. That's definitely something that they need to work on. Addiction in any form isn't healthy. I'm curious to know what they were both running from by being workaholics. Typically, if you have one addiction, it will transfer to something else if not dealt with.
If you're looking for a "how to be a business success," from this book, let me save you some time and money. These are the book's takeaways on that topic: learn business, develop and protect a product, develop a good story about the product, have a partner who's willing to work for free, and be willing to dedicate your life's energy and time so that your business might be a success.
While she does spend a lot of time talking about "raise up the women in your life," which is inspiring, it's a bit light on that, and I'm probably going to read the Sallie Krawcheck book.
It's also a memoir, with a lot about her struggle to deal with being "given up" at birth, even though she was adopted into a loving family that could take care of her. I really hope that she's sought counseling from a licensed clinical counselor and not just a "pastor" to deal with her issues related to being "given up." She doesn't have issues with being adopted, she has issues with being "given up" by an 18-year-old girl who became pregnant after a one-time sexual act back in the 1970s. Her lack of compassion and understanding for a girl who found herself pregnant and scared in the 1970s was appalling to me. Her wanting to be held like a baby (as an adult woman in her 30s or 40s) by her birth mother was troubling.
Her chat room on Facebook tends to be adoring fans who are familiar with her as a product - not her cosmetic line, which is baffling to me.
Do I regret spending the money for access to the Netgally copy? No. It definitely shows that hard work and many sacrifices are probably necessary for a start-up to be successful. I'm looking forward to seeing this 5-lesson program she created because the one thing that comes across is "You must believe in yourself, even when no one else does," even though in her case, she also had an incredibly dedicated husband who she definitely gives credit to for her success.
Who is this book for? I'm not sure. I read it because I'm looking at starting a business, and I wanted to be inspired by a successful female entrepreneur who wasn't born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
Until January, I'd never heard of Jamie Kern Lima. On New Year's Day, I watched an all-day motivational online program from Brandon Burchard, ONLY because Mel Robbins was on it, and I like Mel Robbins. The program line-up included Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT cosmetics. At the time, I was like, "Cool. Successful female entrepreneur" and moved on. Then I started seeing Facebook ads for her "launch team" for her book. What pulled me in was the activity book/journal to use with the book and a program from her. I'm a sucker for activity books/journals and online personal development programs if they have some validity. In this case, she was a successful entrepreneur who hadn't inherited a business or wealth.
After looking at the launch team goodies, I decided to spend the money on the Kindle version, which would give me access to a Netgalley copy.
Here's the review:
It's an easy read, and she, or her ghostwriter, is a good writer.
Yes, there's some God talk, and a lot of it. I suspected as much when I saw that she had Victoria Osteen as a speaker on her free all-day online "pump you up" presentation on February 22, 2021, the day before the book was available. (It became available today.) There's a whole chapter devoted to her definition of her faith. It's light on Jesus, no mention of Christ, and all God light. Just putting that out there for those who want to know. By praising Osteen, I knew what kind of mentality I was dealing with.
My takeaway is this: She's worked very hard for a long time to be where she is. She also probably couldn't have done it without her husband, Paulo, whom she met when they were both at an elite business graduate school. Over at least a decade, they put so many hours in that they didn't spend time with family, they didn't spend time together as a married couple, and their physical health was in tatters for years. You may be a business success, but what does that say about your life? That's not my definition of a successful life. She may have the time and money now to live life, but there was no guarantee that this would happen, and that after 40, she could finally start truly living.
Also, she does touch on her and her husband's addiction to work. That's definitely something that they need to work on. Addiction in any form isn't healthy. I'm curious to know what they were both running from by being workaholics. Typically, if you have one addiction, it will transfer to something else if not dealt with.
If you're looking for a "how to be a business success," from this book, let me save you some time and money. These are the book's takeaways on that topic: learn business, develop and protect a product, develop a good story about the product, have a partner who's willing to work for free, and be willing to dedicate your life's energy and time so that your business might be a success.
While she does spend a lot of time talking about "raise up the women in your life," which is inspiring, it's a bit light on that, and I'm probably going to read the Sallie Krawcheck book.
It's also a memoir, with a lot about her struggle to deal with being "given up" at birth, even though she was adopted into a loving family that could take care of her. I really hope that she's sought counseling from a licensed clinical counselor and not just a "pastor" to deal with her issues related to being "given up." She doesn't have issues with being adopted, she has issues with being "given up" by an 18-year-old girl who became pregnant after a one-time sexual act back in the 1970s. Her lack of compassion and understanding for a girl who found herself pregnant and scared in the 1970s was appalling to me. Her wanting to be held like a baby (as an adult woman in her 30s or 40s) by her birth mother was troubling.
Her chat room on Facebook tends to be adoring fans who are familiar with her as a product - not her cosmetic line, which is baffling to me.
Do I regret spending the money for access to the Netgally copy? No. It definitely shows that hard work and many sacrifices are probably necessary for a start-up to be successful. I'm looking forward to seeing this 5-lesson program she created because the one thing that comes across is "You must believe in yourself, even when no one else does," even though in her case, she also had an incredibly dedicated husband who she definitely gives credit to for her success.
Who is this book for? I'm not sure. I read it because I'm looking at starting a business, and I wanted to be inspired by a successful female entrepreneur who wasn't born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
March 8, 2021
This story is inspiring because she worked so hard to be successful. But, honestly this isn’t a good book for entrepreneurs. It’s a memoir more than any thing else.
The first half was about how everyone said no, working endless hours, missing any events, never sleeping to get to her goals. The second half was giving God credit for everything which struck me as a bit condescending since she also spoke a lot about women shrinking themselves in society. She shrank herself by telling everyone everything she has, everyone she’s met, all her money were because God made it happen. As if her missing out on life for 6 years building her business wasn’t what actually gave her success.
Her adoption story went a bit cringy and uncomfortable for me when, after she had a surrogate give birth to her daughter when she was 42 she had to have her birth mom hold her like a baby. To me it was just weird. Her adoptive mom seemed to really care for her but this mom hold me like a baby thing? She didn’t even know she was adopted until she was in her late 20s. Then all the sudden she didn’t know who she was while building this empire. And be prepared for crying on every page.
Want to start a business? Dump everything you have in to it and get unnamed investors and family to help. Be authentic and hope you can one day sell for more than a billion dollars.
The book is written simply so it’s easy to read it and finish it quickly. There were some fun quotes worth highlighting. Overall if you want a success story that feels like a chick flick, pick up this book. If you’re looking at leveling up your business, this doesn’t help much more than cheerleading with fun quotes.
The first half was about how everyone said no, working endless hours, missing any events, never sleeping to get to her goals. The second half was giving God credit for everything which struck me as a bit condescending since she also spoke a lot about women shrinking themselves in society. She shrank herself by telling everyone everything she has, everyone she’s met, all her money were because God made it happen. As if her missing out on life for 6 years building her business wasn’t what actually gave her success.
Her adoption story went a bit cringy and uncomfortable for me when, after she had a surrogate give birth to her daughter when she was 42 she had to have her birth mom hold her like a baby. To me it was just weird. Her adoptive mom seemed to really care for her but this mom hold me like a baby thing? She didn’t even know she was adopted until she was in her late 20s. Then all the sudden she didn’t know who she was while building this empire. And be prepared for crying on every page.
Want to start a business? Dump everything you have in to it and get unnamed investors and family to help. Be authentic and hope you can one day sell for more than a billion dollars.
The book is written simply so it’s easy to read it and finish it quickly. There were some fun quotes worth highlighting. Overall if you want a success story that feels like a chick flick, pick up this book. If you’re looking at leveling up your business, this doesn’t help much more than cheerleading with fun quotes.
February 3, 2021
(Note: Received a Net Galley Digital copy -- but also bought my own personal copy and pre-ordered it for a bunch of friends! That's how much I loved this book! )
When I picked up this book, I thought it would be a nice story about the founder of IT Cosmetics, a brand that I have worn for years. What I didn't know is that I would stay up reading, crying, and cheering along the author, Jamie Kern Lima. Her story is one you won't soon forget -- I won't give any spoilers but there were times when I gasped out loud and my husband asked if I was ok... This book was so a pleasure to read -- like hanging out in your comfy sweats and swapping sad and funny stories with your best friend over a nice frothy beverage. I didn't want it to end! Part memoir and part empowering manifesto, it's an invaluable read for anyone who has ever doubted themselves. I also think it should be required reading for any young woman ages 15 and up. Love love loved this book!
When I picked up this book, I thought it would be a nice story about the founder of IT Cosmetics, a brand that I have worn for years. What I didn't know is that I would stay up reading, crying, and cheering along the author, Jamie Kern Lima. Her story is one you won't soon forget -- I won't give any spoilers but there were times when I gasped out loud and my husband asked if I was ok... This book was so a pleasure to read -- like hanging out in your comfy sweats and swapping sad and funny stories with your best friend over a nice frothy beverage. I didn't want it to end! Part memoir and part empowering manifesto, it's an invaluable read for anyone who has ever doubted themselves. I also think it should be required reading for any young woman ages 15 and up. Love love loved this book!
May 16, 2021
This book is a hidden treasure and I am so grateful for having it cross my life's path.When I needed it the most!!!!! I fealt as if the author was speaking directly to me and definitely fealt the presence of a higher power in form of tears everytime I turn the pages from chapter to chapter. This author-Jamie Kern Lima is a true epitome of authenticity and gives everyone who is reading this book with the power of faith,love above all belief in their own true self.
Forever grateful for reading this book!
Forever grateful for reading this book!
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May 20, 2021Jamie Kern Lima, sold her cosmetic company ‘IT� to Loreal for over 1 billion dollars, signing for 3 years to run as CEO, making her the first woman CEO for Loreal! She shares her journey in her memoir ‘Believe it� and shows her dedication and perseverance she gave to something she believed in. Not only does she shared each part of this journey, she opens up about her life too. This combination, shows that no matter who you are, and what your life is, you can follow your passion, face the obstacles and come out on top.
It’s a quick read, with antidotes, words of wisdom and if Jamie Kern Lima can do it, you can too. If you need a boost to your passion, this is definitely worth picking up.
*Review by Lisa - Reader Services Coordinator*
It’s a quick read, with antidotes, words of wisdom and if Jamie Kern Lima can do it, you can too. If you need a boost to your passion, this is definitely worth picking up.
*Review by Lisa - Reader Services Coordinator*
March 27, 2021
Go to an elite school. Find the love of your life. Be a total workoholic. Open the company with your husband and work 100 hours a week and more, for years. Struggle until you finally get lucky...and sell your company for 1.2 billion dollars. What did I learn from this book? Literary nothing.
March 20, 2024
Преди да прочета книгата изобщо не бях запозната нито с авторката, нито с бранда IT Cosmetics. Вселената обаче се погрижи за това, защото в момента, в който започнах книгата, пристигна поръчката ми от Douglas и вътре имаше мостра на CC крем познайте на коя марка� на IT Cosmetics! Пробвах продукта, прочетох книгата и се оказа, че и продуктите, и създателката им са ТОП.
Историята на Джейми Кърн Лима е от тези, които ни карат да вярваме, че дори ние, обикновените, но смели момичета, които искат да излязат извън рамката, можем да сбъдваме големите мечти. Всичко става с вяра и безкра��ни опити.
Признавам, че на моменти ми ставаше скучно, защото съветите на авторката бяха до болка познати за мен, но това не прави книгата лоша в никакъв случай! Просто се чувствах все едно слушам вътрешния си монолог, а вече ми е писнало от него 😅
Сега след като се чувствам обвързана с бранда, а и продуктът се оказа хубав, май ще трябва да увелича бюджета си за за фон дьо тен. Дори искам да предложа на авторката да слага по една мостра в книгата. Мисля, че би било супер маркетингово решение ⭐️
Историята на Джейми Кърн Лима е от тези, които ни карат да вярваме, че дори ние, обикновените, но смели момичета, които искат да излязат извън рамката, можем да сбъдваме големите мечти. Всичко става с вяра и безкра��ни опити.
Признавам, че на моменти ми ставаше скучно, защото съветите на авторката бяха до болка познати за мен, но това не прави книгата лоша в никакъв случай! Просто се чувствах все едно слушам вътрешния си монолог, а вече ми е писнало от него 😅
Сега след като се чувствам обвързана с бранда, а и продуктът се оказа хубав, май ще трябва да увелича бюджета си за за фон дьо тен. Дори искам да предложа на авторката да слага по една мостра в книгата. Мисля, че би било супер маркетингово решение ⭐️
August 26, 2023
I lovedddd this book! I’m doing 75 hard so I have to read 10 pages from a nonfiction book everyday and this one I definitely read more than 10 pages� I loved hearing her story and how she overcame everything in her life with so much grace. If you don’t like nonfiction/self-development books I promise you this one is different!
April 11, 2022
Jamie Kern Lima has such a wonderful energy. I wish she would have gone into more detail about her journey with her make-up line. It would have been wonderful to have the actual scenes painted on the "nos" she received. That said, Jamie seems like a fabulous human, and it's inspiring to know that even kind, loving, empathetic humans can persevere in this dog-eat-dog world if they audaciously live their authentic lives and never give up.
April 29, 2022
Inspiring story- but got to be repetitive
October 1, 2024
I’m counting this as read even though I didn’t finish it, but I attended the book club so it counts!
February 8, 2021
Outstanding, authentic, open, inspiring, funny! This is a must-read! The best “don’t give up�; know your why; trust your gut; Believe books. Jamie freely shares her struggles, joys, challenges, victories and the impact of taking on the beauty industry to be for “all women.� You’ll walk away so glad you read it.
**Note I am part of the book launch team & received a virtual copy via NetGalley; was selected for a random hard copy distributor pick; and purchased my own copies, as well.
**Note I am part of the book launch team & received a virtual copy via NetGalley; was selected for a random hard copy distributor pick; and purchased my own copies, as well.
March 4, 2021
Hands down...the best motivational, inspirational business book I’ve read in awhile. So easy to relate to the struggles and told so well. I highly recommend!
January 10, 2025
Believe IT: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable by Jamie Kern Lima was one of the most inspirational and honest books I have read in a very long time. I was fortunate to be part of the book launch team and read this book in advance. It was a page turner. I finished it in less than a day. I couldn't put it down.
Jamie's story is a story of love, faith, perseverance, and believing in yourself when no one else does. Jamie believed in herself, her product and her company. She went from almost losing everything to getting her shot on QVC that changed the course of her life and so many other women's lives. She knew if she could get on QVC to showcase her makeup that it would sell. And it sold. Jamie believed in showing real women with real skin problems on TV. This was faced with lots of opposition in the beauty industry but Jamie insisted and she was right. The women watching her on QVC wanted to see people like them and how a makeup product can help them feel beautiful. By doing this, Jamie managed to change the beauty industry showing real women. One of the most inspiring things Jamie did was take her makeup off on national TV to show her rosacea. She demonstrated that she was just like other women who have skin issues and her product worked. That took guts.
I first discovered who Jamie was at a virtual conference in 2020. After hearing her talk, I had to buy her book. She was so inspiring going from almost bankrupt to selling her company for over a billion dollars to L'Oreal. She was humble and sincere about being the first female CEO in L'Oreal's history.
Jamie tells her story like you would tell your story to a friend. If you need a book to inspire you to become who you know you are meant to be, I highly recommend picking this book up. It's one of those books that I plan on reading over and over again.
Jamie's story is a story of love, faith, perseverance, and believing in yourself when no one else does. Jamie believed in herself, her product and her company. She went from almost losing everything to getting her shot on QVC that changed the course of her life and so many other women's lives. She knew if she could get on QVC to showcase her makeup that it would sell. And it sold. Jamie believed in showing real women with real skin problems on TV. This was faced with lots of opposition in the beauty industry but Jamie insisted and she was right. The women watching her on QVC wanted to see people like them and how a makeup product can help them feel beautiful. By doing this, Jamie managed to change the beauty industry showing real women. One of the most inspiring things Jamie did was take her makeup off on national TV to show her rosacea. She demonstrated that she was just like other women who have skin issues and her product worked. That took guts.
I first discovered who Jamie was at a virtual conference in 2020. After hearing her talk, I had to buy her book. She was so inspiring going from almost bankrupt to selling her company for over a billion dollars to L'Oreal. She was humble and sincere about being the first female CEO in L'Oreal's history.
Jamie tells her story like you would tell your story to a friend. If you need a book to inspire you to become who you know you are meant to be, I highly recommend picking this book up. It's one of those books that I plan on reading over and over again.
August 18, 2021
I listened to Believe IT by Jamie Kern Lima and could barely stop when I had to to sleep or work, this book is phenomenal and so worth your time. I listen to memoirs occasionally and have to say that this one is my favorite so far. I also really appreciate that the author was the narrator, this is something that always lends a feeling of the story coming across as more genuine because they know exactly where the enthusiasm, emphasis, and empathy belongs. This book would be fabulous for someone needing some oomph to get their entrepreneurial spirit going because Jamie truly started from scratch and takes the reader along every step of the way. I am so amazed that people have ideas that they are able to 'raise up' into major brands! But, it is also a fun and inspiring read for someone like me that just wanted to enjoy her story and feel energized for life in general. Don't hesitate, read IT!
March 17, 2021
I really wanted to love this book because I heard nothing but glowing praise for it....but I just didn’t!
There were a few parts with some insightful thoughts worthy of highlighting, but mostly it was just obviousness annoying repetition. She said the same thing so many times. I feel like it could have been several chapters shorter if she didn’t repeat herself so much. And all the stuff about her mom and birth mom really bothered me. At one point, she refers to her mom as the “woman who raised her.� Ouch.
I suggested this for my March book club and now I wish I would have chosen something else.
I’m definitely not in the majority here, but I thought this book was just...meh....ok. I gave it three stars because at least I finished it!
There were a few parts with some insightful thoughts worthy of highlighting, but mostly it was just obviousness annoying repetition. She said the same thing so many times. I feel like it could have been several chapters shorter if she didn’t repeat herself so much. And all the stuff about her mom and birth mom really bothered me. At one point, she refers to her mom as the “woman who raised her.� Ouch.
I suggested this for my March book club and now I wish I would have chosen something else.
I’m definitely not in the majority here, but I thought this book was just...meh....ok. I gave it three stars because at least I finished it!
July 11, 2021
I appreciate how completely frank and open the author is about her experiences in business—she's willing to be very vulnerable and personal with all of the things that didn't work as a business owner. I think a lot of business owners reading this book will find that reassuring!
However, she was prone to go on a lot of tangents that didn't seem at all necessary to the story (the word count could have been easily cut in half). I was turned off by the constant religion and some of the conservative undertones, too—but to be fair, I don't think I'm the target reader with a book like this. It seems a little odd that the religious aspect isn't included in any of the book marketing, because it plays a HUGE part of the way the author tells her story.
However, she was prone to go on a lot of tangents that didn't seem at all necessary to the story (the word count could have been easily cut in half). I was turned off by the constant religion and some of the conservative undertones, too—but to be fair, I don't think I'm the target reader with a book like this. It seems a little odd that the religious aspect isn't included in any of the book marketing, because it plays a HUGE part of the way the author tells her story.
January 20, 2022
I just love Jamie Kern Lima and have been a huge It Cosmetics fan for years, and her story and life lessons made me love her even more. Such a great personal and business story. Super inspiring, and touching there were times where I definitely teared up a bit and I think what she has accomplished is really impressive. I am going to start rating all business, motivational, biographies and memoirs 5 stars - Anyone who has the courage to share their story or advice deserves 5 stars.
February 4, 2021
Years ago, I knew Jamie Kern Lima had something special about her. I loved her IT Cosmetics line - not only because the products actually worked to improve my skin and looked awesome - but I loved the belief she incorporated to her brand statement "that every woman is beautiful and deserves to feel her most beautiful." It aligned with so many of my own personal and business core values of loving myself and to encourage others to love their authentic selves as well.
When I open a book, I want to jump in and experience all that it offers. Get a box of Kleenex because you will need it-it's like you get a dose of compassion and love the entire way! (when you get to page 2 you'll understand!) I had the honor of previewing the book before launch and I could NOT put it down. It was that good! An inspiring, powerful read from start to finish about a woman's journey to change the world by just believing in herself. The book is filled with moments of revelation, perseverance, and grace. And laughter. Jamie tells the story so beautifully - it's like you are her BFF and have known her for years. True connection! If you are someone who has gone through your life with ups and downs, and you need help getting redirected in your life's purpose - this book will carry your confidence to new heights. Buy the book, read it, take notes, highlight the awesome profound quotes and takeaways that you can apply in your life immediately. Then add this book to your "EMPOWERMENT" bookshelf (if you don't have one - now you do!) and when you are feeling like you are losing ground, come back and re-read this most amazing book, and remember to not give up on yourself and to let your light shine and always believe in yourself. If you have a best friend or know someone who could use a dose of awesome - you need to gift them this book! Thank you, Jamie, for sharing your story with the world. I loved it.
When I open a book, I want to jump in and experience all that it offers. Get a box of Kleenex because you will need it-it's like you get a dose of compassion and love the entire way! (when you get to page 2 you'll understand!) I had the honor of previewing the book before launch and I could NOT put it down. It was that good! An inspiring, powerful read from start to finish about a woman's journey to change the world by just believing in herself. The book is filled with moments of revelation, perseverance, and grace. And laughter. Jamie tells the story so beautifully - it's like you are her BFF and have known her for years. True connection! If you are someone who has gone through your life with ups and downs, and you need help getting redirected in your life's purpose - this book will carry your confidence to new heights. Buy the book, read it, take notes, highlight the awesome profound quotes and takeaways that you can apply in your life immediately. Then add this book to your "EMPOWERMENT" bookshelf (if you don't have one - now you do!) and when you are feeling like you are losing ground, come back and re-read this most amazing book, and remember to not give up on yourself and to let your light shine and always believe in yourself. If you have a best friend or know someone who could use a dose of awesome - you need to gift them this book! Thank you, Jamie, for sharing your story with the world. I loved it.
July 6, 2021
So this one is going to marinate for a day or 6! Recommended by a colleague, this memoir is not my normal read, but the suggestion came with such passion I had to check it out! Now I can’t wait to start the lunchtime discussions!
Thought provoking, faith inspiring & confidence boosting, Jamie Kern Lima’s story of the creation, building & finally sale of IT Cosmetics is a powerful story of hope, female empowerment & the determination it takes to follow a dream.
Lima brings the reader deeply into her struggles; personal & business & walks through each of the often painful steps she took or was led through to move past them!
As a woman in a corporate office run by mostly men but staffed mostly by women, her message of empowerment & support is humbling & powerful! All women know that feeling of judgement when Brenda from accounting wears that too tight shirt or Tammy the new girl comes in late after a rough night � we should take a moment before we tsk tsk or judge to reflect or simple just not do that!!
It is on all of us to shift the current away from putting each other down to building each other up! We cannot be successful if we don’t celebrate each other’s success & we can’t grow if we don’t help each other grow too!
Shine your light ladies! The world will be a better place for it!
Thought provoking, faith inspiring & confidence boosting, Jamie Kern Lima’s story of the creation, building & finally sale of IT Cosmetics is a powerful story of hope, female empowerment & the determination it takes to follow a dream.
Lima brings the reader deeply into her struggles; personal & business & walks through each of the often painful steps she took or was led through to move past them!
As a woman in a corporate office run by mostly men but staffed mostly by women, her message of empowerment & support is humbling & powerful! All women know that feeling of judgement when Brenda from accounting wears that too tight shirt or Tammy the new girl comes in late after a rough night � we should take a moment before we tsk tsk or judge to reflect or simple just not do that!!
It is on all of us to shift the current away from putting each other down to building each other up! We cannot be successful if we don’t celebrate each other’s success & we can’t grow if we don’t help each other grow too!
Shine your light ladies! The world will be a better place for it!
February 7, 2021
"You might be tempted to underestimate me, but let me save you some time . . . don’t." - Jamie Kern Lima
Believe It is an incredible story of a woman on a mission. This book has a little something for everyone. For the entrepreneurs, she tells the story of how she started her company in her living room and turned it into a billion (with a B) dollar brand. For the dreamers, she talks about her role in changing the way the world sees beauty. For the person who has lived through extraordinary family circumstances, she vulnerably shares her experience. For anyone who needs it, she offers inspiration and encouragement. But more than that, Jamie gives all of the love in her heart to everyone that reads this book. It is evident in every word she writes and how I felt when I read it.
A couple of quotes that spoke to me:
"Your intuition is more powerful than anyone else’s advice."
This resonated with me on so many levels and is perhaps my favorite quote in the entire book. Believing in yourself and trusting your gut are the most important things you can do when building the life of your dreams.
"So many women are still so critical of ourselves and other women. And this just holds us all back. We need women to take chances, launch businesses, challenge industries, speak out against injustices, and shine their own lights brightly, without being afraid to fail or worrying about getting shamed for it. We need to have grace for each other. We need to lift each other up. And celebrate each other."
It is very obvious that supporting and lifting up other women is a calling for the author. In this book, she does just that and recommends readers do the same.
I always appreciate when a book "sounds" like its author. Jamie's voice can be heard and her passion can be felt on every page. As a woman and as an entrepreneur, I cannot recommend this book enough.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for providing an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2021
I was introduced to Jamie Kern Lima earlier this year when she presented a keynote at a virtual personal growth conference. She is a dynamic speaker and I quickly became interested in learning more from her. This book did not disappoint!
“Believe IT: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable� is a motivational memoir by Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics. Jamie weaves together stories and lessons from her personal and professional life that explore such themes how to be brave in your relationships and in business, how to support other women, and how confidence is gained the more we show up as our authentic selves.
“Believe IT!� is a great book for any woman who finds herself ready to level-up and become unstoppable in her personal or professional life. This book tops my list of favorite non-fiction reads. As Michelle Obama once told her, Jamie has a beautiful light inside of her. Her spirit radiates off the pages of this book making it an easy and motivational read.
“Believe IT: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable� is a motivational memoir by Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics. Jamie weaves together stories and lessons from her personal and professional life that explore such themes how to be brave in your relationships and in business, how to support other women, and how confidence is gained the more we show up as our authentic selves.
“Believe IT!� is a great book for any woman who finds herself ready to level-up and become unstoppable in her personal or professional life. This book tops my list of favorite non-fiction reads. As Michelle Obama once told her, Jamie has a beautiful light inside of her. Her spirit radiates off the pages of this book making it an easy and motivational read.
February 6, 2021
After reading this book, I felt like I was having a conversation with a best girlfriend. You know the kind where you cry together, laugh at the crazy and cheer each other on for speaking from the heart. Thank you for sharing, thank you for making me laugh out loud, for making my feel all the things. Thank you for showing me dreams come true and being an entrepreneur is not always pretty, but that it's worth it. Jamie Kern Lima nails it with this book!
This is a book for people who are starting an a business journey and those who are established. I would recommend this for direct seller teams and book clubs as well. It really has something for everyone. Why? Because we don't know peoples stories and how they got to where they are or what they are dealing with that they don't share with others.
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This is a book for people who are starting an a business journey and those who are established. I would recommend this for direct seller teams and book clubs as well. It really has something for everyone. Why? Because we don't know peoples stories and how they got to where they are or what they are dealing with that they don't share with others.
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February 4, 2021
I couldn't put this one down...
Don't get me wrong, I read - a lot. But usually, I'm content to read for a bit before bed and pick up where I left off the next day. Not with this book! Jamie's unique combination of interesting stories combined with love and true enthusiasm for her subject (empowering women to do more, believe more and "fly girl fly") had me turning the pages long after I should have been asleep. Days later, I can still hear her voice in my head. An excellent read for anyone who's ever been told "no", wanted more or who just needs a loving nudge in the right direction. This book is a warm hug, combined with the wisdom your mama didn't know but probably would have given you if she had. A must read!
Don't get me wrong, I read - a lot. But usually, I'm content to read for a bit before bed and pick up where I left off the next day. Not with this book! Jamie's unique combination of interesting stories combined with love and true enthusiasm for her subject (empowering women to do more, believe more and "fly girl fly") had me turning the pages long after I should have been asleep. Days later, I can still hear her voice in my head. An excellent read for anyone who's ever been told "no", wanted more or who just needs a loving nudge in the right direction. This book is a warm hug, combined with the wisdom your mama didn't know but probably would have given you if she had. A must read!
February 3, 2021
I received an ARC from Netgalley. Before reading Believe IT, I had not heard of Jamie Kern Lima. Now I feel like I personally know Jamie and want to be invited to her house to wear comfy seats as well as eat homemade chocolate chip cookies and cookie dough. Jamie may be the first female CEO of a brand in L'Oreal's history and on the Forbes richest self-made women list, but the success didn't happen overnight. She heard no many times before finally receiving a yes. In Believe IT she takes us on a journey through all the low points to the eventual highs.
I had many key takeaways from the book, but here is a small sampling:
1. "Knowing when to let go of a dream is as important as knowing when to follow one."
2. "Wherever you may be stuck right now, that doesn't indicate where you're going in the future."
3. "Rejection, failures, and even the times our gut turns out to be wrong, are all gifts along life's journey."
4. "Your intuition is more powerful than anyone else's advice."
Those are from just the first chapter. This book is very inspiring.
I had many key takeaways from the book, but here is a small sampling:
1. "Knowing when to let go of a dream is as important as knowing when to follow one."
2. "Wherever you may be stuck right now, that doesn't indicate where you're going in the future."
3. "Rejection, failures, and even the times our gut turns out to be wrong, are all gifts along life's journey."
4. "Your intuition is more powerful than anyone else's advice."
Those are from just the first chapter. This book is very inspiring.
April 1, 2024
Kartais perskaičius knygą jautiesi toks įkvėptas, lyg galėtum pakeisti pasaulį. Po šios knygos nėra tokio stipraus jausmo, nors pati Jamie istorija labai stipri. Siūlyčiau ją skaityti, kai pritrūkstat motyvacijos eiti į priekį bei pasitikėjimo savimi. Pasižymėjau nemažai citatų, kurias karts nuo karto bandysiu priminti sau.
February 16, 2021
(Note: Received a Net Galley ARC Digital Copy, but also Pre-Ordered Hardcover Copy of my own).
Wow! Part Memoir, Part Motivational Manifesto! I've been watching Jamie Kern Lima since she was on Season 1 of Big Brother - I knew then, that she was IT! Was I right or what? She became the Founder and CEO of IT Cosmetics and is on the Forbes Richest Self-Made Woman List.
This book is a must-read for anyone that has a dream to succeed. My book is full of colorful highlights marking my favorite quotes that made me laugh, cry and say "Oh, that's good!"
Wow! Part Memoir, Part Motivational Manifesto! I've been watching Jamie Kern Lima since she was on Season 1 of Big Brother - I knew then, that she was IT! Was I right or what? She became the Founder and CEO of IT Cosmetics and is on the Forbes Richest Self-Made Woman List.
This book is a must-read for anyone that has a dream to succeed. My book is full of colorful highlights marking my favorite quotes that made me laugh, cry and say "Oh, that's good!"
April 1, 2021
I didn't know anything about Jamie's journey. In this book, she's bold, honest, genuine, and completely open about her story of how she got to where she is. I'm so happy I actually did this in an audible form - her story in her tone made all the difference for me.
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