What does it mean to be an outsider? Does reaching success mean following a traditional, well-worn path or finding your own way forward? When does the feeling of not fitting in become an advantage in life?
One woman who can answer all these questions and completely flip the script on the stereotypical responses we’d expect is fashion influencer turned brand mogul and author Ciera Rogers. Ciera’s fashions are adored by A-list celebs as well as her millions of followers on social media. But her origin story is very different to what you would expect, and Ciera is sharing it all in her new book ‘The Outsider Advantage’, out now from Penguin Random House.
The Outsider Advantage is for Outsiders like her: the dreamers, doers, and go-getters that society continuously overlooks and underestimates, but who are uniquely equipped to achieve glass-shattering success.
In this bold and inspiring memoir, Ciera shares the moments in her life that left the biggest impact—being kidnapped at a young age by her estranged father, running hustles in strip clubs, and living in her mom’s red Jeep after becoming homeless at 16. What turned her life in a whole new direction was the choice to design clothing and share her designs on Instagram. As luck (or fate!) would have it, her post went viral, enabling her to start her now multi-million dollar brand called Babes, which put her on the radar of celebs like Beyonce and Kim Kardashian.
From homelessness to daring to starting a brand that eventually hit seven-figures, allowing her to buy a home, Ciera’s book and personal story unearths the powerful lessons she has taken away from her past and her unorthodox rise, like how to harness what you already have and how to use your trauma as a motivator.
She also speaks to feelings of millennial rage, as on her journey, she came to realize that the American Dream is a lie. But she didn’t allow that to stop her from outmaneuvering the system to finally live the life she wanted.
This self-empowerment book flips self-empowerment and traditional business books on their heads – it’s not about following some “proven” path to success. It’s taking “The Outsider Advantage.”
Arguing that what the world calls limitations—lack of connections, resources, fancy degrees, or even the “right” look—are actually our biggest competitive advantages, Ciera teaches anyone who has ever been overlooked, ignored or underestimated how to embrace their Outsider status to find unstoppable success.
Scroll on below to read our chat with Ciera about ‘The Outsider Advantage’, and the advice she has for others who want to follow their own path to success without feeling like they need to fit in.
Your new book has been described as “not your average business book”. What can readers expect that they cannot get elsewhere?
This book connects with readers in a way that no other business book does. I’m an outsider in this field, offering more than just tips. I want readers to look inside themselves, recognize their existing strengths, and confidently create their own place in the world.
You are taking all the messages that the world would describe as “failure”, and turning them into the best assets for success and happiness. Why is it important for you to counteract these messages?
It’s extremely important because everyone experiences failures at some point in their lives. You might as well make them work for you!
Your personal story is a journey of resilience, danger, overcoming barriers, and finding a path forward through unimaginable obstacles. What are some of these obstacles readers will get to learn about, and what do you want them to know by sharing them?
Growing up in poverty, I faced challenges that many others didn’t. It often felt like I was starting 10 steps behind. But I didn’t let that stop me. With determination, I turned obstacles into opportunities, and I want to share with readers how I did that.
As the founder of a multi-million dollar brand that is loved by the likes of Beyonce and the Kardashians today, what would you go back in time and tell your younger self when she was struggling the most?
You’re okay. Ignore the way life’s supposed to look like. It’s only a distraction.
We see a lot of messages and books about self-empowerment, but yours is very different. What does empowerment mean to you, and what are you imparting to readers through your book?
To me empowerment means digging deep into yourself to discover not just peace, but also inner strength.
Clothing has been a huge part of your life and story throughout the years. Can you tell us why it has played such an important role, and what messages clothing can communicate to others around us?
My mom has been a major influence in my life and she’s the ultimate fashionista. I’ve watched her put outfits together my entire life. She’s never worn the same outfit twice. I think clothing can express who you are or you can wear it like a costume and pretend to be something else. It’s powerful.
What does it mean to be an outsider, and how can people use this to their advantage in life?
I believe anyone can feel like an outsider. For some, like myself, it’s because of poverty—we didn’t have the same access as others. For others, it might be being a woman in a male-dominated field. It’s just about feeling like you’re different from the norm.
What message do you have for the young person today who feels like they do not fit in and cannot find their community?
If you feel like you don’t fit in, you’re lucky. You have a unique advantage. In marketing, standing out is key to success. People are the same way. You can create your own community, just as I did by establishing a space for curvy women with my brand.
Get your copy of ‘The Outsider Advantage’ HERE, and follow Ciera on Instagram. Join Beyonce in fangirling over Ciera’s clothing by following Babes on Instagram.
