Ruth Handler – Founder of Mattel & Barbie Creator
California female entrepreneur, Ruth Handler transformed her belief of girls playing with paper dolls, to dolls with breasts being vital to the child’s self-esteem. That belief led to the icon everyone knows as Barbie. From a garage in 1945, Mattel grew to become a Fortune 500 company. Ruth’s understanding of self-image continued later in life when she developed the “Nearly Me” breast prosthesis following a mastectomy. Disliked by feminists, Handler’s ability to stick to her vision shows the trait required by all small business owners.
“Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.”
– Anne Sweeney, Co-Chair, Disney Media Networks