#BossBabes
Female entrepreneur empowerment hashtag that became associated with MLM schemes.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Peak | 2015-2018 |
| Context | Female entrepreneurship, MLM marketing |
| Tone | Empowerment (often performative) |
| Backlash | MLM association damaged credibility |
Origin & Impact
#BossBabes emerged as an empowerment hashtag celebrating female entrepreneurs, particularly on Instagram. It accompanied photos of women running businesses, financial freedom celebrations, and “be your own boss” messaging. Initially positive, the hashtag was quickly co-opted by multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes recruiting for companies like LuLaRoe, It Works!, and Young Living.
The MLM association severely damaged #BossBabes’ credibility. What started as genuine entrepreneurship support became synonymous with predatory business models targeting women. The hashtag sparked important conversations about real vs. performative female empowerment and the difference between entrepreneurship and pyramid schemes. Many legitimate entrepreneurs abandoned the term.