How Ralph Lauren Rose from Poverty to Create a $12 Billion Fashion Empire

The American Dream can be expensive and even near-impossible for many citizens of the country which is why most people find hope in inspiring rags-to-riches stories of famous businessmen and celebrities. Ralph Lauren is one of the most powerful names in the fashion industry that almost everyone has heard. But what you probably don’t know is how the creator of the brand once defied all odds and overcame every obstacle in life to create a successful business that most entrepreneurs look up to.

Yes, we’re talking about Ralph Lauren, the designer, the fashion icon and inspiring businessman who worked his way from the bottom and erected a multi-billion-dollar empire out of nothing. Lauren was born and raised in a poor immigrant family, but Lauren was dreaming big from a very early age. He even wrote in his high school yearbook that he was determined to turn around his family’s financial state.

He wrote that his dream was to become a millionaire, and even though he did eventually achieve the dream, it wasn’t served to him on a silver platter. He worked hard day and night to turn his vision for the brand into reality. He joined the Army, took up work as a clerk, and eventually started a fashion business.

Lauren started his own brand with an uncommon fashion item. He created wide neckties that sold thousands around the country. He finally became famous when started his Polo line that has brought more money and influence than he could have imagined. Today, Lauren is richer than $7 billion.