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Inspiring Beatrix

117 months ago

Beatrix Potter may be best remembered as the creator of Peter Rabbit, but she was much more. She was a smart businesswoman who created a legacy. She continues to inspire. Even now women are dealing with workplace inequity and wage inequality. I'm certain Beatrix would encourage all of us to stand together against these injustices.

Beatrix was discriminated against in the scientific community because she was a woman. She studied fungi and with the use of the use of a microscope created detailed technical illustrations. Some were eventually published in 1967. She submitted a scientific paper On the Germination of the Spores of the Agaricineae in 1897 but was not allowed to attend scientific meetings to discuss her work. It took a hundred years before the Linnean Society issued an apology for the way they treated her and her research.

She had difficulty finding a publisher for her children's books, so in 1901 she published her first Peter Rabbit book herself. She was successful because she never let setbacks discourage her. She was a savvy businesswoman and created licensing, a way of collecting royalties from Peter Rabbit merchandise. 

She applied her income to land conservation. Through her efforts, large portions of the Lake District were preserved. Her legacy includes 23 books, hundreds of illustrations and the Lake District National Park.

Beatrix was extraordinary because she became a success in spite of obstacles. I think we should all be inspired by her example. 

Stardoll has a lovely suite dedicated to her. Visit her at Beatrix.Potter

Play safe and have fun.

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