Selfmade

Self-made refers to a person whose wealth, status, or accomplishments arise largely from their own efforts, initiative, and resources rather than from inherited wealth, family connections, or substantial external funding. The term is widely used in business and popular culture to signal independence, resilience, and merit.

The concept originated in the 19th-century United States as part of the meritocratic and individualist ideals of the era, emphasizing self-reliance and perseverance. In practice, a self-made person may bootstrap a venture, reinvest profits, or leverage personal skills and opportunities to achieve success.

In contemporary usage, being self-made often implies overcoming obstacles through effort and entrepreneurship. However, the label is debated: many who are described as self-made benefited from early advantages such as education, networks, or access to resources, making the notion a spectrum rather than a binary.

Critics argue that the “self-made” label can obscure structural inequalities and the role of luck, timing, and market conditions in success. The concept is frequently discussed in relation to meritocracy and social mobility, and it is not a universal measure of value or capability.

In culture, self-made is used as a branding motif and in titles such as the rapper Rick Ross’ Self Made album series (Self Made, Vol. 1, 2011; Vol. 2, 2012; Vol. 3, 2013). The term also appears in fashion, entrepreneurship discourse, and discussions of funding approaches, including bootstrapping and independent growth.