Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Representation of Women Entrepreneurs in Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Abstract Women entrepreneurs have historically faced numerous challenges, from systemic barriers to cultural biases that limit their professional growth. The concept of the glass ceiling refers to an invisible but persistent barrier that prevents women from reaching leadership positions in business and professional settings. Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear serves as a motivational guide that, while primarily addressing creativity, offers significant insights into the entrepreneurial mindset through a creative and feminist lens. This paper explores the representation of women entrepreneurs in Big Magic, analyzing how Gilbert’s philosophy of persistence, resilience, and unconventional thinking aligns with breaking the glass ceiling. By closely examining key themes, characters, and passages, this research highlights how Big Magic serves as an empowering text for women in business and beyond. Gilbert’s arguments, including the necessity of overcoming fear, embracing failure, and pursuing passions without external validation, directly relate to the struggles faced by women entrepreneurs. This study uses textual analysis to connect Gilbert’s principles with feminist entrepreneurship and career advancement. Ultimately, this paper demonstrates how Big Magic provides an alternative framework for success, encouraging women to navigate business and leadership with confidence and creativity