A Book of Empowerment for Female Business Owners & Self-starters
- Nov 26, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 29
Empowering women to be their best, unapologetic self
The Middle Finger Project
Author: Ash Ambirge
Cover Designer: Jennifer Heur
Publisher: Virgin Books (an imprint of Penguin Books)
TLDR;
A few pages in, and it hits. Straight to the point. I usually skim over personal stories in self-help books, but here it just works. It helped me feel clearer about myself and what I ACTUALLY want. As someone constantly juggling anxiety and self-doubt, it felt like a mental unclogging session.
I may have rented it from the library, but I now own a copy just so I can re-read it as much as I want and need; this one’s a keeper!
General review
A Book of Empowerment for Ambitious Women
(Especially Business Owners & Self-starters!)
Okay, so I grabbed The Middle Finger Project at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow, hitting up the business and self-help section. Honestly? I half-expected some cookie-cutter, “corporate-style” self-help nonsense; quotes about “believe in yourself” with zero clue about real-life challenges. But nope, this book is a total surprise!
It helped me a lot with managing anxiety and personal growth as an individual, but most importantly, getting me out of self-doubt so my business can SHINE.
For any fellow female business owners out there, this book addresses the mental load of running a small business while battling imposter syndrome and societal pressure.
If you're looking to own your space, this book gives advice that’s relatable, actionable, and empowering.
I LOVE it!
Book aesthetics matters!
Bold Cover, Bold Message
As a designer and founder of a branding agency, I CANNOT ignore the cover. It’s bold, bright, and unapologetically in-your-face; the perfect fit for a book about empowerment, confidence, and self-leadership.
It radiates “girls’ girl” & “boss-b*tch” energy, and that vibe carries straight through the pages. Confidence, sass, and a touch of rebellion, exactly the kind of energy we can all benefit from when building our own brand.
Fun quirk
Guest List & Reader’s Advisory Warning
The guest list is fun and relatable, reflecting the inclusive, empowering approach Ash Ambirge takes. And yes, the book comes with a Reader’s Advisory Warning!
It perfectly sets the tone for what you get in the content: light-hearted, chatty, and motivational.
Literary review
Writing Style, Tone & Empowering Lessons
Without spoiling the content…
The writing feels like swapping stories with a friend over coffee rather than listening to a lecture. Cheeky, witty, and relatable. It makes you feel like you’re part of a community of women who refuse to play small.
The book blends memoir with practical advice: Ambirge shares how she built a business from scratch, tackling imposter syndrome and societal pressure along the way. It’s a guide for showing up boldly, trusting your own instincts, and making creativity your superpower.
Key Takeaways
What I Learnt And Want To Share
✔ Radical self‑reliance beats waiting for external approval.
✔ Personal story and creativity are assets, not liabilities!!
✔ Being “unconventional” is now an advantage in building a career.
✔ Imposter syndrome fades when you show up anyway.
✔ Agency comes from clarity about what you actually want.
Why This Book Kicks Off My Review Series
I wanted to start this book review series with something that speaks directly to ambitious women.
The Middle Finger Project is funny, real, and actionable. It’s not fluffy “think positive” advice, it’s a guide, pep talk, and rebellious cheerleader rolled into one.
It’s perfect for anyone ready to own their space, boost confidence, and embrace self-leadership in both personal and business life.
This book is one you’ll return to, again and again. It’s perfect for anyone who’s tired of playing small and ready to own their space.
So here’s to kicking off my series with something bold, sassy, and totally relatable.
The Middle Finger Project feels like the kind of book you keep coming back to, and I have a feeling it’s going to stick with me for a long time!
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