Gertrude Stein

"You are extraordinary within your limits, but your limits are extraordinary!"

Born Pennsylvania Feb. 3rd 1874 - Died in Paris 1946

Art collector, Connecter, Poet, Novelist, Socialite, Mentor

Personality traits: Intelligent, witty, strong-minded, fearless, enthusiastic, unconventional, freethinker, sexual pioneer, business-minded.

Fame: Key figure in the birth of modernism, promoter of contemporary art, avant garde art collector.

Why Gertrude?

I find Gertrude's distinctive personality very intriguing. Her rejection of the ideal feminine constructs of the time, in favor of making her own choices and finding her own way, remains admirable. She created a life for herself that relied on her own will and wisdom, and with herself and the sheer force of her personality as the undisputed center. With her enthusiasm and generosity, she made her lifestyle close to art form, allowing her to surround herself with other great minds and personalities.

I greatly admire how Gertrude lived according to her own values, be it in terms of her sexuality, or her investment strategies. Women as investors are a topic of great importance to me - how women can invest their money in projects and ideas they believe in. The domain of “risk” have for far too long belonged to men, and the power of wealth is the power of self. And for Gertrude Stein, her fortune not only allowed her the freedom to be fully herself, but also created possibilities for others around her. A rich and fulfilling life indeed!