[caption id="attachment_29995" align="aligncenter" width="607" caption="Next. Big. Thing. Photo Credit: Getty Images"][/caption]

As trite and as trivial as it may sound to some, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen (along with their business managers of course) are two of the most savvy executives in the world. Not savvy because they started as actresses. Not savvy because they are women. Just plain savvy.

Everyone of course knows the girls from their days on Full House and the million movies that followed. The movies these girls made nonstop as they were growing up, forging an empire before they even hit double digits.

As it should happen, that empire, Dualstar, made these girls millionaires many, many times over when they hit the age of 18. And they deserved it, putting out and promoting clothes, fragrances, dolls and books, among other goods, their entire lives. Shocking as it may seem however, this was only the girls' first act.

As the two matured they took a more vested interest in fashion, launching the lines Elizabeth & James and The Row in addition to their collaborations with retail stores. Elizabeth & James was the more affordable line designed for a younger audience while The Row was aimed at that select group of buyers who truly understood, and were able to afford, luxury designer clothing. Both, as everyone knows, are hugely successful. Just a few weeks ago it was reported that a $39,000 alligator backpack from The Row's fall line was sold out. $39,000. You can't say these girls don't know their audience.

The two have a work ethic that is truly unparalleled, having literally worked since infancy. Complain all you want about how tough your work week has been, but these girls have been pressing their noses to the grindstone since day one. What's more, the two somehow occupy a unique realm of celebrity where, though they no longer act or court any sort of press, they are frequently hounded by paparazzi. So not only must they go about running their various businesses, they must do so with everyone watching.

They will always be, despite their wishes no doubt, in the public eye.

And now along comes younger sister Elizabeth Olsen, a performer who is being heralded as the next great American actress thanks to her turn in Martha Marcy May Marlene. A young woman so talented that all there really should be to talk about is her abilities and career. Instead, of course, it turns to the siblings.  And can you imagine achieving the greatest thing in your entire life only to be questioned about your family rather than your accomplishments?

New to the mix and getting raves for her work, Elizabeth still cannot be judged on her own ability, rather the media seems to be saying she should be recognized and appreciated not because she is talented first and foremost, but more because she is the younger sibling of two huge celebrities -- and talented. Watch any of the countless interviews or read any of Elizabeth's now numerous profiles and you will see that halfway through, if that late, comes the sibling question. Because god forbid Elizabeth be viewed as her own person.

George Clooney is never asked about his aunt Rosemary, Charlie Sheen about dad Martin and brother Emilio and Nicolas Cage's relationship to the Coppolas is all but unknown to most.

With female celebrities it is a far, far different story.

Emma Roberts will always be Julia's niece in the media, Kate Hudson Goldie Hawn's daughter and Solange Knowles and Ashlee Simpson can never escape the shadows of their older sisters.

It's enough to make a girl run off to a cult.

Ultimately, the Olsen girls are all amazing. The Olsen girls are all cool. The Olsen girls are all ridiculously talented.

Now how about we view them on their own individual merits.