J.K. Rowling’s success story has literally been “one for the books,” and it looks like every British entrepreneur has found an inspiration on it. (Reuters)

MANILA, Philippines — J.K. Rowling’s success story has literally been “one for the books,” and it looks like every British entrepreneur has found an inspiration on it.

The 45-year-old “Harry Potter” author was named the top female celebrity who inspires Britons to succeed, according to a poll survey by OnePoll and commissioned by OfficeCavalry.com last October.

Rowling bested United States First Lady Michelle Obama and talk show host Oprah Winfrey in the poll participated by more than 2,000 self-employed Britons.

Nearly one fifth of respondents voted for Rowling, dubbed the world's first billionaire author for her hugely popular boy wizard series and the movies it inspired.

In the men's category, more than one quarter of those questioned voted for Alan Sugar, the British businessman and star of the UK version of TV show "The Apprentice".

Sugar was ahead of music producer and TV entrepreneur Simon Cowell, creator of "The X Factor" and "Britain's Got Talent", and Microsoft founder Bill Gates. (With a report from Reuters)

Female celebrities inspiring Britons to become own boss:
1. J.K. Rowling
2. Katie Price
3. Karren Brady
4. Cheryl Cole
5. Oprah Winfrey
6. Victoria Beckham
7. Michelle Obama
8. Denise van Outen
9. Dannii Minogue
10. Kylie Minogue

Male celebrities inspiring Britons to become own boss:
1. Alan Sugar
2. Simon Cowell
3. Richard Branson
4. Peter Jones
5. Jamie Oliver
6. Bill Gates
7. Gordon Ramsay
8. Theo Paphitis
9. Jonathan Ross
10. David Beckham