The Slow Death of Celebrityhood: From the 1990s to Now | Over Exposed Personal Brands

In the 1990s, celebrityhood was rare air. Fame was filtered. You had to pass through gatekeepers—record labels, movie studios, television networks, glossy magazines. Celebrities felt distant, untouchable, almost mythological. Fans knew of them, not with them.

Fast forward to now, and that mystique is gone.

Celebrityhood, as we once knew it, is dying.

Not because people don’t crave fame anymore—but because fame itself has been radically diluted.

From Untouchable Icons to Overexposed Personal Brands

In the ’90s, celebrities appeared when they chose to appear. Interviews were curated. Images were controlled. Privacy, while not perfect, still existed. Paparazzi culture was invasive, but access was limited by technology and distribution.

Today, social media has flipped the entire model.

Celebrities are expected to be constantly visible:

• Daily posts
• Personal opinions
• Behind-the-scenes access
• Real-time reactions

Fame now demands constant performance. The line between public and private life has collapsed. What once made celebrities fascinating—their distance—has been replaced by overexposure.

When everyone is accessible, no one feels special.

Fan Worship Has Mutated Into Fan Ownership

What we now call “fandom” would have been unrecognizable in the 1990s.

Fans no longer just admire celebrities—they feel entitled to them.

Social media has created the illusion of intimacy. Likes, comments, DMs, livestreams—these tools blur boundaries and create parasocial relationships where fans feel emotionally invested, even possessive.

This is where fandom becomes dangerous.

• Celebrities are punished for changing opinions
• Careers are threatened by fan outrage
• Personal relationships are scrutinized
• Mental health struggles become public spectacle

In extreme cases, fans justify harassment, stalking, and doxxing as “accountability” or “support.”

What looks like love often turns into control.

Trading Privacy for Fame: A Deal With Hidden Costs

Modern celebrities are not just entertainers—they are brands. And brands require transparency.

To stay relevant, many trade privacy for visibility:

• Family moments become content
• Trauma becomes engagement
• Personal beliefs become monetized

But once privacy is traded, it’s almost impossible to reclaim.

The public begins to believe it has a right to everything: thoughts, mistakes, growth, grief. The celebrity becomes a public resource rather than a human being.

Fame stops being admiration and starts being surveillance.

“Fair Game”: When Public Figures Lose Protection

There’s a chilling historical parallel here.

During the U.S. government’s COINTELPRO era, certain activists and public figures were labeled “fair game.” This meant they could be surveilled, discredited, harassed, and destabilized with little regard for personal harm—because their public influence made them targets.

While today’s celebrity culture isn’t government-run in the same way, the mindset echoes.

Once someone becomes famous, many people unconsciously treat them as “fair game”:

• Their past is excavated
• Their words are weaponized
• Their mistakes are immortalized
• Their humanity is secondary to public consumption

The justification is always the same: They chose this.

But choosing visibility should not mean forfeiting dignity.

The Future: Micro-Fame, Not Megastars

Celebrityhood isn’t disappearing—it’s fragmenting.

Instead of a few global icons, we now have:

• Influencers with niche audiences
• Viral moments instead of lasting legacies
• Temporary fame instead of cultural permanence

Attention moves fast. Loyalty is thinner. Public grace is rare.

In this environment, being famous is less about talent and more about endurance—how long someone can survive constant scrutiny without breaking.

Closing Thought

The 1990s created celebrities. The internet democratized fame. Social media devoured privacy. And fandom, unchecked, became volatile.

Celebrityhood didn’t die overnight—it was slowly dismantled by access, entitlement, and the belief that visibility equals ownership.

Maybe the real shift isn’t that celebrities are less important—but that we’re finally seeing the cost of putting human beings on pedestals, then punishing them for falling.

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IfThanks for reading. Cecilia

How Social Media Helped Create the Information Age — and Where AI Is Taking Us Next

 

We’re living in what’s often called the Information Age, but it didn’t arrive overnight. Social media played a massive role in speeding it up, reshaping how we learn, shop, create, and communicate. What started as a way to connect with friends has evolved into a powerful engine for content creation, brand growth, and real-time knowledge sharing—especially for everyday products like household goods, retail items, beauty, fashion, and more.

Social Media as the Accelerator of Information

Before social media, information was mostly controlled by large institutions—news outlets, corporations, and advertisers. Social platforms flipped that model.

Now:

• Anyone can share knowledge instantly
• Reviews, tutorials, and opinions travel faster than traditional ads
• Trends can be born, peak, and fade within weeks

Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook turned regular people into educators, reviewers, and influencers. A 30-second video can teach you how to clean grout, style an outfit, or compare two vacuums better than a full TV commercial ever could.

Social media didn’t just distribute information—it democratized it.

Content Creation Changed How Products Are Marketed

Household and retail products used to rely heavily on polished ads and big budgets. Social media changed the rules.

Today, consumers trust:

• “Day in the life” product use
• Honest unboxings
• Before-and-after demos
• Short how-to videos

A microfiber mop, skincare serum, air fryer, or storage bin can go viral simply because someone showed how it actually works in real life. This has pushed brands to:

• Focus on storytelling instead of selling
• Partner with micro-creators instead of only celebrities
• Design products with “shareability” in mind

Social media made content the product’s voice.

The Rise of the Creator Economy

Another major shift: people no longer just consume content—they build businesses with it.

Creators now:

• Promote retail and household products
• Launch their own brands
• Monetize knowledge, lifestyle, and creativity

Social platforms created a feedback loop where creators influence buyers, buyers influence brands, and brands influence creators. It’s fast, interactive, and constantly evolving.

Where AI Fits In — and Where Things Are Headed

Now we’re entering the next phase: the AI-enhanced information age.

AI is already:

• Helping creators write captions, scripts, and blog posts
• Generating product descriptions and ad copy
• Analyzing trends and predicting consumer behavior
• Powering personalized shopping recommendations

What this means going forward:

• Content creation will be faster, but authenticity will matter more
• Brands that combine AI efficiency with human storytelling will win
• Niche creators will thrive by offering trust, personality, and lived experience
• Consumers will expect smarter, more personalized content and product suggestions

AI won’t replace creators—it will amplify them. The human element (emotion, culture, relatability) is still irreplaceable.

The Big Picture

Social media transformed the Information Age by making knowledge accessible, visual, and participatory. It changed how we discover household products, shop retail, and trust brands. Now, with AI entering the mix, we’re moving toward an era where content is smarter, faster, and more personalized—but still driven by human connection.

The future belongs to those who can balance technology with authenticity.

And honestly? We’re just getting started.

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Thanks for reading. Cecilia 

😊 🌟 How to Make Passive Income with Dividend Stocks & iShares Through Fidelity

Hoping your New Year is off to a great start — and thanks for reading!
One of the most dependable ways to grow passive income in your portfolio is through dividends — regular cash payments companies and funds make to shareholders simply for owning their shares. By focusing on dividend-paying stocks and dividend-yielding ETFs (including iShares funds) inside a Fidelity Investments account, you can start generating income consistently — even while you sleep.

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📌 What Are Dividends & Why They Matter

Dividends are cash distributions a company or fund pays out from its profits or income to its shareholders. They’re typically paid quarterly and can give you a steady stream of income without selling shares. You can also choose to reinvest dividends to buy more shares automatically, compounding growth over time.

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📈 Dividend Stocks: Steady Income From Solid Companies

Dividend-paying individual stocks can be a great way to build passive income — especially if you choose reliable, established companies.

Here are some examples that often appear on Fidelity’s high-dividend screens (illustrative examples, not specific recommendations):

Ticker	Company	Sector	Typical Yield
TD	Toronto-Dominion Bank	Financials	~4.1%
LNC	Lincoln National Corp.	Insurance	~4.2%
CIBC	Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce	Financials	~3.6%
STI	SunTrust (now Truist)	Financials	~3.5%
STI	Huntington Bancshares	Banking	~3.5%

📌 Dividend yields vary over time based on market conditions and company decisions.

🎯 Tip: Ex-Dividend Dates Matter

To receive the next dividend, you must own the stock before the ex-dividend date — the cutoff day. If you buy on or after the ex-dividend date, that dividend goes to the previous owner.

You can find up-to-date ex-dividend dates inside your Fidelity account under “Dividend View” or in the research pages for each stock.

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📊 iShares & Fidelity ETFs: Diversify Your Dividend Income

Rather than picking individual stocks, many investors choose dividend-focused ETFs, which spread risk across many companies with dividends.

🧠 Example Dividend ETFs You Can Use with Fidelity

Fidelity & iShares Funds

• FDVV – Fidelity High Dividend ETF – targets large-cap dividend-paying stocks.
• FIDI – Fidelity International High Dividend ETF – focuses on international dividend stocks (yield ~4.3%).
• FPFD – Fidelity Preferred Securities & Income ETF – higher income focus with yield ~4.9%.
• DGRO – iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF – combines dividend payout with growth potential.
• IDV – iShares International Select Dividend ETF – global dividend exposure (historically ~4-5% yields).

📅 Typical ETF Dividend Dates

Most equity ETFs pay quarterly dividends. For many iShares funds, the typical 2026 schedule for the major quarterly payouts is (based on prior schedules):

Quarter	Ex-Dividend Date	Pay Date
Q1 2026	March 17	March 20
Q2 2026	June 15	June 18
Q3 2026	September 15	September 18
Q4 2026	December 15	December 18

(Specific tickers like DGRO, IDV, and others follow similar quarterly cycles through Fidelity; check the individual security details inside your Fidelity dashboard for updates.)

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💡 How to Build a Passive Income Pattern

📌 Ladder your dividend dates
By combining stocks and ETFs with different payout timing, you can smooth income across the year — potentially receiving payouts every month.

📌 Reinvest dividends
Many investors choose DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Plans) to automatically reinvest payouts and accelerate compound growth.

📌 Balance yield and stability
Higher yields often come with higher risk. Balance safe, lower-yield “blue-chip” dividend stocks with diversified dividend ETFs.

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🧾 Taxes & Dividends

Dividends can count as ordinary income for tax purposes. Some qualify for lower qualified dividend tax rates depending on how long you held the shares and the type of dividend. Consult a tax advisor for personalized guidance.

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🎯 Final Thoughts

Dividend investing can be a powerful way to earn passive income — especially if you use a trusted platform like Fidelity Investments to manage dividend stocks and iShares ETFs. With thoughtful allocation, reinvestment, and awareness of key dates like ex-dividend and pay dates, you’re setting yourself up for a smart and consistent income stream in 2026 and beyond.

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Thanks again for reading — and wishing you continued success and passive income growth this year! 🙌

 

From 2025 to 2026: Gratitude, Grace, and Realistic Goals

 

As 2025 comes to a close and we step into 2026, it’s natural to reflect on where we’ve been and where we hope to go next. This time of year often comes with pressure — pressure to reinvent ourselves overnight, to declare bold New Year’s resolutions that sound inspiring but rarely survive past February. This year, I’m choosing something different: reflection over rushing, gratitude over guilt, and realistic goals over unrealistic resolutions.

Looking Back at 2025 With Honesty

2025 wasn’t perfect — and it wasn’t supposed to be. There were wins worth celebrating and losses that taught hard lessons. There were moments of clarity and moments of confusion. Growth didn’t always look pretty, but it happened anyway. Instead of judging the year by what didn’t get done, it’s worth acknowledging what did: survival, endurance, learning, and becoming.

Sometimes simply making it through the year is the victory.

Gratitude for God’s Grace

Above all, this season calls for gratitude. Gratitude to God for grace and mercy — for allowing us to still be here, alive and breathing, waking up each day above ground. That alone is not something to take lightly.

Many didn’t make it to see another year. Others are facing incarceration, violence, homelessness, hunger, or the absence of basic needs. Some are fighting battles we can’t see. When we pause to recognize this, gratitude shifts from being a polite habit to a spiritual posture.

Thanking God for provision doesn’t mean life was easy. It means acknowledging that despite everything, we were sustained.

Releasing Unrealistic New Year’s Resolutions

Unrealistic resolutions often come from shame — the feeling that we need to “fix” ourselves immediately. They sound like:

• I’ll change everything at once.
• I’ll never mess up again.
• I’ll become someone completely different by January.

But real transformation doesn’t work that way. Growth is gradual. Healing is layered. Progress is often quiet.

Instead of setting ourselves up for disappointment, we can choose intentions that honor where we actually are.

Choosing Realistic, Life-Giving Goals for 2026

Realistic goals are rooted in grace, not punishment. They leave room for rest, mistakes, and learning. They might look like:

• Being more consistent, not perfect
• Strengthening faith through prayer, reflection, or scripture
• Improving one habit at a time
• Managing finances more wisely, step by step
• Protecting peace and mental health
• Building healthier relationships and boundaries

These goals don’t demand instant results — they invite steady alignment.

Carrying Gratitude Into the New Year

As we enter 2026, let gratitude lead. Let it shape how we move, how we plan, and how we speak to ourselves. Every day above ground is a gift. Every opportunity to grow is grace.

This year isn’t about proving anything. It’s about honoring God, appreciating life, and becoming better — slowly, intentionally, and realistically.

Here’s to a new year grounded in gratitude, guided by faith, and shaped by attainable goals.

I’ve written this as a full blog draft in the canvas so you can edit, publish, or expand on it easily. ✨

If you’d like, I can:

• Adjust the tone (more devotional, more conversational, or more poetic)
• Add a short prayer or affirmation at the end
• Rewrite it for Medium, Substack, or Instagram captions
• Personalize it more with your own voice or experiences from 2025

Thanks for reading. Cecilia

Finding Light in Solitude: Positive Ways to Spend the Holidays When You’re Alone

The holidays are often painted as a season of togetherness—tables filled with laughter, shared traditions, and familiar faces. But for many, the holidays arrive quietly. No companions. No loved ones nearby. And while society may label this as “lonely,” solitude during the holidays can actually be an invitation—one that leads to healing, clarity, and unexpected joy.

Being alone does not mean being empty. It means you have space. And space is powerful.

1. Reclaim the Holidays on Your Own Terms

This is your chance to redefine what the holidays mean to you. There are no expectations to perform happiness or follow traditions that no longer serve you. Want breakfast for dinner? Do it. Want to skip decorations and spend the day in pajamas? That’s valid. Create rituals that feel comforting instead of obligatory.

Traditions are meant to nourish, not exhaust you.

2. Turn Solitude Into Self-Connection

The quiet of the holidays offers a rare opportunity to check in with yourself. Journal about the year you survived. Reflect on what you’ve learned, what you’ve released, and what you’re becoming. Light a candle. Pray, meditate, or simply sit with your thoughts. Self-awareness is a form of companionship—one that lasts.

Sometimes the person you’ve been neglecting most is yourself.

3. Create Something Meaningful

Creativity thrives in stillness. Write a letter to your future self. Paint, sing, cook a meal from scratch, or start a project you’ve been postponing. Creation reminds you that you are alive, capable, and expressive—even when no one is watching.

What you make in solitude often carries the most truth.

4. Give Without Expectation

Loneliness softens when we give. Volunteer, donate, send an encouraging message to someone else who may also be struggling. Even small acts—leaving a kind review, tipping generously, or checking in on a neighbor—create a sense of connection that transcends physical presence.

Love expands when it moves outward.

5. Rest Without Guilt

The holidays can be emotionally heavy. Allow yourself to rest without explaining it. Sleep in. Take long baths. Watch comforting movies. Do nothing at all. Rest is not avoidance—it’s restoration.

You are allowed to pause.

6. Honor Your Emotions—All of Them

If sadness shows up, let it sit beside you without judgment. You don’t have to “fix” your feelings to deserve peace. Grief, longing, and quiet acceptance can coexist with moments of warmth and hope. Healing doesn’t rush—especially during the holidays.

You are not weak for feeling deeply.

7. Remember: This Season Is Temporary

This holiday is just one chapter—not the whole story. Being alone now does not mean you will always be. Life shifts, people arrive, and seasons change. For now, your job is simply to be present and gentle with yourself.

You are still worthy of celebration—exactly as you are.

Thanks for reading. Cecilia 

🌟 Rediscover Yourself Through the Art Lovers Community on Skool

https://www.skool.com/art-lovers-9465/about?ref=a17f9264d3534770b576e783c2f38e07

Have you ever felt like you lost pieces of yourself along the way—through love, life, heartbreak, or simply the grind of everyday expectations? That’s exactly the journey Art Lovers on Skool gently invites you to explore and heal through community and creative connection. 

Created by Cecilia Okugo, this vibrant online space is more than just a membership group—it’s a safe, uplifting sanctuary for anyone navigating the twists of emotional growth and self-discovery. Whether you’re currently reading the I Forgot Me novel, taking part in the course, or just seeking supportive conversations, this community is built to meet you exactly where you are. 

Inside the Art Lovers Skool community, members share:

💬 Personal stories and breakthroughs

📖 Reflections from the I Forgot Me novel and course

💡 Healing tips for self-love, resilience, and emotional growth

📝 Journaling prompts, affirmations, and group challenges

❤️ Encouragement through heartbreak, rediscovery, and new beginnings 

This space is rooted in support without judgment—a place where real people rebuild self-worth one conversation at a time. It’s a testament to the strength found in shared vulnerability and collective healing. 

If you’re ready to reconnect with you—to reflect, grow, and be seen—this community might just be the creative, compassionate corner of the internet you’ve been looking for. 

Thanks for reading. Cecilia 

The Unseen Grace: Four Decades of Struggle for Black Ballerinas in America

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🩰 For more than four decades, Black ballerinas in America have danced against much more than choreography. They’ve danced against barriers—visible and invisible—created by an industry built around Eurocentric aesthetics. Ballet, with its centuries-old traditions, has long idolized a single image: pale skin, slender frame, delicate lines. For Black dancers, fitting into that mold has often meant navigating a world that wasn’t designed with them in mind.

A Legacy of Exclusion

Since the late 20th century, Black dancers have fought for space in studios, dance companies, and conservatories that historically excluded them. Even when immensely talented, many were told outright that their skin tone “distracted” the audience or did not match the corps de ballet. Some were denied roles—not for lack of ability, but for lack of “uniformity” with the ensemble.

From the 1980s onward, trailblazers like Debra Austin, who became the first African American female principal dancer in a major American company, pushed open doors that had been sealed shut for generations. But every step forward came with resistance. Black dancers often had to work twice as hard to earn the same opportunities. Even something as simple as finding pointe shoes in their skin tone wasn’t possible until recent years.

The Aesthetic Struggle

Ballet has always demanded precision—arched feet, long lines, slender silhouettes. But “aesthetic” quickly became a coded word used to exclude dancers of color. Black ballerinas were told their bodies were “too muscular,” their features “too bold,” their natural hair “too textured.” Their presence alone challenged the rigid norms of an art form steeped in racial bias.

For decades, young Black dancers had to chemically straighten their hair, lighten their makeup, or cover their legs in pink tights designed to match only one type of skin tone. They learned to blend in just to be allowed to stand at the barre.

The Fight for Visibility

Despite these challenges, Black ballerinas continued to rise. Companies like Dance Theatre of Harlem amplified their brilliance and offered a home where they didn’t have to compromise their identity. In the early 2000s and 2010s, the world watched as talents like Misty Copeland shattered ceilings and transformed conversations around ballet’s racial boundaries.

Still, visibility didn’t erase the struggle. Many Black dancers recount being the only one in their entire school or company, carrying the weight of representation on their shoulders. They weren’t just dancing for themselves—they were dancing to prove that they belonged in spaces that repeatedly told them they did not.

Progress and the Road Ahead

Over the last decade, ballet has begun to shift. Brands now offer pointe shoes in multiple skin tones. Major companies acknowledge diversity gaps. Social movements have forced institutions to reflect on their biases. And Black ballerinas are being celebrated for their artistry—not just their resilience.

Yet the work isn’t finished.

Young Black dancers today deserve a ballet world that doesn’t ask them to shrink, lighten, or mold themselves into someone else’s idea of beauty. They deserve teachers who see their potential, costumes that match their skin, and stages that reflect the fullness of their presence.

The Power of Their Presence

Black ballerinas have rewritten the story of American ballet through sheer bravery and grace. They’ve shown that the art form becomes richer—not compromised—when it includes dancers of every shade, every background, every story.

Their struggle is part of ballet’s history, but their triumphs are shaping its future.

And as we look ahead, one truth stands firm:
Black ballerinas were never the wrong aesthetic—America’s definition of beauty was simply too small.

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Thanks for reading. Cecilia

SpendSmart Web App Developed with Base44.com by Cecilia Okugo

 Check out this app I created to cure impulsive spending ⬇️

https://spend-smart-copy-99b17b35.base44.app 

Your stylish guide to turning impulse buys into investment wins helps you transform every tempting purchase into a chance to build real, lasting wealth. It teaches you how to redirect the excitement of spending into smart financial moves—like investing in stocks, ETFs, or savings goals that grow with you. With confidence and elegance, this guide empowers you to elevate your lifestyle while strengthening your financial future.

SpendSmart is a wealth productivity app designed to help you break the cycle of unnecessary spending and make more intentional money decisions. By simply entering the amount you were about to spend, the app instantly shows smarter alternatives—such as investment ideas, savings options, and healthier spending habits—helping you see the long-term value of your money in real time.

With a colorful, chic interface and a focus on simplicity, SpendSmart makes financial awareness feel empowering instead of restrictive. The app tracks your past entries, builds personalized insights, and encourages better habits, turning everyday spending moments into opportunities to grow wealth and financial confidence.

SpendSmart helps you turn unnecessary spending into smarter financial choices by redirecting impulse purchases into savings and investment ideas—so every dollar works harder for you.

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A Mother’s Love and the First Five Years: The Foundation of a Lifetime

A mother’s love is often described as unconditional, grounding, and life-shaping—and science agrees. From the moment a child enters the world, the bond they share with their mother becomes one of the most powerful influences on their emotional and physical development. What many people don’t realize is that the first five years of a child’s life are the most critical. They form the blueprint for how a child will think, feel, learn, and connect with others for the rest of their life.

Why a Mother’s Love Matters

A mother’s love isn’t just comforting—it’s developmental fuel. Affection, attention, and emotional security help a child’s brain grow at an astonishing pace. A warm, responsive mother:

• Builds the child’s sense of safety
• Boosts self-esteem
• Supports emotional regulation
• Encourages curiosity and problem-solving

Children who feel consistently loved are more confident, more resilient, and better able to form healthy relationships later in life.

The First Five Years: A Critical Window

During the first five years, a child’s brain develops faster than at any other point in their lifetime—up to 90% of brain growth happens during this period. This is when they learn how to communicate, express emotions, build memory, and understand the world.

Positive interactions with a loving mother or caregiver during this time lay the foundation for:

• Social skills
• Speech and language development
• Learning habits
• Emotional intelligence
• Stress management

Simple everyday moments—talking, cuddling, playing, reading, singing—help wire the brain for success, happiness, and stability.

Love as a Lifelong Advantage

When a child experiences love early, they grow into adults who trust themselves and others. They are more likely to handle adversity, build strong relationships, and explore their potential with confidence.

A mother’s love is not just a feeling—it is a powerful, nurturing force that shapes the future. And the first five years offer a unique opportunity to pour into a child the security, affection, and guidance that will uplift them for life.

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Thank you for reading. Cecilia 

Invest in Your Future: Trusts, Bonds, ETFs & REITs Instead of Unnecessary Spending

 

In a world full of impulse notifications, easy credit approvals, and “Buy Now, Pay Later” offers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending money the moment it hits your account. But building long-term wealth starts with intentional choices—and that begins with spending less on what fades and investing more in what grows.

Why Overspending Holds You Back

Unnecessary spending gives a quick dopamine hit but leaves you with long-term regret. Credit cards and loans make it even worse. They feel convenient, but they come with interest rates, fees, and repayment schedules designed to keep you trapped in debt. When you’re constantly paying back yesterday’s purchases, you can’t invest in tomorrow’s opportunities.

Where to Invest Instead

1. Trusts

Trusts aren’t just for the wealthy—they’re tools that help protect your assets and pass them on securely. A simple revocable trust can safeguard your savings, avoid probate, and ensure your money goes where you want it to go. Think of it as long-term financial stability in a legal container.

2. Bonds

Bonds are one of the safest ways to earn steady interest. They’re perfect for people who want predictable returns without the volatility of stocks. Government and corporate bonds help you grow your money quietly, consistently, and with far less stress.

3. ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)

ETFs are one of the easiest entry points into investing. They let you buy a whole basket of stocks or bonds at once—reducing risk and increasing diversification. With low fees and long-term growth potential, ETFs are ideal for beginners and seasoned investors alike.

4. REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)

Want to invest in real estate without buying property? REITs let you earn income from commercial or residential real estate portfolios. They often pay dividends, giving you passive income without the responsibilities of being a landlord.

Build Better Spending Habits

To invest, you need money left over—and that starts with healthy financial habits:

• Create a realistic budget and stick to it.
• Differentiate between needs and wants.
• Use debit, not credit, whenever possible.
• Avoid loans unless they’re absolutely necessary.
• Set up automatic transfers into investments.
• Reward yourself with experiences, not impulse buys.

Every dollar you keep is a seed for your future. Every dollar you waste is a missed opportunity.

The Bottom Line

You don’t build wealth by spending—you build it by investing. Trusts, bonds, ETFs, and REITs give you the foundation to grow your money steadily and safely. Shift your mindset, build discipline, and stay away from credit traps that lead to debt. Your future self will thank you.

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Thanks for reading. Cecilia

The Rising Cost of “Free”: Why Mobile Games and Apps Are Drowning Us in Ads and Subscriptions

Over the last decade, mobile games and apps have become a major part of our daily lives. From fitness trackers and photo editors to farming simulators and puzzle games, there's an app for everything. But there’s also something else in almost all of them—ads. And not just a few… endless ads.

Today, many users feel like the “free” experience has become almost unusable. Ads run before, during, and after every action. Some pop up unexpectedly, some hijack the entire screen, and others force you to watch 30–60 seconds just to continue a level. What used to be a quick escape or productivity tool has become a constant interruption.

So what happened?

Ads Have Become the Main Business Model

For years, developers relied on one-time purchases or small banner ads. But as competition grew and the app stores became crowded, many developers turned to aggressive advertising networks to stay profitable.

Now we're hit with:

• Full-screen video ads
• Auto-playing ads
• Fake “X” buttons
• Reward ads for basic gameplay
• Ads that appear mid-session without warning

The experience often feels less like playing a game and more like navigating a commercial maze.

Then Came the Subscriptions… and More Subscriptions

As annoying as ads are, what’s even more frustrating for users is the rise of subscription paywalls meant to remove them.

Instead of a one-time $1.99 or $4.99 purchase, many apps now offer:

• $5.99 per week
• $9.99 per month
• $49.99 per year
• “Gold,” “Platinum,” and “Elite” tiers
• Bundles that still don’t remove all ads

These subscription models can quickly add up, especially when dozens of apps use the same strategy. What used to cost a few dollars now costs as much as a streaming service.

It leaves users wondering: Why do I have to subscribe to everything just to enjoy a simple app?

When “Free-to-Play” Turns Into “Pay-or-Suffer”

The biggest complaint among mobile users is how aggressive the system has become.

• Many games intentionally slow down progress unless you watch ads.
• Some apps lock features behind subscriptions that were once free.
• Others bombard users with pop-ups begging for upgrades or purchases.

It creates a culture where "free-to-play" doesn’t actually feel free at all. It feels like you’re being punished for not paying.

Are Developers at Fault? Not Entirely.

It’s important to acknowledge that most indie developers depend on ads or small purchases to survive. The real issue is how large advertising networks and monetization platforms have shaped the modern app economy.

Still, there’s a balance—and many apps have lost it.

What Users Really Want

People aren’t against supporting developers. In fact, many would gladly pay:

• A one-time fee to remove ads
• A fair, low-cost subscription
• A reasonable tier system

But they want transparency. They want simplicity. They want an app that doesn’t require a financial spreadsheet to understand what they’re paying for.

The Future: Will Things Change?

There is hope. More users are speaking out, calling for:

• One-time purchase options
• Less intrusive advertising
• Clear pricing structures
• Fair gameplay without ad manipulation

If developers listen, we could see a more user-friendly shift in how mobile apps and games are monetized. But for now, many of us are stuck closing ads every 15 seconds just to relax or get something done.

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Thanks for reading. Cecilia 

Breaking into Fashion as a Plus-Size Model in the 2000s — and the Doors Opened Since Then

 

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The 2000s felt like a paradox for women’s fashion: the mainstream still elevated a very narrow “straight-size” idea of beauty, while the internet and grassroots movements quietly began building new pathways for fuller-figured representation. If you were trying to break in as a plus-size model back then, you faced limited castings, fewer agencies that would sign you, frequent stereotyping, and runway and editorial spaces that rarely made room for curves. Over the last 20–30 years, though, some important walls have come down — and new routes for discovery, booking, and advocacy exist that simply didn’t in 2000.

Below I’ll cover:

• What the biggest barriers were in the 2000s
• The major changes and milestones in the last 30 years
• Practical places to find casting calls, auditions, and agencies today (with links and resources you can use right now)

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What the 2000s looked like for plus-size hopefuls

• Industry expectations were narrow. Designers, magazines and many casting directors were centered on a small size range — runway and editorial work overwhelmingly favored very thin models. That meant fewer bookings and fewer role models in mainstream fashion.
• Limited agency representation. Only a handful of agencies were actively developing plus-size divisions; many agencies either ignored curve talent or offered only token representation, which made building a sustainable career difficult.
• Stereotyping and typecasting. When plus-size models were hired, they were often pigeonholed into specific categories (e.g., only catalog or “plus” campaigns) rather than considered for the full spectrum of fashion work.

These barriers meant many plus-size models had to create their own visibility — building followings online, creating portfolios outside of agency systems, and pressing brands directly for inclusion.

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What’s changed in the last ~30 years — wins and regressions

Wins

• Visible superstar figures and role models. Breakout plus-size figures (Ashley Graham, Iskra Lawrence, Tess Holliday and others) helped demonstrate market demand and showed brands that inclusive casting sells and builds loyalty. Their success opened doors for editorial, runway and brand partnerships.
• Dedicated plus-size agencies and divisions. New boutiques and agency divisions focused on curvy talent have appeared, offering targeted development and bookings. Some fashion brands/talent businesses launched in response to demand specifically for plus-size talent.
• Open casting initiatives and broader scouting. Major platforms and publications have run open-casting programs to discover diverse talent, creating routes to editorial and agency connections that didn’t depend on traditional scouting.
• Retail and e-commerce demand. As big retailers and direct-to-consumer brands expanded plus-size lines, they needed models who actually fit those clothes — creating consistent demand for catalog and advertising bookings. Casting calls for brand campaigns and store lookbooks became more common.

Regressions / ongoing gaps

• Runway and high-fashion inclusion is inconsistent. Recent analyses show representation can still be tiny on major runways, and progress sometimes slips back with certain seasons or brands returning to straight-size casting. In short: visibility has improved, but inclusion is not yet guaranteed across the board.

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Practical resources — where to find casting calls & auditions now

Below are active, widely used places plus-size models can check for castings, plus tools that help you be ready to submit.

Casting platforms and job boards

• Backstage — listings for plus-size modeling jobs, editorial, commercial and open casting calls. Great for both local and national opportunities.
• PlusSizeCasting / PlusSizeCasting.com (and related casting portals) — specialized casting listings for plus-size models and actors; a hub of size-specific opportunities. (Some local portals or aggregated casting apps use this feed.)
• Brand casting pages (example: Torrid’s model searches & casting calls) — many plus-size retailers run their own open calls and model searches; check brand websites and social channels for announcements. Torrid has hosted model searches/casting calls in recent years.

Tip: Create profiles on general casting sites (Backstage, Casting Networks, Casting Calls America) and subscribe to email alerts/feeds for “plus-size,” “curve,” “plus model” keywords.

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Where to find agencies that represent plus-size models

Many traditional agencies now have plus-size divisions; boutique agencies focus exclusively on curve talent. Below are reputable places to start researching and submitting (each entry has a range of national and boutique options — check submission pages and requirements):

Agency directories & starting points

• Backstage’s guide to plus-size modeling agencies — a helpful overview and starting point for agencies actively representing plus-size talent. Use it to research submission requirements and regional options.
• LATITUDE / curated lists of plus-size agencies — independent roundups that list recognized plus-size agencies and boutique options. These can point you to agencies across New York, Los Angeles, London and other markets.
• Local/boutique agencies (examples) — Part & Parcel Talent (started to represent plus-size talent connected to the brand world), CM Models and Models Direct are examples of agencies and platforms that either focus on or have divisions for plus-size models. Always check current rosters and submission details.

How to check an agency before you submit

• Look for an official agency site with submission guidelines (no upfront fees to be signed).
• Check rosters and recent bookings — are their models actually working with brands you recognize?
• Read reviews, ask for references from models who have worked with them, and verify contract terms before signing.

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Practical tips to improve your odds (portfolio + submissions)

1. Build a clean, honest portfolio — simple headshots and full-body polaroids (natural light, minimal makeup) plus a small set of professional images showing range. Agencies will often ask for both.
2. Consistency matters. Maintain consistent sizing and measurements; clients appreciate reliability for sample sizing and fit.
3. Leverage social media strategically. Many plus-size models have been discovered via strong Instagram or TikTok presences that show personality, style and the ability to engage an audience.
4. Network with plus-size communities. Facebook groups, model networks, and local meetups for plus-size creatives can surface casting leads and collaborative portfolio shoots.
5. Apply broadly but carefully. Submit to brand model searches, boutique agencies, and national casting platforms — but always vet offers and never pay a fee to be represented.

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A realistic outlook

There has been real, measurable progress: more agencies and brands are hiring curve models, open-casting initiatives exist, and star models have changed public perception and buying behavior. That said, inclusion is uneven — runway representation and high-fashion houses still often fall short — and the industry can regress by season or designer. The good news is you don’t have to wait for gatekeepers: between direct brand castings, specialty agencies, and digital discovery channels, there are now more routes to work than in the 2000s.

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Quick resource list (links you can click)

• Backstage — plus-size modeling jobs & how-to:
• Backstage article: Top plus-size modeling agencies (directory & guide):
• PlusSizeCasting / casting portal (plus-size specific castings):
• Torrid model search / brand casting examples:
• Agency examples & roundups (LATITUDE / curated lists):
• Industry context & history pieces (Business Insider overview of the industry’s earlier hypocrisy and evolution):
• Vogue Open Casting and industry initiatives (examples of editorial-driven discovery):

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Final note — a quick, practical starting plan

1. Make 3 strong natural polaroids (headshot, profile, full body).
2. Create a short online portfolio (even a simple Instagram or link page).
3. Sign up for Backstage and set alerts for “plus-size” casting calls.
4. Research 3 agencies from the Backstage agency guide and submit as they request (follow each agency’s submission rules).
5. Join one or two plus-size networking groups online to learn about local openings.

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Warren Buffett’s Final Letter as CEO: A Quiet Farewell to an Era

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At 95 years old, Warren Buffett has penned what looks like his final letter as the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. In a message that’s both humble and deeply reflective, Buffett announced that he is “going quiet” — stepping back from his public role, yet reaffirming his faith in the company’s future and naming his successor.

A Soothing Exit: “Going Quiet”

Buffett begins poignantly:

“I will no longer be writing Berkshire’s annual report or talking endlessly at the annual meeting. As the British would say, I’m ‘going quiet.’ Sort of.”

With his trademark humility, he frames this not as a dramatic exit, but a gentle retreat — more a slowing down than a full stop.

Endorsement of the Next Leader

In the letter, Buffett confirms that Greg Abel will take over as CEO at the end of the year:

“Greg Abel will become the boss at year-end. He is a great manager, a tireless worker and an honest communicator. Wish him an extended tenure.”

He reflects on Abel’s deep understanding of Berkshire’s businesses, saying:

“He understands many of our businesses and personnel far better than I now do, and he is a very fast learner about matters many CEOs don’t even consider.”

In Buffett’s words:

“I can’t think of a CEO, a management consultant, an academic, a member of government – you name it – that I would select over Greg to handle your savings and mine.”

That’s high praise — and a clear signal of his confidence in Abel’s ability to lead Berkshire into its next chapter.

Reflecting on Life and Legacy

Buffett doesn’t shy away from introspection. He muses on mortality, the passage of time, and the role of luck in his success. He even jokes:

“Father Time now finds me more interesting as I age. And he is undefeated; for him, everyone ends up on his score card as wins.”

He acknowledges the frailties that come with age — “balance, sight, hearing, and memory … on a persistently downward slope” — yet expresses gratitude for still being actively involved:

“Though I move slowly and read with increasing difficulty, I am at the office five days a week where I work with wonderful people.”

Philanthropic Acceleration

A major part of the letter is devoted to his plans for giving. Buffett converted 1,800 Class A shares into 2.7 million Class B shares to donate to four family foundations: The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, The Sherwood Foundation, The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and the NoVo Foundation.

He frames this not as a loss of faith in Berkshire, but as a deliberate acceleration of his philanthropic mission:

“The acceleration of my lifetime gifts to my children’s foundations in no way reflects any change in my views about Berkshire’s prospects.”

Wisdom and Advice for Shareholders

Buffett closes with a handful of his signature aphorisms, blending business guidance with personal philosophy. Some of his counsel:

• “Don’t beat yourself up over past mistakes — learn at least a little from them and move on.”
• “Get the right heroes and copy them.”
• “Decide what you would like your obituary to say and live the life to deserve it.”
• “Keep in mind that the cleaning lady is as much a human being as the Chairman.”
• “Kindness is costless but also priceless.”

He leaves shareholders with this closing insight:

“Choose your heroes very carefully and then emulate them. You will never be perfect, but you can always be better.”

Passing the Torch: Greg Abel

Who is Greg Abel? Buffett’s choice to succeed him is not just symbolic — Abel is a longtime Berkshire executive with deep experience. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of Berkshire’s non-insurance operations and has overseen major parts of the business, including BNSF Railway, See’s Candies, and Dairy Queen.

The board officially appointed him President and CEO, effective January 1, 2026, while Buffett will remain Chairman of the Board.

Abel is known for a low-profile leadership style, combining hard work and integrity — qualities that Buffett values deeply.

What This Means for Berkshire’s Future

Buffett’s exit marks the end of an unparalleled era. But his letter is also a mission statement of continuity: he believes in a successful future under Abel, and he’s not stepping away entirely. By retaining significant shares and continuing his philanthropy, Buffett remains invested — in more ways than one.

His “going quiet” is not a silence of surrender but a quiet handover. He leaves behind not just a massive conglomerate, but a deeply held set of values: long-term thinking, humility, generosity, and the belief that business can serve more than just profit.

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Thanks for reading. Cecilia