#Influencer Sales Drive

[sarahboyerdigiexpert]

Social commerce and shoppability have quickly become central elements in digital marketing's ever-evolving landscape, essential in shaping influencer marketing strategies. This shift reflects consumer preferences towards online shopping and social media personalities guiding purchase decisions. This article investigates how these two elements are revolutionizing influencer marketing efforts.

Integrating Social Commerce Into Influencer Marketing

Social commerce, the practice of selling products directly via social media platforms, has revolutionized how brands collaborate with influencers. Influencers have gone beyond being mere brand endorsers to become brand sales drivers. Mapiful and Alo Yoga have successfully leveraged influencers' reach to target niche audiences and integrated shoppable galleries on their websites, increasing the quality of the shopping experience and consumer confidence (Influencer Marketing Hub).

Influencer Communities -

Influencer marketing's effectiveness in social commerce depends heavily on its influencer communities. Research suggests that micro-influencers with smaller but more engaged followings tend to generate more excellent product knowledge and purchase intentions among consumers, mainly when they disclose sponsored content (ResearchGate). This highlights the significance of authenticity and relatability in influencer marketing.

Strategic Considerations in Influencer-Driven Social Commerce

To take full advantage of social commerce, brands must be strategically selective when selecting influencers and designing campaigns. Successful influencer marketing campaigns (Goat Agency) involve cultivating long-term relationships with influencers while providing seamless shopping experiences and encouraging creative freedom in content production - hallmarks that Wayfair and Superdrug have successfully used to craft impactful campaigns such as livestream product showcases with influencer content as well as including influencer content into seasonal marketing efforts.

Integrating social commerce and shoppability strategies into influencer marketing represents an innovative shift in how brands approach online sales and marketing. By harnessing influencer communities, cultivating long-term relationships, and offering seamless shopping experiences, brands can effectively engage consumers while driving sales in the digital space. As technology transforms the landscape, brands must adapt quickly to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the digital marketplace.

[mushroomteddy]

there's something a little evil about advertising an event after it's already sold out and can't get tickets to it anymore whatsoever, what's the point lol

[vishalkoli2299]

Brand activation agency

[ezekiel-krishna]

✧ 2nd House Ruler (WEALTH & Family) in All Houses

Part 2 ..

{ Vedic Astrology }

Your Guide to Check Your Placement (Vedic Astrology)

⇝ Refer To My Part 1

2nd Lord in 3rd House

When the ruler of the 2nd house is located in the third house, it signifies a strong sense of fighting spirit in your life. You are not afraid to fight for what you want, whether it's wealth or helping those in need with high moral values.

With a benefic planet ruling as the 2nd house ruler such as Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, or Moon, in 3rd house, your wisdom shines through, especially in your spoken words. Your values are reflected strongly in your communication, which can be expressed on multimedia platforms. Just remember to be kind to others and respect their views, as conflicts over money matters can arise.

Since the third house rules skills and hands-on activities, you may excel in areas such as writing, music, presentations, and digital technology. Your persuasive abilities can bring you wealth, especially in industries like advertising and sales. Traveling business/jobs indeed may also contribute to your prosperity. Be cautious not to let financial disputes affect your relationship with your partner, as your spouse holds great importance in your life.

2nd Lord in 4th House

Having the 2nd Lord positioned in the 4th house brings a sense of luxury and comfort to your home life. This placement signifies wealth and abundance in terms of property and domestic matters. The key factor here is the influence of benefic planets like Venus, Moon, or Jupiter, which can amplify these blessings to the point where your desires manifest effortlessly.

Be mindful of your wishes, as they are likely to come true with this placement. While everyone with this alignment has the potential to attract financial prosperity, it's crucial to consider the impact of malefic aspects. If not properly balanced, overspending on property, mortgages, or loans could become a burden that you carry throughout your life.

2nd Lord in 5th House

The placement of the 2nd Lord in the 5th house holds immense power and potential. It is a favorable position for accumulating wealth and showcases your creative prowess in making money work for you. You possess a natural ability to find opportunities even in the most challenging situations, allowing you to turn them into profitable ventures.

However, it is important to note that this placement can have two sides. While it can bring financial success through legal means, it is crucial to ensure that you do not engage in any unlawful activities. This placement can be a saving grace in difficult times, helping you navigate through sticky situations.

The 5th house is associated with education, making teaching a fruitful career option for you. However, it is essential for you to have a solid educational foundation yourself before pursuing this path. Additionally, the 5th house governs speculation, gambling, and lucky moments like lotteries. It is important to remember that these endeavors come with karmic implications.

If the 2nd Lord in the 5th house is influenced or it is benefic planet like Jupiter, Venus, or the Moon, it can bring financial luck. However, if there are malefic aspects, it may not have such a positive outcome. It is crucial to exercise caution and be mindful of the potential challenges that may arise.

Furthermore, the 5th house also rules over children and younger individuals. As mentioned earlier, your children may inherit your ability to make money and become ingenious in their own financial endeavors. This effect can span across generations, creating a multi-generational impact on your family's financial success.

2nd Lord in 6th House

When the ruler of the second house is positioned in the sixth house of your birth chart, you become naturally competitive. This house is associated with enemies, so you find yourself excelling by overcoming challenges and defeating those who stand in your way. This competitive drive can lead to financial gains, depending on whether the ruling planet is considered beneficial or malefic.

If the ruler of the second house is a benefic planet such as the Moon, Venus, Mercury, or Jupiter, you are likely to emerge victorious in your battles with enemies and accumulate wealth in the process. Your competitive spirit is channeled in a positive direction, allowing you to turn challenging situations into opportunities for financial growth. Even when faced with adversity, you manage to come out on top in competitive scenarios.

On the other hand, if the ruler of the second house is a malefic planet like Mars, Saturn, Rahu[North Node], or Ketu[South Node] in the sixth house, you may struggle to defeat your competitors and experience financial losses. However, due to the malefic nature of these planets, you possess the resilience to bounce back from setbacks and persist until you achieve success.

It is important to consider other planets that may be present alongside the ruler of the second house in the sixth house, as they can provide insights into the nature of your competition. For instance, if Jupiter is positioned with the ruler of the second house, you may find yourself competing with your children or even your Husband or mentor. If Venus is in conjunction with the second house ruler, your competition may involve your wife/females, while Mercury indicates competition within your family, and the Moon suggests rivalry with your mother or close relatives.

Having the ruler of the second house in the sixth house can create a dynamic and challenging environment in your relationships. While you may not be engaged in literal conflicts with those you compete with, there is a sense of tension and competition that adds an edge to your interactions. This placement can also indicate strong resistance to illness and the ability to recover quickly when unwell, as well as potentially strong dental health.

2nd Lord in 7th House

Having the 2nd Lord in the 7th house can bring about some challenges in relationships, family matters, and even business affairs. This is because the 2nd Lord has moved six houses away from its original position.

In this placement, you tend to become dissatisfied in relationships quite easily. It is important for you to take your time and really get to know someone before fully committing, especially if the 2nd house Lord is a malefic planet like Mars, Saturn, Rahu[North Node], or Ketu[South Node].You may find yourself being overly critical of your partner, but the positive aspect of this position is that it lends itself well to consulting or helping others. You could excel as a consultant in various fields, or in medicine as a doctor or surgeon, even if malefic planets are present in this house.

If benefic planet like the Moon, Venus, Jupiter, or Mercury are present here, you will have a natural ability to connect with the public. You could excel as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or someone who assists others with their mental or physical health. While these careers can bring in good money, it is important to note that you will have to work hard regardless of your chosen profession. You may find yourself putting in long hours, but you genuinely enjoy the effort you put into your work.

Since the 7th house governs business partnerships, it is crucial for you to be cautious about who you enter into business ventures with. If there are afflictions to the 7th house, there is a possibility of losing money through these partnerships. If you are not familiar with the person, it is best not to trust them blindly. You have a tendency to thrive in team environments and enjoy making money collectively. Therefore, being employed in a larger organization or working within a team can be beneficial for you if you have this placement.

Stay Tuned For Part 3...

Feel free to share your experiences in the comments!

Remember This is a General Analysis , Whole Chart is to be consider for Accurate Personalized Predictions..

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[fashionteahouse]

ultimate masterlist

started: 10/12/2024

updated: 10/22/2024

~ heyy beautiful people, I have decided to create this master list to make my page more easier to navigate and enjoy :) i take request so feel free to drop whatever you want because I write everyday! the wolfpack is my preference but I will write for any other twilight characters as well :> however, I wont write about jacob black x renesmee and quil x claire xoxo *(plagiarism of my writing is NOT allowed)*

Twilight Saga

moodboards

bella swan

leah clearwater

paul lahote

jared cameron

jacob black

seth clearwater

sam uley

emily young

embry call

charlie swan

wolf pack imagines

paul lahote

the other woman

moving on

detonate

cybertwee

under the influence

feel good all over

circumambient

4 wings

fine whine

you'll miss me when I'm not around

dinner

beautiful people with beautiful problems

love's in need of love today

provider

ride the dragon

24 hours

rewind

rewind part 2

7 years

but daddy i love him

reaper

animals

happiness is a butterfly

skyline to

keep driving

who? what!

best interest

even if it hurts

homemade dynamite

babydoll

immaterial

radical

what you waiting for?

forever

fourfiveseconds

little freak

embry call

miss camaraderie

kerosene

claws

kiss it better

hot wind blows

velvet 4 sale

butterfly effect

belly of the beat

genesis

self control

it is what it is

best to you

honeymoon

jacob black

chosen

ray of light

dreams, fairytales, fantasies

sam uley

dance the night away

sour candy

jared cameron

is it cold in the water?

seth clearwater

venus fly

bad habit

human behavior

supernova

next level

quil ateara

xxxo

play destroy

time will tell

infinite love without fulfillment

paul x reader x embry

swim good

wolfpack smut

paul lahote x reader

nitrous

jacob black x reader

difficult

wolf pack series

paul lahote x reader

out of your league part 1

out of your league part 2

out of your league part 3

out of your league part 4

out of your league part 5

out of your league part 6

out of your league part 7

out of your league part 8

out of your league part 9

out of your league part 10

out of your league part 11

embry call x reader

black cat part 1

black cat part 2

don't let me be misunderstood part 1

dont let me be misunderstood part 2

crystal ball part 1

jared cameron x reader

thought i knew you part 1

thought i knew you part 2

vampire imagines

garrett x reader

snowchild

jasper hale

last time i saw you

volturi imagines

alec x reader

space and time

twilight imagines

charlie swan x reader

bouncin

[prokopetz]

Gender crimes

Advocating overthrow of gender

Aggravated gender

Armed gender

Assault with a deadly gender

Assisting or instigating gender

Attempt to commit gender

Concealment of gender

Conspiracy to commit gender

Contempt of gender

Criminal infringement of gender

Cyber gender

Demands against gender

Destruction of gender

Disorderly gender

Drive-by gender

Driving under the influence of gender

Environmental gender

Escaping gender

Exportation of gender

Failure to gender

False gender

First degree gender

Fraudulent certification of gender

Gender burglary

Gender default

Gender espionage

Gender evasion

Gender fixing

Gender fraud

Gender identity theft

Gender smuggling

Gender tampering

Gender trafficking

Harbouring gender

Illegal possession of gender

Insider gender

Interstate gender

Misuse of gender

Obstruction of gender

Operating an unlicensed gender

Possession of a restricted gender

Receiving gender

Sale of stolen gender

Second degree gender

Solicitation to commit gender

Subornation of gender

Transportation of gender

Use of gender of mass destruction

Video gender

Violent gender

[the-joy-of-knowledge]

Thinking Fast & Slow

Understanding System 1 and System 2 Thinking.

In Daniel Kahneman's seminal work, "Thinking, Fast and Slow," he introduces the concept of two systems of thought: System 1 and System 2. These systems operate in different ways, shaping our decisions, behaviors, and habits.

System 1: The Fast Thinker

System 1 is our intuitive, automatic, and quick mode of thinking. It operates with little or no effort . This system is responsible for our immediate reactions and gut feelings.

Characteristics of System 1:

Automatic and Quick: Requires minimal effort.

Emotional: Driven by emotions and immediate impressions.

Unconscious: Operates without conscious awareness.

Fast: Reacts instantly to stimuli.

Examples of System 1 Behaviors:

Binge Eating: Grabbing a bag of chips and consuming it mindlessly while watching TV.

Impulsive Shopping: Buying items on impulse because they are on sale or displayed attractively.

Driving on a Familiar Route: Navigating through known streets without consciously thinking about each turn.

Reacting to a Sudden Noise: Jumping in response to a loud sound.

System 2: The Slow Thinker

System 2 is our analytical, deliberate, and effortful mode of thinking. This system is responsible for making more deliberate choices and reflecting on complex issues.

Characteristics of System 2:

Effortful and Deliberate: Requires mental effort and attention.

Rational: Driven by logic and reasoning.

Conscious: Operates with full awareness.

Slow: Takes time to process information.

Examples of System 2 Behaviors:

Intentional Eating: Planning meals ahead of time to ensure a balanced diet.

Careful Budgeting: Analyzing finances and creating a budget to manage spending.

Learning a New Skill: Dedicating time and effort to practice and improve.

Solving Complex Problems: Taking time to think through a difficult work-related issue or a puzzle.

How System 1 and System 2 Affect Our Habits

Our habits are largely influenced by the interplay between these two systems. System 1 often governs habits formed through repeated behaviors and routines, while System 2 comes into play when we try to change or form new, deliberate habits.

System 1 Habits:

Unhealthy Eating: Reaching for comfort food when stressed, driven by emotional responses.

Procrastination: Putting off tasks in favor of immediate, less demanding activities.

Mindless Browsing: Scrolling through social media without a specific purpose.

System 2 Habits:

Regular Exercise: Planning and adhering to a workout schedule.

Mindful Meditation: Setting aside time for mindfulness practices.

Continuous Learning: Reading books or taking courses to gain new knowledge and skills.

Practical Applications

I have realized that for me to form a new habit, I have to constantly fight against System 1 behavior (checking my phone first thing in the morning, impulsive eating etc). By fighting against it, I mean reminding myself of my intentions, taking time to ask myself why I really need another brownie. It is difficult at first but understanding the differences between System 1 and System 2 can help us make better decisions and develop healthier habits. For example, recognizing that binge eating is a System 1 behavior can lead us to implement System 2 strategies, such as meal planning and mindful eating, to counteract it.

Tips to Engage System 2:

Pause and Reflect: Before making decisions, take a moment to consider the consequences.

Create Routines: Establish structured routines that require conscious effort initially but can eventually become automatic.

Set Clear Goals: Define specific, achievable goals to guide deliberate actions.

Practice Self-Control: Develop self-discipline through regular practice and reinforcement.

By harnessing the power of System 2 thinking, we can override the automatic responses of System 1, leading to more intentional and beneficial habits.

[ashherahh]

all about leo

These interpretations are based on my experiences with these placements and tropical astrology. Birth charts are unique and not everything will be relatable.

masterlist • rules + tags • paid services

I truly admire individuals with a Leo Mars. They're excellent in everything they do, and they have this drive and motivation that can rarely be matched. Those with a Leo Mars are really able to make a name for themselves, excellence is in their blood. I honestly don't know where they get the motivation from, but they excel against all odds.

I've noticed that people who are really smart or they're considered a "genius", they have either a Leo Moon, Venus, or Mars.

They won't be the first to do something but whatever environment they're in, they'll end up reinventing the metaphorical wheel of whatever they do.

They...really do like attention. Many go as far as to be influencers or celebrities, but the more tamer Leo's still love recognition either way. They want to be acknowledged for their looks or their work or their partner or their style, but somehow they want to stand out.

Even if they come across as shy, once you get close to them, you'll hear how highly they speak of themselves. They really speak highly of themselves but it's not unfounded, they live their lives how they speak about themselves.

No one really talks about it but they're very quick witted, but they especially want to have the last word. Their remarks usually come across as condescending but that's just how they think.

COMPETITIVE. They are so so so competitive. I work in a sales environment, and I also work with a lot of people with strong Leo in their charts. They are the first ones at the office and the last ones to leave. They make goals for themselves and they follow through on it.

Leo Venus individuals need to feel appreciated in a relationship, they wanna be courted. They want to feel like they are important to their partner, they want you to show them off, go the extra mile for them. They have really high expectations in love. Once sex is involved, it's difficult for them to separate love and sex.

Those with Leo in Mercury have very distinct voices or speaking styles. A lot of them are really great singers as well. They are the kind of people who give motivational speeches, they speak with authority. When they speak you'll want to listen. They're very vocal about social issues and they'll be the first to speak on something even if people don't agree.

Very, very assertive with their boundaries and anything they want in life really. They can also be quite diplomatic and tactful when getting their point across.

They're very consistent with their energy levels, and their treatment of others is consistent as well. You'll be moody but they'll still have the same energy with you, unless you really piss them off. One thing I've noticed is that they don't allow external issues to influence who they are and how they behave.

I've noticed Leo placements having an obsession with shoes and accessories. They like to adorn themselves and you'll never catch them outside looking frumpy.

Mars in Leo individuals are easily...motivated. They're extremely expressive as well and can often be seen as dramatic because of this. They are the kind of people who always have a plan of action and they like to delegate tasks so they can come across as bossy.

[fuck-customers]

This was a couple of decades ago when I worked in sales, let’s say for an electronics company or appliance company or something similar to that. We had an older gentleman come in and he wanted to buy some high end stuff and quite a bit of it, so we were more than willing to help him out. Things started getting out of hand with him pretty quickly though. He was starting to demand that during the delivery and installation we would do stuff above and beyond what we could do because what he was asking for was against corporate policy. When we started to explain some of this to him he was all “You don’t know who I am, do you?” and he started to tell us that he used to be the ceo of a global company that I’ll leave unnamed. Think something big like energy, tech, or media. A company that has products in almost every household. He was telling us how corporate policies are all about lawyers and accountants and he doesn’t give a damn about that kind of stuff. If anything went wrong he wouldn’t hold anyone accountable and we could take him for his word. He said he used to make multimillion dollar deals on the golf course or over dinner with nothing more than handshakes and promises of phone calls over the next week to further hash things out.

We all thought this man was full of shit but he was willing to spend a lot of money, so we just let him keep on talking while we figured out ways to talk him down from his unrealistic expectations. It felt like a hostage negotiation. From time to time he would go on tangents and give us his “insider knowledge” about this company or that. It was all far from insider knowledge. It was everyday stuff that could easily be learned by reading Forbes or The Wall Street Journal.

I was the main salesperson and his first point of contact so I talked to him the most. He talked foul and looked completely disheveled. Everything about him and the whole interaction was the exact opposite of the types of corporate businessmen I was used to dealing with. I was starting to think we were getting conned. After about two long and painful hours the sale was completed and payments went through, much to my surprise. While a lot of equipment needed to be delivered, I volunteered to load the stuff we had on hand into his car. When we got out to the parking lot I saw that his car was a busted up and rusted out relic from the mid ‘80s. I thought that there was no way an ex-ceo of a global company would be driving something so crappy. I was convinced that he was just taking us for a ride for God know’s what reason.

When I got home from work that night I googled his name. Lo and behold there he was with photographs and articles. Tons of them. Not only was he who he said he was, he actually downplayed his career. I printed out some of the articles to take into work the next day. My boss, my coworkers, and I went over them, just dumb struck. We just couldn’t believe it. This complete asshole was exactly who he said he was. We ended up calling the installers to give them a heads up and warn them that they were probably be going to deal with one of the most difficult customers they’d see that year.

We never saw him again. On the one hand we were happy because none of us wanted to deal with him again. On the other hand we were kind of disappointed. He spent money without even trying.

I believed he was who he said he was before you said you looked him up.

The really rich people (worth billions) will drive a thirty year old car, wear clothes decades out of date, and expect a lot of things "extra" on everything they do buy. That's how they stay rich. The CEO of our company is still using a flip phone and came to our meeting (when I was still in corporate) in jeans and a t-shirt. And that dude is worth billions.

The showoff's (flashy car, new phone/bag/shoes) either are millionaires that will not be rich their whole life. Or celebrities/influencer's that need to have that image of wealth.

At least that's my experience in retail corporate and working security for the mouse.

-Rodney

[antiporn-activist]

A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/22/us/instagram-child-influencers.html

Seeking social media stardom for their underage daughters, mothers post images of them on Instagram. The accounts draw men sexually attracted to children, and they sometimes pay to see more.

Feb. 22, 2024

By Jennifer Valentino-DeVries and Michael H. Keller

The ominous messages began arriving in Elissa’s inbox early last year.

“You sell pics of your underage daughter to pedophiles,” read one. “You’re such a naughty sick mom, you’re just as sick as us pedophiles,” read another. “I will make your life hell for you and your daughter.”

Elissa has been running her daughter’s Instagram account since 2020, when the girl was 11 and too young to have her own. Photos show a bright, bubbly girl modeling evening dresses, high-end workout gear and dance leotards. She has more than 100,000 followers, some so enthusiastic about her posts that they pay $9.99 a month for more photos.

Over the years, Elissa has fielded all kinds of criticism and knows full well that some people think she is exploiting her daughter. She has even gotten used to receiving creepy messages, but these — from “Instamodelfan” — were extreme. “I think they’re all pedophiles,” she said of the many online followers obsessed with her daughter and other young girls.

Elissa and her daughter inhabit the world of Instagram influencers whose accounts are managed by their parents. Although the site prohibits children under 13, parents can open so-called mom-run accounts for them, and they can live on even when the girls become teenagers.

But what often starts as a parent’s effort to jump-start a child’s modeling career, or win favors from clothing brands, can quickly descend into a dark underworld dominated by adult men, many of whom openly admit on other platforms to being sexually attracted to children, an investigation by The New York Times found. 

For this investigation, the reporters analyzed 2.1 million Instagram posts, monitored months of online chats of professed pedophiles and interviewed over 100 people, including parents and children.

Thousands of accounts examined by The Times offer disturbing insights into how social media is reshaping childhood, especially for girls, with direct parental encouragement and involvement. Some parents are the driving force behind the sale of photos, exclusive chat sessions and even the girls’ worn leotards and cheer outfits to mostly unknown followers. The most devoted customers spend thousands of dollars nurturing the underage relationships.

The large audiences boosted by men can benefit the families, The Times found. The bigger followings look impressive to brands and bolster chances of getting discounts, products and other financial incentives, and the accounts themselves are rewarded by Instagram’s algorithm with greater visibility on the platform, which in turn attracts more followers.

One calculation performed by an audience demographics firm found 32 million connections to male followers among the 5,000 accounts examined by The Times.

Interacting with the men opens the door to abuse. Some flatter, bully and blackmail girls and their parents to get racier and racier images. The Times monitored separate exchanges on Telegram, the messaging app, where men openly fantasize about sexually abusing the children they follow on Instagram and extol the platform for making the images so readily available.

“It’s like a candy store 😍😍😍,” one of them wrote. “God bless instamoms 🙌,” wrote another.

The troubling interactions on Instagram come as social media companies increasingly dominate the cultural landscape and the internet is seen as a career path of its own.

Nearly one in three preteens lists influencing as a career goal, and 11 percent of those born in Generation Z, between 1997 and 2012, describe themselves as influencers. The so-called creator economy surpasses $250 billion worldwide, according to Goldman Sachs, with U.S. brands spending more than $5 billion a year on influencers.

Health and technology experts have recently cautioned that social media presents a “profound risk of harm” for girls. Constant comparisons to their peers and face-altering filters are driving negative feelings of self-worth and promoting objectification of their bodies, researchers found.

But the pursuit of online fame, particularly through Instagram, has supercharged the often toxic phenomenon, The Times found, encouraging parents to commodify their children’s images. Some of the child influencers earn six-figure incomes, according to interviews.

“I really don’t want my child exploited on the internet,” said Kaelyn, a mother in Melbourne, Australia, who like Elissa and many other parents interviewed by The Times agreed to be identified only by a middle name to protect the privacy of her child.

“But she’s been doing this so long now,” she said. “Her numbers are so big. What do we do? Just stop it and walk away?”

In investigating this growing and unregulated ecosystem, The Times analyzed 2.1 million Instagram posts, monitored months of online chats of professed pedophiles and reviewed thousands of pages of police reports and court documents.

Reporters also interviewed more than 100 people, including parents in the United States and three other countries, their children, child safety experts, tech company employees and followers of the accounts, some of whom were convicted sex offenders.

This is how The Times found its sample of 5,000 mom-run accounts.

The accounts range from dancers whose mothers diligently cull men from the ranks of followers, to girls in skimpy bikinis whose parents actively encourage male admirers and sell them special photo sets. While there are some mom-run accounts for boys, they are the exception.

Some girls on Instagram use their social media clout to get little more than clothing discounts; others receive gifts from Amazon wish lists, or money through Cash App; and still others earn thousands of dollars a month by selling subscriptions with exclusive content.

In interviews and online comments, parents said that their children enjoyed being on social media or that it was important for a future career. But some expressed misgivings. Kaelyn, whose daughter is now 17, said she worried that a childhood spent sporting bikinis online for adult men had scarred her.

“She’s written herself off and decided that the only way she’s going to have a future is to make a mint on OnlyFans,” she said, referring to a website that allows users to sell adult content to subscribers. “She has way more than that to offer.”

She warned mothers not to make their children social media influencers. “With the wisdom and knowledge I have now, if I could go back, I definitely wouldn’t do it,” she said. “I’ve been stupidly, naïvely, feeding a pack of monsters, and the regret is huge.”

Account owners who report explicit images or potential predators to Instagram are typically met with silence or indifference, and those who block many abusers have seen their own accounts’ ability to use certain features limited, according to the interviews and documents. In the course of eight months, The Times made over 50 reports of its own about questionable material and received only one response.

Meta, Instagram’s parent company, found that 500,000 child Instagram accounts had “inappropriate” interactions every day, according to an internal study in 2020 quoted in legal proceedings.

In a statement to The Times, Andy Stone, a Meta spokesman, said that parents were responsible for the accounts and their content and could delete them anytime.

“Anyone on Instagram can control who is able to tag, mention or message them, as well as who can comment on their account,” Mr. Stone added, noting a feature that allows parents to ban comments with certain words. “On top of that, we prevent accounts exhibiting potentially suspicious behavior from using our monetization tools, and we plan to limit such accounts from accessing subscription content.”

Influencers use TikTok, too, but Instagram is easier for parents to navigate and better suited to the kinds of photos that brands want. It is also home to a longstanding network of parents and brands that predated TikTok.

From time to time, Instagram removes child-influencer accounts for unspecified reasons or because people flag them as inappropriate, The Times found. In extreme cases, parents and photographers have been arrested or convicted of child exploitation, but barring evidence of illegal images, most of the activity does not draw the attention of law enforcement.

Like many parents, Elissa, who received the threatening messages about her daughter’s photos, said she protected her daughter by handling the account exclusively herself. Ultimately, she concluded, the Instagram community is dominated by “disgusting creeps,” but she nonetheless keeps the account up and running. Shutting it down, she said, would be “giving in to bullies.”

The account’s risks became apparent last spring when the person messaging her threatened to report her to the police and others unless she completed “a small task.” When she did not respond, the person emailed the girl’s school, saying Elissa sold “naughty” pictures to pedophiles.

Days later, the girl tearfully explained to her mother that school officials had questioned her about the Instagram account. They showed her images that her mother had posted — one of the girl in hot pants and fishnets, another in a leotard and sweatshirt.

Elissa had reported the blackmail to the local sheriff, but school officials only dropped the matter after an emotional interrogation of the girl.

“I was crying,” the girl said in an interview. “I was just scared. I didn’t understand what was going on.”

‘Walking Advertising’

In today’s creator economy, companies often turn to social media influencers to attract new customers. Giants like Kim Kardashian, who has 364 million followers on Instagram, have turned the phenomenon into a big business.

Young girls strive to do the same.

In the dance and gymnastics worlds, teens and preteens jockey to become brand ambassadors for products and apparel. They don bikinis in Instagram posts, walk runways in youth fashion shows and offer paid subscriptions to videos showing the everyday goings-on of children seeking internet fame.

“We costumed somebody for ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ thinking that would be huge P.R., but we ended up finding out the bigger return on investment is these microinfluencers,” she said. “We have parents that will spend thousands of dollars to buy styles that no one else will have. That’s our best market.”

The most successful girls can demand $3,000 from their sponsors for a single post on Instagram, but monetary gain can be elusive for others, who receive free or discounted clothes in exchange for their posts and have to pay for their own hairstyling and makeup, among other costs. Even youth fashion shows, including events in New York that coincide but are not affiliated with New York Fashion Week, charge the girls to participate and charge their parents to attend.

In interviews, parents defended spending the money to promote their daughters’ influencer ambitions, describing them as extracurricular activities that build confidence, develop friendships and create social media résumés that will follow them into adulthood.

“It’s like a little security blanket,” said a New Jersey mother whose mom-run account has led to paid modeling jobs for her daughter and invitations to work with sought-after choreographers. “She can help pay for college if she does it right,” she said.

A mother in Alabama said parents couldn’t ignore the reality of this new economy.

“Social media is the way of our future, and I feel like they’ll be behind if they don’t know what’s going on,” the mother said. “You can’t do anything without it now.”

One 12-year-old girl in Maryland, who spoke with The Times alongside her mother, described the thrill of seeing other girls she knows wear a brand she represents in Instagram posts.

“People are actually being influenced by me,” she said.

In 2022, Instagram launched paid subscriptions, which allows followers to pay a monthly fee for exclusive content and access. The rules don’t allow subscriptions for anyone under 18, but the mom-run accounts sidestep that restriction. The Times found dozens that charged from 99 cents to $19.99. At the highest price, parents offered “ask me anything” chat sessions and behind-the-scenes photos.

Child safety experts warn the subscriptions and other features could lead to unhealthy interactions, with men believing they have a special connection to the girls and the girls believing they must meet the men’s needs.

“I have reservations about a child feeling like they have to satisfy either adults in their orbit or strangers who are asking something from them,” said Sally Theran, a professor at Wellesley College and clinical psychologist who studies online relationships. “It’s really hard to give consent to that when your frontal lobe isn’t fully developed.”

Instagram isn’t alone in the subscription business. Some parents promote other platforms on their mom-run accounts. One of them, Brand Army, caters to adult influencers but also has “junior channel” parent-run subscriptions ranging from free to $250 monthly.

“Message me anytime. You will have more opportunities for buying and receiving super exclusive content😘,” read a description for a $25 subscription to a minor’s account. For $100 a month, subscribers can get “live interactive video chats,” unlimited direct messages and a mention on the girl’s Instagram story.

The Times subscribed to several accounts to glean what content is being offered and how much money is being made. On one account, 141 subscribers liked a photo only available to those who paid $100 monthly, indicating over $14,000 in subscription revenue.

Some of the descriptions also highlight the revealing nature of photos. One account for a child around 14 years old encouraged new sign-ups at the end of last year by branding the days between Christmas and New Year’s as “Bikini Week.” An account for a 17-year-old girl advertised that she wasn’t wearing underwear in a workout photo set and, as a result, the images were “uh … a lot spicier than usual.”

The girl’s “Elite VIP” subscription costs $250 a month.

Brand Army’s founder, Ramon Mendez, said that junior-channel users were a minority on his platform and that moderating their pages had grown so problematic that he discontinued new sign-ups.

“We’ve removed thousands of pieces of content,” he said. “The parents’ behavior is just disgusting. We don’t want to be part of it.”

‘The Wealth of the Wicked’

“You are so sexy,” read one comment on an image of a 5-year-old girl in a ruffled bikini. “Those two little things look great thru ur top,” said another on a video of a girl dancing in a white cropped shirt, who months later posted pictures of her 11th birthday party.

For many mom-run accounts, comments from men — admiring, suggestive or explicit — are a recurring scourge to be eradicated, or an inescapable fact of life to be ignored. For others, they are a source to be tapped.

“The first thing I do when I wake up and the last thing I do when I go to bed is block accounts,” said Lynn, the mother of a 6-year-old girl in Florida who has about 3,000 followers from the dance world.

Another mother, Gail from Texas, described being desensitized to the men’s messages. “I don’t have as much of an emotional response anymore,” she said. “It’s weird to be so numb to that, but the quantity is just astounding.”

Meta does not provide public information about who uses Instagram, so The Times analyzed data from the audience firms Modash and HypeAuditor, which estimate follower demographics based on their own algorithms.

The proportion of male followers varied greatly in The Times’s sample, according to the estimates. Many accounts had a few thousand followers who were mostly female. But while men accounted for about 35 percent of the audience overall, their presence grew dramatically as accounts became more popular. Many with more than 100,000 followers had a male audience of over 75 percent, and a few of them over 90 percent, the analysis showed.

To be sure, not all men following the accounts have bad intentions. Some are grandparents and fathers of the young influencers. Many have inoffensive profiles and simply post compliments or greetings, and mothers react appreciatively.

“In responding or even hitting ‘like’ on it, it boosts your algorithm,” said a mother in Florida whose 16-year-old daughter has been an Instagram influencer for six years. “We tried shutting comments off at one point, and some of the brands didn’t like that.”

Brands that feature children from mom-run accounts face similar challenges.

Dean Stockton, who runs a small clothing company in Florida called Original Hippie, often features girls from the Instagram accounts, who earn a commission when customers use personalized discount codes. After initially deleting many male followers, he now sees them as a way to grow the account and give it a wider audience because the platform rewards large followings.

“The Bible says, ‘The wealth of the wicked is laid up for the righteous,’” he said. “So sometimes you got to use the things of this world to get you to where you need to be, as long as it’s not harming anybody.”

Mr. Stockton said he deleted male followers who were disrespectful or sexual in their interactions. An examination by The Times of the three dozen brands that are popular among mom-run accounts found inappropriate, predatory or pornographic followers in almost all of the brands’ accounts, including Original Hippie.

Many of the men posted pornography, or their bios included sexual language and emojis that child protection experts say pedophiles can use to signal interest in children. For instance, one follower of a children’s dance wear brand described himself as a “thong & anl sx lover.” A user named “sexy_69nazi” followed a children’s apparel company and exclusively posted pornography.

Chixit, a brand selling swimwear and other clothing, describes itself as “an International Sorority,” but business records show that it was run by Philip Russo, who advertised himself as a tutor operating out of his home in the Hudson Valley of New York. Other websites registered to Mr. Russo’s email are a tutoring business and inactive domain names describing sex with animals.

After The Times reached out to Mr. Russo, the website for his tutoring business went offline. He did not respond to multiple messages seeking comment.

‘Girls Become a Currency’

The vast world of child-influencer followers on Instagram includes men who have been charged with or convicted of sex crimes, and those who engage in forums off platform where child sexual abuse imagery, including of girls on Instagram, is shared.

The Times traced the account of one follower, who goes by the moniker “jizzquizz,” to a man named Joshua V. Rubel, 39. He was convicted in 2008 of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl and is listed on the New Jersey sex offender registry. (Instagram’s policy bars sex offenders from using the platform, and the company said it removed two accounts after The Times pointed them out.)

Another account belongs to Daniel Duane Huver, a man in Lansing, Mich., who told law enforcement in 2018 that he had “top fan status” on girls’ pages, a designation bestowed by Instagram’s sister company, Facebook. The police searched Mr. Huver’s cellphone after it was confiscated by his probation officer and found hundreds of images and videos of children, including many considered inappropriate and sexually suggestive and two believed to be illegal (showing minors engaged in explicit acts.)

Mr. Huver told officers he was sexually attracted to children and masturbated to images of them, according to police records. He was charged with possession of child sexual abuse material, but the prosecutor in Eaton County later dropped charges, citing insufficient evidence because of the poor quality of the imagery.

Mr. Rubel did not respond to requests for comment. Mr. Huver said that the police mischaracterized his words and that the lack of prosecution was evidence he had done nothing wrong.

In monitoring multiple Telegram chat rooms, The Times found men who treat children’s Instagram pages and subscription services as menus to satisfy their fantasies. They trade information about parents considered receptive to producing and selling “private sets” of images.

A group with more than 4,000 members was highly organized, with an F.A.Q. page and a Google sheet that tracked nearly 700 children, identifying them by hashtags to help members find them within the long chat history. The group’s logo showed a child’s hand in an adult hand.

The Times asked the Canadian Center for Child Protection, an organization that monitors online child exploitation, to review links and other potentially illegal material posted by the Telegram groups and elsewhere. The center identified child sexual abuse imagery involving multiple underage Instagram models from around the world, as well as sexualized videos of others, including a preteen girl wearing a thong and a young teenager raising her dress to show her bikini bottom.

Men in these groups frequently praise the advent of Instagram as a golden age for child exploitation.

“I’m so glad for these new moms pimping their daughters out,” wrote one of them. “And there’s an infinite supply of it — literally just refresh your Instagram Explore page there’s fresh preteens.”

A small group of men go even further and cultivate business and patronage relationships with mothers.

One man posts videos and photos on Instagram of girls thanking him for shopping sprees, gifts like iPhones and iPads, and cash. If he does not receive a message of gratitude quickly, he sometimes shames the mother and daughter on his private Instagram account.

Another makes recommendations about increasing visibility by using specific hashtags and photographers. But two mothers said they became suspicious, and stopped working with the man, after he suggested they make certain their daughters’ nipples and other private areas could be detected through their outfits.

A third man tried to persuade a mother to sell her daughter’s used leotards because many men, including himself, were “collectors,” according to a recording of the conversation.

“In retrospect I feel like such a stupid mom, but I’m not stupid,” said a mother of a young gymnast, who dealt with similar men before she realized they were predators and received threatening messages from several of them. “I didn’t understand what grooming was.”

Sometimes the men flirt or try to develop virtual romances with mothers, offer to protect them and become possessive and angry if they interact with other men.

“It’s almost like the girls become a currency,” said the gymnast’s mother, who did not want to be named.

This feeling of ownership and jealousy can drive attempts at blackmail, The Times found.

Instamodelfan, who sent threatening messages to Elissa, sent blackmail threats to at least five other mom-run accounts. When one mother responded, he demanded that she sexually abuse her child and send him photos and videos, emails to the mother show. She refused and contacted law enforcement.

The Times communicated with a person identified on Telegram as Instamodelfan who said that he lashed out at the mothers because he believed other men got illegal images of children and he wanted them for himself.

Reporters also received information from an anonymous tipster, who they later found was linked to the blackmailer, indicating that some parents had produced explicit imagery of their daughters.

The Canadian center reviewed the imagery and said it included illegal nude photos of two girls. One girl’s mother said she was shaken to learn of the photos and did not know who could have made them. The other girl, now 17, said in an interview that the photos were for her and a girlfriend and that she told law enforcement that they had been stolen.

Others images either were borderline illegal, were too poor quality to be conclusive or were digitally altered, the center said.

Several mothers who had been identified by the tipster said they reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which, they said, had conducted an investigation. The F.B.I. declined to comment.

Ultimately, the gymnast’s mother said, a federal agent told them to stop talking to men online.

“They told everyone to get off Instagram,” she said. “‘You’re in over your head. Get off.’ That’s what they told us.”

‘My Limit of Pedophiles’

Meta failed to act on multiple reports made by parents and even restricted those who tried to police their own followers, according to interviews and materials provided by the parents.

If parents block too many followers’ accounts in a day, Meta curtails their ability to block or follow others, they said.

“I remember being told, like, I’ve reached my limit,” said a mother of two dancers in Arizona who declined to be named. “Like what? I reached my limit of pedophiles for today. OK, great.”

Mr. Stone, the Meta spokesman, said “there are lots of reasons an account might face limitations or restrictions based the account’s activity,” and therefore it was difficult to know why parents encountered these problems.

Ms. Pastore of LA Dance Designs said it was “very much overdue” for Instagram to add the ability to filter by age and sex to help identify suspicious followers. “If you’re starting to gain a following, there needs to be some sort of way to control it,” she said.

Even some egregious violations led to no action by Meta.

One parent reported a photo of erect male genitalia sent in a direct message. Another reported an account that reposted children’s photos with explicit captions. A third reported a user who propositioned her child for sex, offering $65,000 for “an hour” with the girl.

In response to those three reports, Meta said either that the communications did not violate “community guidelines” or that its staff did not have time to review them. In other cases, Meta told parents that it relied on its “technology” to determine the content was “probably” not a violation.

Separately, The Times found comments that included links to sites identified by the Canadian center as trading illegal, nude imagery of children. None of those reports received a response from Meta.

Former Meta trust and safety employees described an organization overwhelmed despite knowing about the problem for years.

“You hear, ‘I reported this account, it was harassing my daughter, why is he back?’” said a former investigator for the company who requested anonymity. “There are not enough people, resources and systems to tackle all of it.”

In recent years, conspiracy theories like QAnon, which claims Democratic politicians are trafficking children, have led to an excess of unfounded reports that have muddled the evaluation of child abuse tips, three former Meta trust and safety employees said.

A 2020 document that surfaced in a lawsuit described child safety as a “non-goal” at Meta. “If we do something here, cool,” the document said. “But if we do nothing at all, that’s fine too.” The lawsuit was brought against Meta and other companies claiming damage from using social media. Lawyers for the plaintiffs declined to provide more information about the document.

In documents from 2018 included in a separate lawsuit making similar claims of harm, a top Facebook executive told Instagram’s chief executive that unless changes were made, Facebook and Instagram were “basically massive ‘victim discovery services,’” an allusion to the considerable evidence of abuse on the platforms.

Mr. Stone, the Meta spokesman, disputed the suggestion that the trust team was understaffed and underfunded, saying that 40,000 employees worked on safety and security and that the company had invested $20 billion in such efforts since 2016. He also referred to a previous statement about the lawsuits, saying they “mischaracterize our work using selective quotes and cherry-picked documents.”

In addition, he noted that Meta reported more suspected child abuse imagery to the authorities than any other company each year. In December, it announced plans to encrypt its messaging services, which would reduce the reports.

‘It’s All Over Instagram’

Experts in child protection and development say young people should never be made to have negative feelings about their bodies. But clothing that is appropriate in a gym or dance competition may take on an unintended meaning when shared online.

Children’s dance attire regularly features strappy bra tops, sheer fabric and bikini bottoms, and popular cheer outfits combine sports bras with little skirts — part of a long-term trend toward more revealing clothing for girls.

“In the dance world we’re in, they’re half naked all the time and their legs are in the air,” said a mother in Massachusetts who declined to be named. “And if you’re not used to seeing that, maybe it’s different.”

Lynn, whose granddaughter in Texas is an ambassador for a cheerleading brand, said there was no logic to the reactions her posts received. Photos of the girl’s feet attract the most extreme comments, she said. “You can’t stop weird people, I guess.”

Still, many of the would-be influencers suffer. In some instances criticism of the posts, and accompanying bullying, becomes so severe that mothers turn to home-schooling.

“She got slaughtered all through primary school,” said Kaelyn, the mother in Melbourne. “Children were telling her, ‘We can’t play with you because my mom said too many perverts follow you on the internet.’”

In the United States, parents have substantial leeway in making decisions about their children. But people who suspect illegal behavior on Instagram quickly discover that the authorities are overwhelmed and typically focus on the clearest-cut cases.

Even the most unsettling images of sexualized child influencers tend to fall into a legal gray area. To meet the federal definition of so-called child pornography, the law generally requires a “lascivious exhibition” of the anal or genital area, though courts have found the requirement can be met without nudity or sheer clothing.

There have been criminal prosecutions against parents accused in child sexual abuse cases.

In Louisiana last year, a mother was arrested and charged with working with a photographer to produce illegal images of her daughter in a thong bikini. In Texas, a mother was sentenced to 32 years in prison in December for producing nude photos of her 8-year-old daughter with the same photographer. And in North Carolina, a mother is awaiting trial on charges that she took her 15-year-old daughter to a photographer who sexually abused her and she failed to get medical help when the girl tried to kill herself, according to court documents.

Still, those prosecutions are rare, and some male followers of the mom-run accounts openly welcome the windfall.

“As long as this stuff legally exists, I just enjoy it :),” one of them wrote on Telegram.

“Exactly,” another responded. “It’s all over Instagram.”

[13lunarstar]

Ashlesha

The ninth nakshatra ( closes the first cycle of 27 nakshatras)

Degrees: from 16°40' to 30°00' of Cancer zodiac sign

The ruler of nakshatra: Mercury (Budha)

Nakshatra's guna: tamas (demonic)

Ashlesha keywords: transformation, hidden potential, deception, cunning, strong family ties, intuition, mysticism, manipulation, emotional intensity, healing, rebirth, ancestral connections, strategic thinking, spiritual awakening, kundalini energy, inner growth

Symbol: a coiled serpent, representing transformation and hidden potential; a serpent's poison representing healing capabilities

Ashlesha in various planets

Sun in Ashlesha: brings intensity and depth to one's personality. There may be a strong drive for transformation and self-discovery, but individuals may also struggle with hidden subconscious fears or insecurities that need to be addressed. Individuals are driven by a desire to uncover hidden truths and explore the depths of their own psyche. There may be a strong desire for power and influence. These individuals may be drawn to positions of authority where they can assert their strength and leadership abilities. A good placement for studying and delving into esoteric and occult sciences.

Moon in Ashlesha: enhances emotional sensitivity and intuition as well as inner charisma & magnetism. Individuals may rely heavily on their gut feelings and inner guidance in making decisions. People with this placement may have strong family connections and may be deeply nurturing and protective of their loved ones. Moon in Ashlesha can indicate psychic sensitivity and a strong connection to the subconscious mind. These individuals may have vivid dreams or psychic experiences and may be drawn to mystical or occult subjects, as well as healing practices.

Mars in Ashlesha: can intensify one's desire for transformation and change. There may be a tendency towards manipulation or power struggles if the energy is not channelled constructively. Individuals with Mars in Ashlesha may experience emotions more intensely and may have a strong need for emotional connection and intimacy. They are fiercely loyal and will go to great lengths to defend and support those they care about. Mars in Ashlesha can signify a period of healing and renewal, where individuals confront and overcome deep-seated emotional wounds. They may find strength and resilience in their ability to face and overcome adversity.

Mercury in Ashlesha: enhances strategic thinking and intuitive abilities. Individuals with Mercury in Ashlesha may have a natural gift for understanding non-verbal cues and picking up on subtle energy shifts in their environment. individuals are adept at analyzing complex situations and coming up with creative solutions. They may excel in fields that require strategic planning, negotiation and sales skills, medicine and pharmaceuticals. Ashlesha is also associated with deception and manipulation, and Mercury here can indicate challenges related to communication and trust. Individuals with this placement may need to be mindful of being overly secretive or manipulative in their interactions with others.

Jupiter in Ashlesha: fosters spiritual growth and inner wisdom. Individuals with Jupiter in Ashlesha may possess emotional wisdom beyond their years, with a keen understanding of human emotions and motivations. They may be skilled at offering guidance and support to others in navigating through emotional challenges. Jupiter in Ashlesha signifies a deep spiritual journey. Individuals with this placement may feel a profound connection to the mysteries of life and may seek spiritual truths with great dedication and devotion. They may be drawn to mystical or esoteric teachings that offer insights into the nature of reality and consciousness.

Venus in Ashlesha: enhances emotional intensity and sensitivity in relationships. Ashlesha Nakshatra can bring a tendency towards idealization of love and romance, and Venus here may amplify this quality. Individuals with Venus in Ashlesha may have high expectations for their romantic relationships, seeking a deep soul connection and unconditional love. Venus in Ashlesha may bring a strong intuitive attraction to certain individuals. These individuals may feel drawn to partners who resonate with their emotional needs and who offer a sense of comfort and familiarity.

Saturn in Ashlesha: emphasizes the importance of ancestral connections and family responsibilities. Individuals with this placement may feel a strong sense of duty towards their family & heritage and may work diligently to preserve family traditions and values. Saturn in Ashlesha may bring a stoic demeanour and an ability to withstand emotional challenges with grace and maturity. However, Saturn's influence in Ashlesha may inhibit emotional expression at times. Individuals with this placement may struggle to openly express their feelings or may feel a sense of heaviness or burden in their emotional experiences. Overall, Saturn in Ashlesha signifies a potential for transformation through hard work and perseverance.

Rahu in Ashlesha: can amplify desires for power and control. Rahu's presence in Ashlesha signifies karmic lessons related to emotional attachment and manipulation. Individuals with this placement may need to confront and overcome patterns of behavior that stem from unresolved emotional wounds or past-life experiences.Despite its challenges, Rahu in Ashlesha offers the potential for spiritual transformation and growth. Individuals with this placement may undergo profound inner changes as they confront their shadow self and strive to integrate their desires and emotions in a healthier way. Also, Rahu in Ashlesha can signify intense and transformative relationships. Individuals with this placement may experience dramatic highs and lows in their romantic partnerships, with themes of obsession, possessiveness, and power struggles.

Ketu in Ashlesha Nakshatra: encourages spiritual growth, intuitive thinking and detachment from worldly attachments. Individuals with this placement may seek inner transformation through introspection and self-discovery. Ketu in Ashlesha can signify a release of past emotional wounds or karmic baggage. These individuals may experience a profound sense of emotional liberation as they let go of attachments to people, places, or experiences that have been holding them back. Ashlesha Nakshatra's association with mysticism is amplified by Ketu's influence. Individuals with Ketu in Ashlesha may have a natural affinity for spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, or energy healing.

[cyberl33ch]

Excuse Me, Miss? Chapter 2

masterlist, part one, part three, part four

summary: Neighbor turned business partner, romantic or conflict of interest?

word count: 1.14k

tw: angst, eventual smut, conflict of interest, alcohol consumption, & hopeless feeling.

pairing: Neighbor/BusinessPartner!Abby x NepoBaby!Reader

“Excuse me, Miss?” Your reminiscing is interrupted by a familiar voice. You turn around to lock eyes with none other than…Abby? After standing there trying to piece together a valid reason Abby had business at your dad's company. You never found one…this is also when you realize you didn’t know much about her and lowkey could’ve gotten kidnapped last night. Cheers to impulsive, alcohol-influenced actions…right?? 

“What are you doing here?” You say with a slightly dropped jaw and raised eyebrow. “I have a…uh-” Whatever Abby was going to say gets cut off by your father entering the room, standing beside Abby, and putting a hand on her shoulder. “I see you’ve met my daughter..” Your father says clenching his jaw, you can practically hear his teeth grinding.

“D-daughter?” Abby says, widening her eyes as she stammers over her words. Your father nods confirming Abby’s worst fear, looking at you both as silence fills the room. “Well, we have a business meeting.” He says motioning Abby towards a chair, which was also a polite “get the fuck out.” 

You took that and ran with it literally, clocking out and booking it to the parking garage where your car was. After getting in you take the biggest exhale of your life swearing you could rip your hair out follicle by follicle.

Starting up the car ready to get in bed and sulk you get a knock on your window, rolling it down you meet gazes with Abby again. She cast quite the shadow being that your car was slightly low to the ground, she looked relaxed with one hand in her pocket looking down at you with those eyes. 

“I was just gonna ask- um…if we could talk tomorrow?” She says nervously, slightly taking a step back as she scratches the back of her neck. “Uhh sure yeah.” You say letting a yawn escape showing how exhausted you were. You both bid your goodbyes as Abby takes a step back watching you drive out of the parking spot. 

Waking up in the sunlight is therapeutic to others, especially with the view in your bedroom but to you, it’s just another sunrise.

You felt it was time to try something different since you hadn’t sipped tequila a whole day. Everything has been giving you a fresh start kind of feel. New “job”, new things, new skills, even a new milf next door. Isn’t life beautiful?

While sitting in the living room deciding what to watch for your employee holiday. Yesterday when they told you it was an employee holiday you had to google what that was because you thought regular employees worked year round.

You decide to cook yourself for once, but you never really took it upon yourself to cook, often ordering takeout or just eating chips and liquor. 

However, you do have a couple of recipes locked into your brain from when your mother used to cook with you as a kid.

You always feel cozy from most of her recipes even the simple ones, she always adds her twist on everything. Even to this day, you have a positive view of her to which your dad has never taken a likeness.

Nevertheless, this day isn’t about the past it’s about relaxation-. You quickly stopped in your tracks realizing Abby hadn’t crossed your mind once since you’d risen out of your bed. 

It takes you two plates of food and a few seasons of The Walking Dead to finally come up with a justifiable reason for why Abby had any business at your dad's company, let alone a meeting.

During the time you were helping her move boxes into her place, you saw some boxes marked work supplies. Maybe she was there negotiating or even offering something. It wasn’t rare for smaller companies to try and use your dad as a way to the top or to even skyrocket sales. 

Knocks at your door making you jolt up, pausing the TV show that earlier had your gears going. Having a gut feeling about who was on the other side of the door you found it best to not contemplate and just act so you opened the door with the fakest smile you could force out.

Abby’s facial expressions were caught off guard if anything. “Hey…is now a good time or? I could always come back later-” She practically vomited out. “You’re fine, come in,” You say, stepping aside and letting a grin creep up on your face.

You gestured Abby towards a cozier room with a fireplace, you’d just finished renovating it so why not show it to someone and get your money's worth?

As you two sat down an awkward space in between you two, which honestly made the decorations on the fireplace all the more interesting. “I’m guessing you want to know why I was at Ray's- Your father's workplace,” Abby said, you responding with an eager nod. 

The first-name basis makes the situation seem way deeper than it seemed on the surface level. “Well I own a few small companies and he was thinking of taking a small percentage of my shares.” She says searching for any sign of discomfort in your eyes.

You hum hoping to keep the conversation from souring again but that seems impossible with the way she's scooting closer to you and soul-searching in your irises. 

This alone pushing nothing but heat to your core has you looking in any other direction but her face. “Hey, you haven’t told me why you were there?” Abby questions looking a little more amused than you’d like.

“My dad has me covering for a worker there so…” You say rather blankly. Abby, catching on that you would rather not elaborate further, didn't push or press any more buttons. Instead, she gave you an invitation to an art gallery that was happening later in the day. 

Kindly taking the invitation she shows herself out as you race to your office so you can see what people wear to art galleries.

Quickly choosing Pinterest as a way to pinpoint things you can incorporate into the outfit. Sighing, shutting off your computer, and seeing your reflection on the monitor gives you the grounding you so badly need. 

What if this was just a friendly invitation…or better yet a pity one. Maybe she wanted to make a good impression on you hoping you’d run back to your father and report.

Trying to stay on the positive side of things you tell yourself she probably just wants to get into your good graces in general. Hoping that today will be you, wine, great art, and a milf. God bless America.

my masterlist

(tell me in my ask my anything's if you have a request!)

(divider by @gigittamic)

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Simca 1100, 1967. Among the first unibody cars to offer the now industry standard transversely mounted engine and front-wheel drive, with all-around independent suspension, disc brakes and rack and pinion steering. The 1100 was an early mainstream hatchback with folding rear seats for maximum space utilisation and practicality. The car was an instant sales success across Europe and is said to have influenced Volkswagen's board who were contemplating the future of their mostly rear engined/aircooled model range. The 1100 refers to the car’s position within the Simca range rather than its cubic capacity, it was available with engines of 944, 1118, and 1294cc. Its success was a factor in influencing Chrysler to up their shareholding in the Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile (Simca) to a point where they took full control of the company.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for blocking my business partner and our mutual friends?

First of all, I want to establish that I'm not an idiot. I don't think I'm the smartest person in the world, I didn't do very well in school, and I'm generally a bit forgetful. I've been struggling with undiagnosed mental illness and neurodivergency for my entire life. My family growing up was very anti therapy and I've only recently brought anything up to a doctor. However, I like to think I manage myself pretty well. I have my own systems for doing things, and they may be unconventional, but it works. I've come to terms with the fact that no matter what I do, I'm going to have to work a lot harder than the average person and get a lot less credit. That's just how it is. I have two jobs, one of which is at a restaurant, and the other is a business that I started with my friend. It's still fairly small and local, but I'm really proud of how far it's come.

Me and my business partner, we'll call her Shelly, have a group of friends that we hang out with from time to time. I honestly don't like them very much, but Shelly, who has been my best friend for over a decade really enjoys hanging out with them, so though I've expressed to her that I want to start seeing them less, I've stayed friends with them, both to make Shelly happy and to avoid any drama that might be caused.

Among this group of friends is someone we'll call Dianne. Dianne will insult and berate me consistently, and then insist it was a joke. Nobody has ever laughed, and I have told Dianne that I don't find any of it funny. The other members of the friend group (aside from Shelly) said that this is just how she expresses that she likes somebody, and tried to make it seem like playful banter, but the insults are incredibly one-sided (I've never said an ill word about her to any of them, and especially not to her. I'm not rude.) and she never insults anyone but me and sometimes Shelly.

Recently ( a couple months or so ago) she started taking digs at my intelligence, as I have been a few minutes late to a couple of our hangouts, and I have trouble with my left and right. I said explicitly that I don't like it when people treat me like an idiot. I tried to be polite, but I won't stand for that. Also, being late and directions are very common things for people to struggle with, so I don't understand why that insinuates that I'm at all unintelligent. She also may have gotten this idea because I don't tend to laugh at her jokes, which are mostly things like "that's what she said" and other cheap and immature sex jokes. She usually tries to brush off the fact that I don't laugh by saying I must be dumb because I don't get her jokes. I do, they're just not very clever and I clearly have a different sense of humor than her.

I just kept trying to avoid any sort of conflict, because the rest of the group makes Shelly really happy. But then it started to get worse. The whole group seemed to be influenced by these jokes, and stopped expecting me to be able to do anything. I wasn't even the designated driver anymore, even though I'm usually the obvious choice because I don't drink. Dianne told me I'd probably crash because she didn't think I could read street signs. I've driven her home multiple times (during none of which she's been sober enough to remember my driving ability) and I've never driven at all irresponsibly while any of them were in the car. The whole group, aside from Shelly, began making jokes about how I was the resident airhead. For my birthday, Dianne got me a toddler sippy cup, and a card that said "Congrats, you're 2!". Get it. Because I'm so stupid I'm basically a child. Ha ha. So funny I forgot to laugh.

The last straw for me was when Shelly sent me a business email that was like "Are you going to be able to get the books done in time?" and basically told me to make sure I wasn't lazy when it came to keeping track of the sales, even though I've never been late with that kind of stuff. I really care about our business, and I keep track of all of the financials and do our taxes. I don't have a degree or anything, I could never afford college, so I emailed Shelly back very passive-agressively about how if she doesn't think I can do it in time, she can hire a real accountant.

We met with the friendgroup the next day and I was incredibly pissed. Dianne made another dig at me, something about our business probably going under because I'm too incompetent to do anything. I snapped. In the midst of yelling at her, I said "I am not stupid. You don't get to treat me like I am." and she said "But aren't you, though?" and I stormed out. I blocked everyone, except for Shelly.

I texted Shelly and said that she could be friends with whoever she wants, but that I'm never speaking to any of them ever again. Shelly said that I was being overdramatic, and that they're all being awkward to her now because they know that we're such good friends. I apologized for putting her in a position where she felt like she was in the middle, but told her that I was not about to take any more of that treatment. I told her I'm disappointed that after all this time, she let other people dictate the way that she sees me. When her new friends call me stupid, I can let it slide off of my back, but when my best friend of over a decade starts treating me like I'm incompetent and I can't get anything done, that really hurts. She told me that I need to learn to take a joke. I blocked her too after that. We've continued having meetings and being mostly civil, but we haven't spoken outside of that, and all the friendship is gone.

I'm mostly concerned about how this situation is going to affect our business, because I have worked so hard and I'd hate to see it fail because of petty drama and insults. I'm now feeling like I made a huge mistake by blowing up. Should I have just kept quiet to protect my job and friendship?

What are these acronyms?

[growingstories]

Side business

Gianni, a 23-year-old marketeer that recently graduated, landed a job as a junior press officer at a prestigious Italian fashion brand. As he embarked on his exciting new career, he began sharing his adventures on social media. His Instagram account quickly gained popularity, attracting an audience of over 50,000 followers.

His boss discovered Gianni's growing online influence and recognized its potential. Impressed by his ability to engage with an audience, Gianni was promoted to a senior position within the company. His boss even suggested a plan for Gianni to collaborate with other influencers and showcase outfits before they hit the stores. This strategy greatly boosted the brand's sales and left everyone involved thrilled with the results.

Gianni's online presence caught the attention of travel brands, who saw a perfect opportunity to collaborate with him. Combining his passion for travel with his current job seemed like a dream come true. Eventually, Gianni was offered a different position that allowed him to travel the world as a brand ambassador and head of social media. This proved to be a tremendous success, as he earned money by partnering with other brands and posting about their products. His healthy lifestyle and fitness journey also made him a sought-after expert, leading to features in renowned publications like Vogue, Vanity Fair, and G.Q Gianni's popularity continued to rise, and he enjoyed the luxury of a lavish lifestyle, complete with a glamorous personal trainer, Francesco. Francesco drives a Porsche and loves fancy watches.

For many years, Gianni thrived, giving Ted talks and attending exclusive parties, collaborating with numerous companies and earning substantial amounts of money. He even purchased a grand house in Tuscany and shared the renovation process online, engaging his followers with step-by-step updates and showcasing furniture brands.

Eventually, Gianni decided to leave his day job and focus solely on endorsement deals. He started offering online courses, recording podcasts from his home studio, and hosting, pay exclusive-per-view live Q&A sessions for his subscribers. While Gianni received many tempting offers of a sexual nature, he always declined. However, one evening, after consuming a few drinks, he engaged in a private, sexually explicit Q&A session with a follower named Franco89. This opened the door to more explicit conversations and eventually led Gianni to create a secret OnlyFans account. There, he redirected fans who desired sexually oriented content, including Franco89.

FitFrank, who Gianni initially didn't recognize, messaged him one day. Their conversations quickly evolved, and they eventually engaged in virtual intimate encounters. Although Gianni had his reservations, FitFrank eventually persuaded him to participate in paid jerk-off sessions, which they conducted weekly.

Amidst his immense success, Gianni received fan mail, flowers, and outfits from well-known brands. Due to his excellent physique, he could easily request any outfit he desired. One day, he found a box of cupcakes and received message a from FitFrank insinuating that he knew about the cupcakes. Initially Gianni dismissed, it, assuming it was a coincidence. However, after tasting and enjoying the cupcakes during one of his live sessions, FitFrank sent him a message, revealing that he was aware of Gianni’s indulgence. Intrigued, Gianni engaged in a conversation with FitFrank, who made an unusual offer: €100 for each cupcake Gianni ate during a live session. Although Gianni hesitated at first, FitFrank increased the offer to €1000 for two live eating sessions per month. Succumbing to the allure of the lucrative deal, Gianni agreed to indulge himself weekly.

Gianni's popularity continued to soar, and endorsement offers poured in, particularly for swimwear. Whenever he posted about a particular brand, it sold out immediately. His fit body, dedication to fitness, and healthy eating habits had transformed him into a lifestyle specialist, attracting media attention from magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and GQ.

However, as Gianni's workload increased, he found less time for travel and decided to reduce his trips. Instead, he focused on providing online courses and hosting events exclusively in Italy. He also introduced paid subscriptions for his live Q&A sessions, further boosting his income.

Despite his success, Gianni couldn't help but notice his clothes becoming tighter. Concerned about his appearance, he decided to end his deal with FitFrank and ignored his messages. However, FitFrank responded by sending cupcakes every morning, tempting Gianni to continue their arrangement. Eventually, FitFrank offered even more money, €1000 per cake. Gianni decided to extend the deal for one more month.

The cakes became larger and more challenging to consume, but Gianni managed to complete each one. FitFrank saw Gianni's dedication and increased the offer to €5000 per month after the last cake. Although the cakes grew in size, Gianni determination remained unwavering.

Despite his success, Gianni's lifestyle began to take a toll on his physique. Personal trainer Francesco expressed concern and suggested a diet to help Gianni lose weight. Francesco feared that having a visibly overweight ambassador would harm his own reputation. Gianni understood the need for change and revealed his to followers that he had gained weight during a renovation project. He created a weight loss program with Francesco for his fans, which received a positive response during the pre-sale phase.

However, Gianni's weight gain continued, exacerbated by his ongoing indulgence in FitFrank's cakes and cupcakes. Francesco confronted Gianni during a live session, shocked by his additional weight gain. Promising to do better, Gianni continued his collaboration with Francesco, now paying for the fitness program.

After two weeks, Gianni realized that his efforts were futile, and he had only gained more weight. Francesco, furious with Gianni's lack of progress, demanded that he publicly announce the end of their collaboration or face legal consequences. Gianni reluctantly complied, confessing to his followers that he was too weak to continue the program. He stepped on the scale and broke down in tears at realization that he the had gained a significant amount of weight.

Confused and desperate, Gianni questioned why he had continued the eating sessions despite having no financial need. Was it simply for attention? FitFrank, aware of Gianni's struggles, initiated a deep conversation that evening, forming a strong connection between them.

As Gianni's weight continued to increase due to FitFrank's challenges and his own overulindgence, he embarked on a four-week, all-inclusive trip to various resorts. The luxurious accommodations offered exquisite indulgences, leaving little time for exercise and fitness. He found himself in a predicament when thewear swim brands he had collaborated with realized his significant weight gain, causing them to distance themselves from him. Gianni grew about anxious his future and impact the his weight gain would have on his career.

During this uncertain time, FitFrank remained a constant presence, sending messages and offering support. Feeling a sense of care and connection, Gianni appreciated FitFrank's attention. They grew closer, building a relationship that felt as though they had known each other for years.

 To salvage his career, Gianni had to lose weight, but the temptation of indulgent food and alcohol endorsements made it difficult to stick to his diet. In a desperate move, he accepted a deal with a champagne brand to become their brand ambassador for a year. This involved a week-long trip to a champagne mansion to sample the entire range and create content. The trip consisted of lavish tastings and extravagant meals, leaving Gianni hungover and on the brink of failure. He returned home feeling exhausted and defeated.

Gianni's weight became a source of worry, both for himself and the brands he had collaborated with. FitFrank continued to send him chocolates, and Gianni, feeling discouraged, started eating them. When FitFrank reached out, Gianni confessed his struggles, and their conversation became progressively intimate. However, during one chat, a technical glitch revealed FitFrank's identity, leaving Gianni enraged.

Confronting Francesco at the gym, Gianni discovered his personal trainer's secret life as a creator of weight gain content. Francesco had been secretly livestreaming and profiting from Gianni's weight gain journey, while driving an extravagant lifestyle. Francesco confessed to making over €450,000 from donations by viewers fascinated with Gianni's transformation.

 Feeling betrayed by Francesco, Gianni hatched a plan to regain control. He proposed a new arrangement to FitFrank, demanding a majority of the revenue, FitFrank's authentic appearance and FitFrank joins in on food challenges. If FitFrank refused, Gianni threatened to expose him to his clients. Relantly, Francesco agreed, realizing that he had little choice if he wanted to maintain his luxurious lifestyle.

Together, Gianni and FitFrank continued their indulgent food challenges, delighting their followers with their ever-expanding physiques. FitFrank's following and body grew, and their loyal fans paid top dollar for their content. The money poured in, but Gianni couldn't help but wonder if his obsession with food and attention had gone too far. And how far will he go?

[dicentsalve]

Hey I really love your art style it's amazing... And since we had la squadra and l'unita headcanons may i ask for zucchero & sale headcanons?

I like the direction we're going

Thank you, bb!

I haven't really thought about them as much as I'd like, but I have a couple of notes

First of all, I'd like to note that these two work quite closely with Luka, receiving possible information from him due to influence and a certain power (I will also touch on Luka a little and note that every member of Passione knows and respects him, regardless of status within the family. I mean, boy at least passed Polpo's test and was left without a stand🧍)

Buuut not always they can pay for the services provided

● Sale

As I mentioned, he's Squalo's older brother and has been working at Passione longer, but he still hasn't been able to get higher (if we don't take into account the events of Vento Aureo)

Since I gave Squalo the peculiarity of unusual teeth, Sale has them too, but less expressed and not so noticeable. His central and lateral incisors are normal, but starting with the fangs, as they approach the edges, the sharp teeth become more expressed. Btw, this pisses him off.

Has impaired water exchange up to dehydration.

Doesn't have a driver's license. Can't drive, could I say, if close communication with Mario hadn't forced him to learn it.

For some inexplicable reason, I associate Kraft Work with a cactus (that's why in one of my old sketches Squalo calls Sale a cactus ass🧍), in connection with this: Sale loves cacti. And Mario, with his ridiculous clothes, btw, resembles a cactus. Maybe that's why they're still together.

Doesn't like fish very much, but eats it to annoy Squalo.

Obviously a Tuscan, like his brother, but he has no accent or dialect in his speech. He uses dialect words only for confidentiality or out of harmfulness.

Has a stand since birth, which is why, even in childhood, having mastered the stand, he became proud and impudent And was a bully in childhood 🫵

Based on the Kraft Work ability, I like to think that Sale has a slight peculiarity of "dropping out" of a conversation/situation and just staring at one point for some time.

Like Squalo, he also has problems with his parents. But for them, this is rather a huge ground for jokes than a burdensome problem.

● Zucchero

Mario isn't only an inattentive, careless person, but also has some problems with his eyesight. Not in the sense that he needs glasses, but he has "tunnel vision", which neither Sale nor Zucchero himself knows about, believing that everyone has it. So in order to concentrate on the road, he can't look away even a millimeter. Otherwise, he is a really good driver, who has saved them from total ass more than once.

Lefty.

Very hunched over.

Despite his last name, he is rather clumsy and slow (in general, everything that, ironically, a lack of sugar in the body leads to), requires more time to process information, which also infuriates Sale.

Quite often he goes to women, cuz of which he often doesn't get in touch and gets scolded by Sale for his recklessness.

He's involuntarily acquainted with Tiziano and already doesn't have the best relationship with him, although they have only met once.

Since Soft Machine uses a blade, Zucchero is very good with bladed weapons.

He likes decorative poodles (I won't explain it)

Lives with Sale cuz it's safer and cheaper (he's just too lazy to clean the apartment)

Often takes Sale in the evening after work to see the sunset (he forgets the way home)

And original of meme