Refinery29’s Money Diaries—a column that asks millennials to break down every dollar spent over a seven-day period—is always interesting because it allows us to compare our own spending habits (and financial woes) to those of our peers. The brand’s most recent entry has caused quite a wave on social media.
They make about $300,000 a year and they live with two roomates.
*We updated the headline and income information to more accurately reflect the OP's take-home pay. https://t.co/wc4FPIJF2V
— Refinery29 (@Refinery29) November 27, 2018
The diary entry was written by a 22-year-old “E-commerce entrepreneur” who lives in New York City and reportedly makes a monthly average of $25-30,000 (a $300-360,000 yearly salary).
Though the 22-year-old’s actual job is never fully defined—she calls herself an E-commerce entrepreneur, a handbag designer, and a “healthy living influencer of sorts since high school”—she has raked in an average of $54,400 every month so far this year.
I just started screaming on the street https://t.co/ShAwZ3Qjza pic.twitter.com/5BNMC3D9x1
— Rebecca Fishbein (@bfishbfish) November 27, 2018
People had a lot of questions. For instance, why is she paying for Netflix in standard definition?
I am in no position to judge other people’s financial decision but this woman saves $20,000 a month and is still paying for Netflix in standard def https://t.co/cLxl8qBZ0f
— Amelia Acosta (@atoasta) November 27, 2018
Why doesn’t she own a printer?
Sooooo….ol girl runs a business, make hundreds of thousands of dollars—and doesn't own a printer?!???
— According to Society (@laweatherall) November 28, 2018
She won’t take a $6 Uber because she “ain’t a baller” yet purchased a $650 Celine tote (granted, these funds “feel like Monopoly money” to OP)?
There are alot of inconsistencies in this MD, and the OP gives little detail on the actual business/work that affords her this dream income. Then there's the 'I ain't a baller, I took the Subway' comment…can't take it seriously.
— Bonnie Parker ~The Libra (@willbesoon) November 28, 2018
The logistics of her company were baffling to some.
So call me crazy but I bet her parents gave her a HUGE amount of money to start this business. How on earth is she earning that kind of money? Most small businesses have a loan they have to pay off. Inventory? Overhead? WTF?
— JulietJeske (@JulietJeske) November 28, 2018
Other points of confusion included being a “healthy living influencer” but eating McDonald’s and convenience store candy, the shockingly few inbox emails, the inconsistency between moving to Miami and starting grad school the following year, and shopping for swimwear on Amazon despite being a handbag designer.
What “work” do they actually do? And the poor thing…sometimes 30 emails? I’m assuming that she left off the extra 0 that most people end up with in their in-box.
— Shïppa-63 ? (@Shippa63) November 28, 2018
I also love that she spends $650 on a duffle bag but says she “ain’t a baller” when Uber is $6
— Eva Knievel (@that_bird) November 28, 2018
She references being a healthy living influencer-but never cooks. The one thing she cooks is bacon, pasta, & a lb of cheese mixed together. These are habits from childhood. If you don’t have rich parents & feel down about reading this, know this is not reality & you’re doing fine
— Elizabeth (@MrsECates) November 28, 2018
Day 3: 4pm: " I have been a healthy living influencer of sorts on Instagram"
Eats nothing but burritos, pizza, brie melted over pasta, McDonald's, and cookies…
Unless she takes a bite, chews and then spits it back up, this woman eats worse than I do…— Chris Edward (@IAMChrisEdward) November 28, 2018
why would you live with two roommates when you can afford to live by yourself?? lmfaoooooo wtffff
— ? ? ? (@cvvtx) November 28, 2018
this is the most upsetting thing i've ever read https://t.co/pC1aX8PhHm
— nick (@cheff4u) November 27, 2018
There were, however, folks who pointed out that OP’s salary is certainly possible for those familiar with the E-commerce/advertising landscape.
Very reasonable – the internet is amazing if you're a hustler and open to trying and learning new things. I know lots of people in similar ranges and you would never guess it. https://t.co/DtEiuK3RRo
— Harry Campbell (@TheRideshareGuy) November 27, 2018
Know plenty making bank. Good for them. I don’t love what they are doing to earn it – usually advertising, click bait, selling how to make money books and seminars, or amazon resellers – but hey they are getting paid. It’s the internet, and lots of people to sell to.
— SPCPartyPatrol (@SPCPartyPatrol) November 28, 2018
The influencer eventually answered some questions in the comments section of her R29 diary entry, explaining how the $600K figure is overall business revenue and that her profit margins are actually 40-50% of that number.
“I did not collab with bigger brands, but did collab with a bunch of instagram influencers and ran a lot of Facebook and Instagram ads!” she pseudo-explained.
Teach us your ways, OP.
h/t Refinery29