Swifties, this one’s for you. It seems like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has lasted eons. Yet somehow, there’s always something to talk about. Just thinking about how much she’s accomplished while on tour makes me want to buckle down, lock in, and channel my inner girlboss. But while I can’t even be bothered to cook dinner at home after a long day of work, Taylor is accomplishing milestones most musicians can only dream of. Let’s recap.
The Era’s Tour began in March 2023 with its North American leg. It’s set to go until December 2024, with dates in Europe, Australia, Asia, and South America— spanning 152 shows across five continents.
As the queen of multitasking, Swift hasn’t stopped at just selling out stadiums. Since the Eras tour began, she’s released multiple albums — both new and old — and shaken up the tour setlist with each new release. Her list of new releases started on the first day of tour with “All Of The Girls You Loved Before,” which was quickly followed up by “The Alcott,” a feature on The National’s album — reciprocity for their work on her pandemic era albums, Folklore and Evermore.
She also released Midnights: Late Night Edition (including the iconic collab with Ice Spice), as well as not one but two album re-releases — Speak Now Taylor's Version and 1989 Taylor's Version. As if that wasn’t enough, she announced her latest album, The Tortured Poet’s Department, in a GRAMMY’s acceptance speech. Talk about legendary. Since its release, she’s also been churning out deluxe versions and remixes to keep us on our toes. The Eras Tour was even made into a Blockbuster film that brought Beyonce to its premiere. Star power: confirmed.
But that’s just her work life. Her personal life is just as eventful. She ended her 7-year relationship with Joe Alwyn in April 2023. Then entered into a brief but controversial fling with 1975 frontman Matty Healy. Though it didn’t last long, the relationship was enough to inspire a whole album and catapult her into her current romance with Travis Kelce, aka Amerca’s first nepo boyfriend. Now they’re the American Royal couple — and she somehow had time to fly from tour to his Super Bowl performance.
We all have the same hours in the day as Taylor Swift, but how she uses them will always be a mystery to me. I work eight hours a day and can barely manage a social life. Meanwhile, Taylor literally has it all — though conservatives are turning on her for daring to be a woman in her 30s who’s not married with kids. If that’s not proof that women can’t do anything right, I don’t know what is.
Clearly, she’s working late because she’s a singer. No wonder Taylor Swift became a billionaire months into her tour in October 2023. Her net worth is currently around 1.3 billion dollars, making her the only female musician to become a billionaire from her music.
Other entertainment billionaires like Rihanna, Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Jay-Z, and Kanye West have joined the three-comma club thanks to ventures like clothing brands, beauty products, and other entrepreneurial pursuits. Rihanna has her FENTY Empire. Kim has her award-winning SKIMS. Ye had Yeezy. But Taylor has an unbeatable catalog of publishing.
But Taylor isn’t just different from other Billionaires because of how she earned her money. She’s the Taylor we know and love because of how she spends it. Her rollercoaster Eras Tour is how she’s made much of her fortune. And she’s using it to give back in monumental degrees. From individual donations to investing in local infrastructure, Taylor is literally changing lives on a macro and micro scale. And teaching us what to expect from all billionaires in the process.
The Era’s Tour Bonuses — Talk About Workplace Benefits
First to make headlines were the Eras Tour crew bonuses. While some of us get rewarded with a pizza party or a $10 gift card to Starbucks, Taylor casually dropped $55 million in bonuses for her tour crew. The massive sum was paid out to everyone who makes the Eras Tour go around, from truck drivers to dancers and sound technicians.
In fairness, these bonuses are definitely well-deserved. Taylor’s shows are over three hours long. Imagine dancing for that long — because Swift certainly isn’t the one with the impressive moves — for hundreds of tour dates. Or remembering countless combinations of light cues to go with a setlist that changes daily. Yeah, they’re clocking in. And if my boss had millions to blow, I’d be expecting a comfortable bonus too. But $55 Million? That’s a testament to Swift’s generosity. It's like she's Oprah, but instead of cars, she's giving out life-changing amounts of cash. "You get a bonus! You get a bonus! Everybody gets a bonus!"
It’s similar to how Zendaya gave film equity to every member of the crew that worked on her controversial black-and-white drama, Malcolm & Marie. Filmed in a few days with a bare-bones crew during the peak of the pandemic, the film was Zendaya’s passion project with Sam Levinson, in which she starred alongside John David Washington. Though the film got mixed reviews, it captured the audience’s attention all the same. After all, it was Zendaya — and we’ll watch her in anything. So since the film sold to Netflix for a hefty sum, all the crew members got payouts from the deal on top of their salaries to reward their hard work.
Bonuses and equity payouts are common in many industries, but not entertainment. Even though it’s one of the most lucrative and recognizable American industries, most entertainers don’t make enough to survive. The SAG and WGA strikes last year were proof that there needs to be systemic change in the industry. LA County has even identified show businesses as risk factors for being unhoused — after all, how many stories do we hear of actors who were living in their cars before their big break? And for many, their big break never comes. For even more, they get hired on amazing gigs with giant performers … then go right back to the grind afterward. While individual actions from our favorite stars won’t fix everything, Zendaya and Taylor are providing models for how Hollywood should treat the people who make this town go round.
And in this economy, even a little bit could go a long way. Inflation and the cost of living are not a joke. Especially when, like with many creative careers, you often have to invest in lessons or equipment for your craft. With all this considered, the impact of Swirt’s donations can’t be overstated. Imagine getting a lump sum of cash for dancing to your favorite Taylor Swift tracks? Talk about a dream job.
The Economic Impact of Swift - Swiftonomics, if you will
Like Barbie and Beyonce last year, Swift is still on a tear to boost the economy of the cities she’s in just by traveling there — ad inspiring others to make the trek, too.
The Barbie movie proved that by marketing to women (instead of just making Marvel flops like Madame Web that aren’t really targeted to women at all), the entertainment industry can make giant profits. Barbie fever went beyond the theater. Thanks to a plethora of product collabs, the phenomenon rippled through retail.
Similarly, Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour tour generated an estimated $4.5 billion for the American economy. According to NPR, that’s almost as much as the entire 2008 Olympics earned for Beijing. People were taking money out of their 401ks to pay for Beyonce tickets and the glittery, silver-hues outfits to rock at her shows. Cities even started calling her effect the “Beyonce Bump.”
Swift has the same effect. She’s not just proving her generosity on a micro-scale for the people close to her, she’s having actual, tangible effects on the economy. It's like she's leaving a trail of dollar bills in her wake, and cities are scrambling to catch them like it's a country-pop, capitalist version of musical chairs.
The US Travel Association called it the Taylor Swift Impact after she generated over $5 Billion in just the first 5 months of the Eras Tour. But how does this work? It’s not like Taylor is printing more money at those shows, but it almost is. Her tour dates are pretty much economic steroid shots for local businesses. Hotels are booked solid, restaurants are packed, and let's not even get started on the surge in friendship bracelet supplies.
“Swifties averaged $1,300 of spending in local economies on travel, hotel stays, food, as well as merchandise and costumes,” say the US Travel Association. “That amount of spending is on par with the Super Bowl, but this time it happened on 53 different nights in 20 different locations over the course of five months.” That’s not to say anothing of her effect on the actual Super Bowl and the entire NFL season thanks to her ball-throwing boyfriend.
It's like she's created her own micro-economy, and everyone's invited to the party. And unlike some economic theories that rely on wealth trickling down (spoiler alert: it doesn't), Taylor's wealth is more like a t-shirt cannon or the confetti at her shows — showering everyone around.
Donations that actually do good
Taylor isn’t just stepping into cities and calling it a night. She’s also not just throwing pennies at problems - she's making significant contributions that are changing lives. And more importantly, she's using her platform to encourage her fans to do the same.
She kicked off her tour with quiet donations to food banks in Glendale, Ariz., and Las Vegas ahead of the Eras Tour. Once the tour was in full swing, she continued this practice. In Seattle, she donated to Food Lifeline, a local hunger relief organization. In Santa Clara, she showed some love to Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. And let's not forget about her $100,000 donation to the Hawkins County School Nutrition Program in Tennessee.
She’s been making similar donations overseas. Taylor Swift donated enough money to cover the food bills for an entire year across 11 food banks and & community pantries in Liverpool. Swift also covered 10,800 meals for Cardiff Foodbank and many more banks across the UK and EU. Her impact is so profound that her numbers are doing more to combat issues like hunger than the government.
Can billionaires actually be good?
One thing about me, I’m always ready and willing — knife and fork in hand — to eat the rich. Because fundamentally, can any billionaire really be good? In our late-stage capitalist horror story, the answer is usually no. Look how many of them are supporting the Trump campaign just to get some tax breaks.
But here's the thing - Taylor Swift might just be the exception that proves the rule. She's not perfect, sure. She still flies private jets and probably has a carbon footprint bigger than Bigfoot. But unlike most of the others in her tax bracket, she's not flaunting her wealth like it's a personality trait.
Take a look around. We've got billionaires trying to colonize Mars instead of, I don't know, helping people on Earth. In this context, Taylor's approach is more like Mackenzie Scott’s — Bezos’s ex-wife. She's not trying to escape to another planet - she's trying to make this one better.
And look, I'm not saying we should stop critiquing billionaires or the system that creates them. But she's just setting the bar for what we should expect from all billionaires. She's showing us that our collective power as fans can translate into real-world change. That our love for catchy choruses and bridge drops can somehow, improbably, lead to food banks getting funded and crew members getting life-changing bonuses.
So sorry to my neighbors who hear me belting “Cruel Summer” and “right where you left me” at the top of my lungs (and range). Just know it’s for the greater good.
Where To Find Your New Favorite Pair Of Glasses
If you're like me, you go through a new pair of sunglasses every few months. There has to be a better, more sustainable way to shop for sunglasses.
If you're like me, you go through a new pair of sunglasses every few months.
Many of us don't have the money to drop $100+ on a reliable pair of shades, so we fall into the trap of buying cheap, poorly made sunglasses from Bodega corner stores or from the mall. Sure, they last for a while. But after a few months, they either get scratched, lost, or you just don't care enough to truly take good care of them. There has to be a better, more sustainable way to shop for sunglasses. What if I told you that you can buy a good pair of shades at an affordable price, and change lives in the process? At Diff Charitable Eyewear, more than 2 million lives have been changed as a result of their sunglasses. Before you roll your eyes, let's break it down.
At DIFF, they believe that vision is power, and have committed themselves to create a world that gives everyone equal access to affordable vision care. Since the company's launch in 2014, DIFF has provided over 2 million people with the gift of sight through eye exams, surgeries, glasses, and medicine. And it's all because of your sunglass purchases! DIFF has an ongoing partnership with Sightsavers – an international non-governmental organization that works to combat avoidable blindness and promote equality for people with visual impairments in developing nations. Together, DIFF and Sightsavers have provided sight and eye care to millions of struggling people around the world.
DIFF Sunglasses
DIFF is also involved in a charity project known as Project DIFF, which offers worldwide programs that support empowerment and education, such as their Pouch Program and Tribe Alive Partnership in Honduras. Their Pouch Program crafts colorful sunglass cases in Uganda, while Tribe Alive makes unique sunglass chains that provide reliable incomes to female artisans.
Aside from their philanthropic aspects, the great thing about DIFF eyewear is that they don't just offer fashionable sunglasses. They also offer blue light glasses for people who stare at a computer screen all day. They also have prescription lenses, reading glasses, and even a skincare line that features a hydrogel eye mask and organic eye serum made from grapeseed oil, coconut oil, and Vitamin C.
For those overwhelmed by the number of choices at their disposal, it's easy to find DIFF's bestsellers on their website. With its ultra-modern brow bar and teardrop lens, the Koko Sunglasses are a great pair of shades. Koko's versatile silhouette adds a splash of sexy to an already sophisticated look for only $95. Perhaps you're looking for a pair that are a tad more minimalist? Check out DIFF's Summit shades are the perfect subtle accessory at just $89. The Summit's evergreen unisex style complements any outfit. Its delicate detailing is a go-to accessory that's sophisticated and stylish without being too loud.
Aside from DIFF's greatest hits, there are plenty of collaborations with some of today's biggest celebrities! From legendary singers like H.E.R. to collabs with Lauren London and Jessie James Decker. DIFF even created a Star Wars line in support of the latest trilogy. The point is that DIFF Charitable Eyewear not only cares about making a difference but actually makes a difference while creating some of the trendiest shades on the market. The point is, there's a lot to browse and choose from, and all of it supports an amazing cause! So for those in the market for a new, affordable pair of glasses, DIFF Charitable Eyewear should be your one-stop shop.
Learn more about Diff sunglasses here.
It's Time to Re-Evaluate Your Fall Wardrobe
As summer slowly comes to a close, it might be time to re-evaluate your fall wardrobe.
This summer has no doubt been unbearably hot, and many of us have become accustomed to wearing shorts and tanks every day. But while our hoodies and long sleeves remain cozily tucked away, they will no doubt have to re-emerge sooner than we think.
As we look for new fits for the upcoming cold months, why not make sure that whatever new wardrobe you buy is crafted sustainably? What if I told you that your new clothes could potentially support hundreds of elephants?
At Ivory Ella, they recognize that elephants are one of the most beautiful creatures on the planet. With sustainability in mind, the clothes they've crafted aim to protect these beautiful creatures from the detrimental ivory trade. In collaboration with Save the Elephants, Ivory Ella has dedicated these past five years to support the protection of these magnificent creatures. While their passion remains Elephants, Ivory Ella also supports many other charities as well. Not to mention, their clothes are fresh as fuck.
Or you can rock the fabulous Lotus Swirl tie-dye hoodie which donates 10% of its net profits to EarthDay.org. Maybe you're stocked up on hoodies and want a long sleeve instead? No problem! The bright sunshine Childhood Cancer Ribbons T-shirt donates 50% of its net profits to the Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, which helps fund Megan Bugg's Citizen Scientist Project for Rhabodomyosarcoma Cures.
The Doodle Dog Long Sleeve is another gorgeous shirt crafted with a good cause in mind, as 10% of the shirt's net profits are donated to Hearts and Bones, a nonprofit organization based out of Dallas and New York that builds a nationwide network in an effort to help thousands of shelter dogs find their forever homes.
We know what you're thinking, though. We're getting ahead of ourselves. It's still balmy and T-shirts are still very much a priority. But Ivory Ella has plenty of those, as well. The Ocean Depth's T-shirt, with its beautiful purple vibe, donates 10% to the Reef Restoration Foundation.
Or maybe you're shopping for your kid and want to get them some fly new back-to-school gear. Ivory Ella has a wide selection of great backpacks and lanyards. They also have tank tops, sleepwear, and decorative gear for your home or dorm room!
As summer slowly ends, it's time to revamp your wardrobe with Ivory Ella. Why buy just any old clothes when you can stock up your styles with clothes you know were made with the best of intentions?
Ivory Ella has long stood by its mission to provide sustainable clothing that not only looks great but feels great to wear and purchase. Your purchases can help elephants, aquatic life, children with cancer, pets in need, and more. There is even a full list of all the charities they support if you ever want to look more in-depth.
For those ballin' on a budget, Ivory Ella also has a ton of sales all of the time, so you can still support all these good causes for a fraction of the original price. This fall, get your fit on with Ivory Ella, and spend your money on clothes and causes you know mean something.