🎤 From the Newsroom to Real Talk: Auntie Tori’s Story

Guest: Auntie Tori Gaylord 💅🏾

Topic: Confidence, choices & staying true to yourself

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💬 Meet Auntie Tori

Hey Sugars 💕 — today’s tea is all about confidence, self-worth, and keeping it real when life starts testing your shine.

Meet Auntie Tori Gaylord — media and branding consultant, former TV producer, and DMV native who’s been behind the camera (and now, in front of it!) inspiring the next generation of girls to love who they are — and where they come from.

“I’m from Fort Washington, Maryland. My mom’s a scientist, my dad’s a computer analyst — but I was always the artist. Singing, dancing, writing — that was me.”

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🌟 From the FBI to the Big Screen

Yep, you read that right — Auntie Tori’s first job was at the FBI at just 15 years old.

“I was a fingerprint clerk. I used to cross-check prints with the FBI database,” she laughed. “That’s when I first discovered how important money was.”

But her dreams were even bigger.

“I thought I was going to be Tyra Banks. I had the height, the walk — all of it. But life had other plans.”

💡 The Tea: 

Sometimes your first dream sets you up for your real calling.

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👑 Self-Care is the New Success

When she’s not working, Auntie Tori’s all about balance — and she means it.

“I’m a caregiver for my dad, so self-care is everything. Getting my nails done, going to the spa — that’s not luxury, that’s maintenance.”

She keeps it real for the girls:

“You can’t pour from an empty cup, Sugar. Take care of you first.”

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🏫 Sugar Q: “I Don’t Like School — Do I Have to Go?”

“I’ve been there,” Auntie Tori said. “Even if you don’t see the point now, stick with it. Education opens doors — trust me.”

Auntie Simi adds:

💡 The Tea:  

You’re not just learning subjects — you’re learning people. That’s a skill you’ll use forever.

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💕 Sugar Q: “Should I Date an Older Man?”

“No, Sugar. Just no,” Auntie Tori said quickly. “I dated someone older when I was 15, and it wasn’t right. The power balance isn’t equal — they want control.”

💡 The Tea: 

If he’s too old to sit in your classroom, he’s too old to be in your DMs.

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💞 Sugar Q: “How Do I Know If Someone Really Loves Me?”

“When he supports your dreams, respects your parents, and helps you grow — that’s real,” Auntie Tori said.

“Love is a verb. It’s in how they treat you, not just what they say.”

💡 The Tea: 

A good partner adds to your life — they don’t take from it.

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🚩 Sugar Q: “My Boyfriend Gave Me an STD. Should I Stay?”

“Run,” Auntie Tori said, not missing a beat. “That’s not love. That’s recklessness. You only get one body.”

💡 The Tea: 

“If you love me” should never come with conditions.

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✨ Sugar Q: “I Don’t Think I’m Pretty. How Do I Build Confidence?”

“First of all, you are beautiful,” she said. “All of us are. You don’t need validation from anyone — that starts with you.”

“When everyone leaves the room, you have to be your own cheerleader.”

💡 The Tea: 

Confidence isn’t arrogance — it’s knowing your worth before anyone else does.

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💋 Simi’s Sip

From the FBI to finding her voice, Auntie Tori’s story is proof that self-love and focus will always win. Whether it’s school, love, or confidence, her advice stays the same — take care of yourself first.

Not a lecture, just a sip of tea. ☕💋

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💁🏽‍♀️ Meet Auntie Tory Gaylord

Altoria “Tori” Gaylord is a DMV-based media and branding consultant with a background in journalism and television production. She’s worked behind the scenes for major media outlets — and now she’s paying it forward, helping girls shine in their own spotlight.

✨ Follow her journey at : @AuntieToriInspires