The Girlboss Schemes Targeting the Black Community

[@RobertTolppi]

Hello folks! I’m getting some comments about the audio being metallic and echoey. With the tile in my studio and my mic being a bit higher up than usual, I understand it may be unpleasant, especially when using headphones. I normally edit with no headphones so I didn’t notice it. Hopefully I can resolve this issue for next video!

[@MrNightpwner]

Not a big deal, it's not jarring or horrible.

[@TheWolfeDen]

THANK YOU!!! It feels like everyone is dancing around the fact that these things are predominantly happening within the black community. I say this as a black woman.

[@madlie2452]

That’s what I’ve been saying as well! There’s a clear target audience and they know a lot of black Americans are stuck between a rock and a hard place with the exorbitantly high costs for healthcare and cosmetics and racial medical malpractice. We are the most likely people group to support businesses solely based on race. Some of the fault is on the customer, but I’ve noticed many of the victims simply do not have access to the necessary resources they need (education, medical attention, etc.) and are putting their trust in crooks who are exploiting that.

[@TheWolfeDen]

​@madlie2452 I agree. I also think some of the people who are perpetuating all this aren't stupid, but not educated enough to not be fooled by terminology and recognize when they're getting caught up in a scam. I genuinely believe that some of these techs think they're doing something legitimate. There's definitely a mistrust of the medical system and intellectualism at play too, which I can empathize with.

[@tym9080]

Exactly I was getting offended by “reactionist” calling these people stupid. Without doing the proper analysis and understanding why someone will pursue fake credentials and cheap veneers.

[@pisceanbeauty2503]

@@madlie2452I don’t think it’s correct to say we are the group most likely to support someone solely based on race. We still buy from more non black people than many white people buy from people who aren’t white. Other groups also support others within their community (see many immigrants groups).

[@smelly1060]

@@pisceanbeauty2503 other groups do it way more than us which is a whole other can of worms, but as a result those of us that do will ride blindly and get taken advantage of easier

[@kuhandlee123]

As a black woman I really appreciate you being able to address the elephant in the room when speaking on this topic. You did so honestly and tactfully and as a viewer that’s all I can ask! ❤️

[@cutebloons]

This! So sad everyone doesn't have this same level of ability to understand it. At least there's guys like this around.

[@WacoBeautyQueen]

Honestly I do believe it takes Americans of different races and ethnicities to wake up the black community. Several black women have also tackled the topic of veneer techs (the passport forging businesses is a new one to me but clearly a scam smh) but it seems like not many black people listen.

[@ladyliver]

YES the issue of black-run small businesses scamming our own community is a HUGE thing and it is sooooo callous and tragic. They're taking advantage of the most vulnerable instead of actually empowering people. It's gross and unfortunately built into the playbook for materialistic wanna-be millionaires.

[@sewgeekdesigns9113]

I miss the days of folks selling food stamps bring that back please… I don’t want chicklet teeth

[@madibobadi9222]

Not only are these “business” owners not empowering their fellow Black women and taking advantage of them, but they’re also further putting *them* at risk for legal or even federal repercussions!

[@Quinn_M97]

I’ve been saying this, a lot of these entrepreneurs are either scammers or money hungry and looking for quick cash. But if you say this you get called a hater. You can tell the difference between someone that’s passionate about their business and someone who just wants fast money and to feel important.

[@Dani-fc1hc]

@@sewgeekdesigns9113 they still do 😂

[@pizzadogma]

whats worse is that the weaponizing the black card when it comes to criticism. Such as "what? u don't want to support black own businesses?" of course, I do, but not when said business is 1)illegal and 2) scamming their own communities for a quick buck and taking advantage of their black customers

[@sideshowmob]

Teeth is one of those very segregating things. American culture has made big, white teeth synonymous with "civility, respectability, hygiene." It's not difficult to understand why this is so important for marginalized people.

[@SpecialBlanket]

Within reason. There is a middle eastern guy who works at the local bodega who has WAY too intense of veneers, I actually exclaimed out loud the first time I saw them (I was drunk lol, I try to have more discretion than that normally. Luckily he took it as a compliment). You can overshoot the mark and have it blow yr spot up. Real wealth has always been more understated.

[@jaylynjohnson2899]

​@@SpecialBlanket I think they were more referring to what started veneer culture in the first place. I think it's like a lesser form of plastic surgery, something we all look down on but will suggest if we consider someone's appearance offensive and something that is usually taken too far in practice

[@sideshowmob]

@@SpecialBlanket it's not about "wealth", it's about inclusion. And this old money conversation is very out of touch. and silly.

[@barryholiday8998]

😂 it’s not just American culture. Go to South America, Africa and many other places and they all appreciate white teeth too. You sound very ignorant and sheltered.

[@briantbmoth6472]

Braces are cheaper.

[@milkyshakes]

17% percent of Black people living in the United States were living below the poverty line, compared to 8.6% of white people & total poverty rate in the U.S. across all races and ethnicity was 11.5% ans native American being the most impoverished however they typically stay within reservations. These 'fast education small business' are just preying on people with fewer opportunity.

[@Holdmybeer777]

No no no, yea the first part is true but blk ppl don't care about other blk ppl generally speaking which is why the communities are more violent, dirty, and damn near in habitable. These ppl aren't victims they just only care about money and not caring about bringing ppl value, this isn't a white comparison to blk ppl thing it's a just an issue solely with blk ppl in general. That's why love your neighbor as your love yourself is one of the commandments. Because you know if you loved yourself you wouldn't want to f up someones teeth just for a check.

[@yaneznayoui1597]

black people preying on other people, yet white people still get blamed

[@acivilright]

Just FYI, most Native Americans do not live on reservations : they live outside tribal designated areas, and specifically, something like 80 percent live in urban areas. This has been the case at least for the last 20 years when I first learned of this. Also, reservations are most definitely deeply marginalized and impoverished places (obviously, by design).

[@milkyshakes]

@@acivilright i did not know this- I live in two of the biggest major metropolitan cities and the few NA i have come across all have family there.

[@acivilright]

@@milkyshakes I was surprised to learn this too. But they have been through so much extensive gen**ide and there are so few of them due to that, that it's almost like they're hidden.

[@onedirectioninfection5756]

crazy how they think they can teach an entire profession in 2 days lmao

[@go-goyubari8776]

Crazy that people actually believe they can learn things like that in 2days😂

[@HUeducator2011]

PSA: If you live near a dental school, they do free dental cleanings AND discounted services

[@Pushnotificationsalwaysoffbye]

This needs a boost! It’s surprising more people don’t know this with the endless resource of knowledge in the palm of our hands

[@KAye633]

The waiting list is very long though because a lot of people who can not afford dentist visits or have no insurance go to these.

[@HUeducator2011]

@@KAye633 this isn’t true for every dental school. Most seek out patients.

[@AngelAPAVLOVSCornDog]

Not always, but they do it at a discount

[@xdani_thethinkingneko]

That's cool that's some places do that. I also wanted to add, they have events in my state, where people can go on a certain day, and get dental treatment for free. It's honestly so awesome. 🥺 That might be something else some people could look into as well!

[@moraalli]

predatory medical practices are particularly heinous b/c of the history of medical racism and medical mistrust that drive Black people into these services. I can totally see the cost and the option to deal with Black providers be appealing to many folks.

[@yaneznayoui1597]

Statistically black people should be most frightened of other black people

[@TyMarie92]

There's a KZbinr named Cam James who has a series of videos on scams that black people use specifically targeting our own people. It's called "The Reign of FUBU Scammers." I think that series is a good companion to this video.

[@sirlonnaldii9110]

She charges $200 for a passport? Yikes… those are $135.

[@joelle4226]

It’s probably for people who wouldn’t be able to get a real one

[@averageamericangirl6819]

Ain’t no way those passports are being swiped in and out of country. No way😂😂😂😂

[@LethalLemonLime]

​@@joelle4226who isn't allowed? non Americans?

[@tamikens]

​​@@LethalLemonLimePeople can be denied a passport for a bunch of stuff. Legal issues, court orders, unpaid child support, delinquent tax debts, etc. Non-citizens actually can get a US passport, but an American citizen felon can't.

[@tmoney2403]

@@tamikens Your comment is misleading to others and fraught with half truths. There is such a thing as a constitutionally protected right to travel freely for US citizens. Please look it up. Felons can obtain a passport yet they may be denied depending on the type of conviction. Also, only 'qualified non-citizen nationals' are eligible to receive a passport as they are individuals from US territories. Such as American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, etc. They are not US citizens, but still qualify for some unique privileges governed by this country.

[@solala1312]

multi level marketing walked so veneer tecs and passport forgers could run

[@yeskaitlyn8029]

agreed

[@Floratic]

"Girl bossing your way to prison." Lol 😆

[@TonyaTko]

As a BW, I appreciate this video. There are some things you missed bc you're not a part of the culture... but this happens bc BW are 1) "counterculture" it is expected from young that we need to find a non mainstream way to make money 2) Accustomed to side hustles while simultaneously skeptical of mainstream opportunities 3) kept away from legitimate opportunities by cost and prerequisites

[@ayaanwarsan]

Tonya😊! Let's get a live about this after you get better ❤

[@Illustrious-whole]

Well said

[@Mousy677]

PASSPORT FORGING BUSINESSES?

[@margonaut]

try going through customs with a fake passport & find out ☠️

[@KayIveysspecialmessage]

This 😳

[@FUEGOSTARR]

ikr?? that’s outrageous…

[@solala1312]

I would have understood faking some papers to get a job or flat but passports are just a different level.

[@sewgeekdesigns9113]

@@solala1312that’s gonna get you locked up abroad….😅and they can’t say yeah I know it was fake why I got it…..

[@xo.AmberNichole]

Don’t forget the ones who suddenly become tax professionals during tax season. A lot of them are openly committing tax fraud 😢

[@alfredfreedomjones5105]

I mean if you can legally pay less tax, go for it! Unfortunately most of these folks barely understand what they’re saying and will definitely get themselves and other people in trouble.

[@xdani_thethinkingneko]

That industry shouldn't exist to begin with. Other countries just tell you how much you owe, and if there needs to be adjustments,(like for business write offs)you just send in the adjustments. It's another way, that our government,allows industries to take advantage of us Americans. All those companies, like H&R block,turbo tax,etc. they actively pay lobbyists, to lobby for keeping this industry open. It is the only reason,it exists. Just another example of our country masquerading as a developed country, when it is far from that.

[@saoluver25]

This one!! I got caught up by some folks that bought out a real tax place I went to. Replaced the employees with folks that looked like they just stepped out of a Walmart version of a rap video. Luckily I didn’t get in trouble, but I know last year the IRS was on them

[@jumpdumppyy]

These “injectors” scare tf out of me too Hyalouron pens are CRAZY

[@shanel4294]

Crazyyy

[@averageamericangirl6819]

Dear Jesus. What the hell are those!!?!!!

[@kathiaserrano7740]

@@averageamericangirl6819people who inject Botox, fillers etc. however stateside you have to be a dock or a nurse practitioner to legally do so.

[@kathiaserrano7740]

*doctor

[@DeeQJohnson]

Finally someone said it… they are definitely targeting the black community & it’s coming from within

[@spenshaa]

I saw the thumbnail and thought the “Passports by Priscilla” was a joke and there was no way that there were people forging official documents…

[@redfoxsecurity3334]

They are, but it looks like those are just photoshopped electronic copies that you can use to verify accounts. Even a low tier physical forgery would cost five times that at the very very least.

[@alexandraw6264]

“Scamming landlords is not only morally permissible, it’s actually a moral obligation” THANK YOU!!! (And for talking about how these things don’t happen in a vacuum- ie how people who cannot afford regular dental can easily fall prey to this, as can the people desperate for a job who preform it).

[@KayIveysspecialmessage]

“Dolezolian Delusions”, that could be a lash tech girl boss!

[@Heraisedawolf]

This is my first time hearing about document foragers operating so blatantly

[@sewgeekdesigns9113]

We had the fake check stub folks and stuff but we knew not to do that mess back in the day 😅

[@For_What]

Cause they're ignorant. People act like other races don't do it, lol. So ignorant lol.

[@SimmSumm]

I lived under the poverty line for years and couldn’t afford full price dental work, so I made sure to utilize every sort of avenue I could find. Soooo many texhnical colleges that off dental programs also offer free of extremely discounted dental work like cleanings and extractions. And universities that offer doctorial degrees do thw samething. They can give you the crowns, the root canals, and implants at a huge discount. Probably for way least money than what the techs offer. And it’s safe, sanitary, and under the supervision of doctors.

[@Moonpie90]

Technical colleges and schools are so good for this, our local one have their own restaurant for their catering/hospitality studnets which is open everyone afternoon evening, a beauty salon etc etc. All supervised, high standards, great insurance (etc) and great if you're on a budget

[@Honeyworkit]

As much as it kills me to say…you spilled. It breaks my heart to see Black women attempting to better their lives only to fall prey to scams. It’s so sad because it’s sooooooooo hard watching my sisters struggle.

[@Blessed_Sound]

It be your own people. That’s why I stoped the group mentality because not everyone who looks like you wants the best for you.

[@edenhedon]

I get a little nervous when ppl outside of the community speak about niche issues but this was very well said, brava 👏🏾

[@BlackXSunlight]

Omg, your essays are you usually very straight-laced so hearing you say "Dolezalean delusions" took me out, almost choked on my coffee

[@ShanemanFP]

I saw a TikTok where Robert Tolppi had a veneer-stub (filed-down teeth) filter on, and it broke my brain for the same reason.

[@rachel1729]

I feel like there’s a lot of historical context to why black home businesses are so normalized regardless of health risks. Historically black Americans were not able to go to trade school or even open a licensed practice. (See Jim Crow). It’s still happening because people fail to realize that although it is 2024 we need at least another 100 years to unlearn these post Jim Crow and slavery behaviors (forced on us for survival).

[@Astr0629]

I agree with you to an extent (fish plates and hair braiding) but our ancestors absolutely did go through legal routes when they were able to. (Post Jim Crow and civil rights advances) Black small business owners with medical practices in black towns, farms, metalworking shops, general stores, or that did trades, were certified and licensed. We wanted those things and once the fight was won did take advantage of them. I think this is just girlbossing/mlm culture for black people. The same chokehold it has on white midwestern housewives, except it’s not selling leggings. Hustle culture in the black community has got to go. There is no fast, easy money but we haven’t let the idea of it go.

[@rachel1729]

@@Astr0629 when were they able to? And when they were able how long did their legal business last until it was burned to the ground. Let’s not be a no nuance Nelly sis

[@xdani_thethinkingneko]

​​ weird how you say we / our, but also say "for black people"... If you're black wouldn't you just say us? You're not separate group? There was a point where there was no legal route and that is important nuance to have. Black people fought for their seat at the table, and continue to fight for it, they continue to fight for their ability to have a legal route. That was the point of Rachel's comment. Hustle culture is not something that's just inherent to black culture, but the way it is done in Black culture is something to be inspired by. Black people have been beaten down throughout the world, and despite that they have still added so much to society, many inventions and so much beauty....and anybody who owns a business, be it selling your own art,a product you create,etc...knows that at one point or another, you're going to have to hustle. If all those black people hadn't participated in hustle culture, and hadn't hustled for their dreams, there are so many things we would not enjoy or have today. Such as Charles R. Drew a.k.a "the father of the blood bank" who pioneered the field of blood transfusion,Gladys West who helped pioneer GPS technology,John Henry who's story inspires people to this day, Madame C J Walker who was the first black millionairess,Mary Jackson the first black women to work at NASA,and I could keep going. & There is Jesse Russell,who if he hadn't hustled we wouldn't have cellphones, (he is known as the father of cellular technology) and you wouldn't be able to comment. Their hustle,was important and gave us so much. It shouldn't be done away with. People should hustle for their dreams.

[@Astr0629]

@@xdani_thethinkingneko I’m 100% black and use we and black people interchangeably, for context, not for separation. I’m not arguing with anything you wrote, I acknowledged civil rights gains and the fight to be legally registered and licensed. My point was, once we were able to we did. The idea that black people just do braces in people’s basements because of jim crow doesn’t hold up. We literally fought for the right to be allowed to become licensed dentists, for example. We sell ourselves short and sometimes act like all of us are stupid or just too inherently maladjusted to participate in society. I’m really not trying to be rude, but I’m well versed in our history and what you wrote didn’t change anything. I’m not “lost”. Nothing is really unique to any group, just how it’s done. Like every culture has crime, but the cartel will scalp you and our gangs will spray you at a baby shower. I agree with you. I stand by hustle mentality having a chokehold on black people, we’ve done laborious jobs that required training, apprenticeships, schooling etc. for years and years as soon as we were able to. The pervasive mentality of fast and easy money is not because of slavery or Jim Crow. These people the video is addressing aren’t out here coming up with novel cellphone technologies in their basements, they are taking legal shortcuts and scamming people with no care about the aftermath.

[@Astr0629]

@@rachel1729 respectfully, keep your condescending “sis”. The amount of pushback anyone gets for saying “hey black people aren’t stupid and absolutely did fight for their rights to be licensed and registered in their fields” is fucking insane. We’ve gone backwards. You guys are in the same vein as the “black people don’t have IDs” crowd. Any black person since we’ve legally been allowed to, and especially TODAY, that is doing basement braces and ass injections, it’s because they WANT to, because it’s quick and easy money. Not because of our ancestral struggle. Just like potato famine midwestern becky isn’t selling weight loss pills and leggings because of her ancestral struggle.

[@neshaheartsyou]

There’s also precedent for this. Think MLMs targeting low income communities and immigrants. *cough Herbalife. When people don’t see a way out, in come the scammers providing a way too good to be true path out of poverty. Definitely not saying it’s right to scam other people in your community, but it’s easy to see how someone would get to that point in a country that facilitates individualism.

[@wificutie]

Ugh I remember my friends mom giving me Herbalife when I told her my tummy hurt lol

[@bmo64_]

literally happens all the time than they’re able to cover their own as*es w good PR bc $$$ talks

[@Alex-cw3rz]

I think one of the other issues is the girlboss asthetic, ecourages dodgy practice because your a girlboss and being an aesthetic and aspiration for many it can lead them to do many morally dubious things. In the pursuit of something they think will make them happy and in many cases looked up to as successful.

[@gpk1982]

I completely agree! It’s more about the appearance of being an entrepreneur and making money than actually running a sustainable business.

[@minichou]

And if it isn't veneers, MLMs are also very infamous in the black community. A month ago, I almost got hired by one but during the interview, they were saying crazy stuff like paying $25 for a license and then I have to pay a $30 subscription to their app so i can start my work. Whats even crazier is that when I was talking to one of the supervisors about how strange it was to pay a job so I can work, he went berserk and said "This isn't a scam! i use this money to help my family, I've been doing it for years" over and over. It's really sad that these MLMs exist in this crappy economy.

[@tf7602]

Messing with teeth makes me shudder. I had one bad dentist and it cost me 3 root canals, two of which became implants 15 years later. What damage those veneer techs do to their clients, i can't imagine.

[@TheZchristina97]

This phenomenon is called “predatory inclusion”

[@leorosenthal]

Thank you for directly pointing out poverty as a huge cause. As a white person who grew up under the poverty line, I still saw how much more privilege I had than my black peers. I got so much more positive attention at school, and was able to use that to get recommendations for scholarships, etc. It's understated how much even a little privilege can snowball. And how far behind that can leave people of color without us white people even noticing.

[@tacrewgirl]

Yeah, these shady businesses have been around for years but got a lot of free marketing because of social media.

[@lolnyanterts]

Circumcisions by Clarissa

[@chelseashamim9148]

😭😭😭 nooooo!

[@monsterenergydrink2663]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Dita1994]

Omgggg

[@docfabz]

I like your perspective on this topic. I think poverty and lack of resources does plays a role into this. A lot of women and black women in particular want to start businesses and generate wealth and other people prey on it - they either become scammers or get scammed or both. Makes me think of Mary Kay and all the other stuff that came before veneer techs. But there's a lot of legitimate black women led businesses out there. Wish there was more mentorship and resources on black entrepreneurship.

[@andreabrown4541]

Like "financial literacy" wasn't a scam as well. Or flip it real estate scams in the black community.

[@MorganRimming]

As a black woman, I can't thank you enough for this video.❤️

[@prudym1469]

Why is your race important in issuing a thank you?

[@oneandonly1990]

​@prudym1469 Because it concerns a community that isn't the creator's and he addresses serious concerns of the black community in a respectful way. As a YT male he doesn't have to talk about this. Also chances are the OP wrote her race so people won't think she's being racist

[@junyaiwase]

@@oneandonly1990he likes to play dumb

[@julialopes6516]

I own a small business (i sell handmade handbags and backpacks) and omg the description at the beginning of the video called me out😂. The name is a rhyme instead of an alliteration, but the logo in cursive and in pastels😅

[@sewgeekdesigns9113]

Same it’s what I have planned for my custom dress shop…

[@Littlelikeme92]

I took a real estate course and it was 3 weeks long. I went to school for over a year for cosmetology and another year for massage therapy. When I was struggling in real estate school because I didn’t realize how difficult it would be, my daddy reminded me that anything worth pursuing won’t be easy and will require sacrifice. If it really only takes two days to learn to become a veneer tech everyone would be doing it. There’s no substitution for hard work and perseverance.

[@merrytunes8697]

I’m uncertain if you listened to the whole video. The creator explains that Black people on a whole have less opportunities. If you have limited opportunities and no money, you can’t spend a great deal of time on something that may not pan out. You could end up homeless.

[@ShanteeHaynes]

the classes only teach you how to stay out of jail. You gain in that industry by doing. Hopefully, they'll start to make it hard to become a real estate agent

[@1-eye-willy]

you should talk about how disabled people can not own more than 2k in cash and assets COMBINED and still draw benefits

[@bananawitchcraft]

Yes as a disabled person I second this. I was made aware of a government program in my state, which allows me to put away some extra money and get around this rule to a certain extent. But it's still an issue that needs to be discussed. My partner was going to make me a beneficiary on their life insurance, but we decided against that because it would mess up my benefits and even my medical coverage if I got too much money. I'm also a musician who has been holding off on sending my music to record labels for the same reasons.

[@KasiaHavlicek]

Excited for this vid! It's been a prevalent issue for a while. These companies are taking advantage of people

[@gpk1982]

“Companies” lol. It’s really quite sad and I’m perplexed as to what the authorities haven’t gotten more involved considering so many of these people advertise in the open.

[@briantbmoth6472]

I’m Black and never in a million years would I have fallen for these idiots obvious scams. Scamming the scammers. They are painting nail polish on teeth 😂. $5000 is enough to get your teeth cleaned and Smile Direct Club. I don’t feel sorry for them.

[@anni6634]

your take on landlords is absolutely perfect. no notes

[@_corbz]

I’m glad you talked about the socioeconomical reasons behind why scams are so pervasive within the black community as they are targeted. So many people who grow up poor, aren’t looking for a get rich, quick scheme. Yes, that would help with making ends meet, but it comes from a desire to have a stable source of income to get oneself out of generational struggles. If everyone in your family has spent most of their lives trying to make ends meet, you want to be the one to break the cycle, escape, and bring your people out of it. Especially with the state of the economy now, the desperation is up a whole other level.

[@WelfareChrist]

I remember seeing a video of someone showing off their new veneers and their gums were very visibly inflamed and most likely infected. Scary stuff.

[@purrfectnails2473]

What’s crazy is some ppl (including me) had zero clue some of this stuff was illegal. I mean I get the desperation, but some of these things looked legit to me such as “lip filler tech”. I had no clue that someone had to be medical professional to do lip fillers. It’s even more sad when ppl don’t realize that.

[@SpecialBlanket]

Sex worker here, and tbh I've considered doing black market fillers or doing it myself. The medical industry has always harmed me anyway, it's a known ripoff in the US-- there are lots of reasons people would feel like the system is more dangerous than a friend. However I know the statistics about the dangers so I haven't done it.

[@For_What]

Thank you! All of this is out of more ignorance than harm. This generation of blacks and some others ppl are just new to the, "owning a business" game and just want to put as many people, "on" as possible. There are some who do it out of scamming but not all. These document forging hustles been around and every other race partake in it. We're just the ignorant ones who advertise it like it legal, out of ignorance and greed. Smh, somebody shady uncle tossing in his grave lol.

[@kolonarulez5222]

Veneers are all over yt but now we're doing at home passports?! I'm picturing the opening to the movie Identity Thief with her living room card making setup.

[@Ren.lalinn]

I’m so glad you’re speaking on this cause I was JUST talking about how sus it’s only my community going through this.

[@Molly-iw1rc]

Thank you for pointing out how it's specifically impacting the black community 😭 both in who is participating in the scams and who is being scammed.

[@SnozBerryQueen]

I always appreciate the way you talk about topics especially those around race. You know how to do it right.

[@sewgeekdesigns9113]

Passports??? Let me set up a tummy tuck by Tammy scheme then 😂

[@MossTunic]

from what i'm learning, veneers are also a lifelong responsibility & should be used as a last resort because once those teeth are ground down, you obviously can't go back. but just like so many people who have gotten implants, they think they're good for life & end up getting serious hurt as the implants deteriorate. i think for veneers, you have to replace them every 10 - 20 years depending on the situation & what the veneer is made out of. they can cost $250-$1,500 PER TOOTH if it's composite veneers or $500-$2,500 for porcelain, again, PER TOOTH. the article i'm reading right now says the author went to a high-end specialist that has a single tooth going upwards of $5,000 PER TOOTH..... so for a full mouth of average 32 teeth, just based on the previous numbers i've found which is not an exhaustive research of the median costs, it can range at the lower end of $8,000-$48,000 to the higher end of $16,000-$80,000. i am not sure if the dentist mentioned who does starting at $5,000 per tooth does full mouth veneers because that seems unethical to me but if that's normal, then that could easily start at $160,000 for full mouth. there's probably additional costs for the complications, time, & skill for doing a full mouth set tho. my goodness. vanity & the peer pressure to permanently alter our bodies to be accepted is devastating. people know they will be broadly treated better if they look more similar to the current standard of beauty, but that just homogenizes the incredible variations of beauty we have in the world. it's so sad seeing unique beauties being literally ground away in this case. different teeth are beautiful!

[@terintiaflavius3349]

Yep Veneers are a one way ticket to early dentures. Not that there is anything wrong with dentures but they shouldn't be the end goal

[@MossTunic]

@@terintiaflavius3349 yah absolutely. i would never judge someone for their dental situation, but for practical reasons, working with what we got for as long as possible is better for health & financial reasons. the financial reasons can unfortunately deeply affect our health (this is coming from a poor disabled person) 🥲

[@hellokittyfifi]

forgery by felicity 😭

[@AdventurousDana]

Thank you for also addressing that the cost of professional dental care in the US is exorbitant and how that is a barrier to accessing these services especially for marginalized people. With even the basic maintenance costs being high, how are people supposed to prevent themselves from getting in even more costly dental situations in the first place! As you said, many people are going to these unqualified "techs" out of the desperation to gain the type of social capitol needed in our society to stay afloat. It's sad really and I truly feel for the people who are just trying to improve their lives with the means that they have.

[@camarathomas6552]

Ugh finally someone who addresses the elephant in the room. You won’t see other groups of people doing this, especially to their own community.

[@sayitasis8326]

They do it, you just don’t speak their language. I just read about Chinese “business people” scamming illegal Chinese migrants who don’t speak English, they’re overworked and not paid.

[@tltinatl]

No, they do. I worked in a federal prosecutor's office and saw so many cases of people from India, China, Nigeria, Russia and Vietnam, just as a few examples, specifically targeting people from their own home countries for everything from real estate and investment scams to fake professional certification courses to human trafficking for forced labor in nail salons, commercial kitchens, warehouses, construction sites and in people's homes.

[@cookiesandpudding8485]

Other groups of people do this to their own all the time LOL black people r not special

[@Ultralined]

I’m still laughing at the thumbnail. “Passports by Priscilla”😭😭stahp. New sub❤😭

[@didralamond8145]

These individuals are preying on desperate people with fewer opportunities and resources. I've seen a few videos on this topic and its very sad and there is a common dominator with all of their customers.

[@gpk1982]

Thank you for this video! When I first found out about the illegal veneer techs (you can add the lash technicians & lip injectors as well) I was very troubled by the fact that it seems to be most prevalent in the black community. I really enjoyed this video and the fact that you touched upon some of the systemic issues that have caused these types of “businesses” the arise.

[@prettynpetty8342]

Could you imagine a world where "Surgery by Sandra" is seen as a viable option?

[@Elizabeth-vp7ek]

I’m so gladddd someone is talking about this topic cause I couldn’t stop thinking about it for months. Recently I saw someone do this, but with LIP FILLERS. YES… LIP FILLERS. Giving people same day training, practicing on humans for the FIRST TIME, offering a lash and lip filler combo, and clearly not a proper professional to do this. It’s concerning how rampant this desire for dangerous small businesses are growing in the community.

[@devadiosa]

Babylove thank you for addressing this!!😂😂😂 literal “black market”😂

[@leblanc8014]

I love the way you cover Black topics. ♥️

[@StephWells]

Another fabulous and insightful piece Robert. Keep them coming. ❤ from New Zealand

[@ttpowell8111]

Thank you! Black female here and I approve this message.

[@teknoh]

I love this vid man, This is for sure a thing I've noticed as a black man. And when you call them out on it, they hit you with lines like "ya'll hate to see a black woman win". When she's ripping people off yes, if she was just selling clothes she made herself, or running a restaurant no one would be criticizing.

[@ladyliver]

yes yes, speak on it! the way you waved away the "little courses" was very appropos

[@mikeoxlong4358]

You always introduce me to some interesting issues

[@diamond2979]

getting an unauthorized passport and attempting to use it to travel to a foreign country is so bold oh my god i couldn’t imagine having the balls to do that 😭😭 even with a real passport i was shook going thru tsa in mexico

[@FireLadyAzula]

Afflicted with dolezalian delusions 😭

[@nyleac4389]

I’ll just say this regarding folks putting these over rotting teeth. I’ve experienced a cavity in my impacted wisdom tooth that got so bad the nerve was infected. The PAIN was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I think I may have ptsd from it. I shudder to think about what types of issues ppl are putting veneers over bc it’s really not the type of thing to fuck with.

[@wackyiv219]

Im glad someone is saying it bro. I've noticed all of these back alley doctors seem to mostly have black clients and no one was calling this out

[@prudym1469]

Literally this has been a hot topic for the past month, this is inaccurate

[@the10000thspoon]

12 minutes ago is crazy

[@eldoodooface]

I love you Robert please never stop

[@SailorSlay]

I’ve noticed it to and it makes me very sad.

[@kid-ava]

it's about time someone talked about this. it sucks how so many small black business owners and entrepreneurs take advantage of their own community just to make a quick buck. I've seen this a bit recently too with how high 'at home" nail techs charge for a simple set for example

[@jcherry875]

You uploading this video is such a coincidence for me, personally. I noticed today that all the non-professional veneer people were afro americans and that appeared so odd to me

[@u3u_o3o]

13:37 and she only got caught and punished because she was stealing from rich people, if you steal from poor people nothing happens.

[@lilyyo4681]

You ateeee!! Just subscribed to u from this. Can’t wait for more! Thank u for bringing light to this and emphasizing the negative impact it has on the black community

[@Dani-fc1hc]

People have to start using discernment and doing some basic research. A simple google search would answer a lot of questions. Also people need to stop trying to take shortcuts.

[@maxxedtfout]

Thanks for tackling a subject many refuse to address directly.

[@cee8ch]

first video i’ve watched of yours. you have a fantastic way of articulating information in a digestible, rational way. the subject of “veneer techs” fascinates me and i’m glad you emphasized this phenomena’s particular targeting of black people. appreciate your work, keep it up!

[@TheBrightestLight5]

You’re really good at what you do. I could definitely see you on 20/20 or something of the sort. Please keep up the great work! Your intelligence and enthusiasm for reporting the facts really shines through your content and you operate from a place of integrity. Millennials and Gen-Z are gonna need someone like you reporting the news as we get older, so keep doing what you do friend. 🌸💖👏🏾

[@_corbz]

Great video. Solid lexicon. 👏🏿👏🏿

[@MidnightPulse1]

Great video as always. You deserve a bigger audience

[@YuriTarrdid]

The jump ahead button took me right to the beginning of the ad read

[@s.g.445]

This is a very well done, informative, and straight forward video and covered something I’ve noticed unfortunately happening a lot lately. I also really appreciated your quip about doing what you gotta do to get the roof over your head 😂

[@StoutShako]

You did a great job with this!

[@MrNightpwner]

"Gatekeep, Girl-Boss, Gaslight mood." Robert, your talent and career is paralleled with John Oliver. Masterful.

[@EvonneLindiwe]

Thank you.. 🙌🏿

[@shantaiii]

DOLEZALIAN DELUSION???? 🤣🤣🤣

[@embo_5787]

Not even 5 minutes in but I adore your sense of humor 😂

[@ketameanii]

thank you for being so respectful with your message❤❤❤

[@pinkengineering]

Yes we want you to post more

[@chelseashamim9148]

This is very well done❤ 👍🏾

[@AbisolaAdeusi]

You really ate with this

[@wrvpgod2155]

People should just get into lashes, or doing hair. They are easy to do. And legal.

[@hueyfreeman8865]

Lashes aren’t something to be taken lightly. Someone who doesn’t follow basic hygiene standards can cause someone to get a serious eye infection that can permanently alter their vision.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

Make money at any cost it seems

[@shanel4294]

Don’t nobody want a 9-5

[@scathach2815]

​@@shanel4294 a lot of 9 to 5s don't pay you enough :/

[@j.j7464]

@@shanel4294well you shouldn’t practice in illegal unethical ways to escape the 9-5 life

[@SailorSlay]

I’ve seen these ads on placing like Facebook. Ppl are confused in the comments and they dance around the issue leading ppl to believe the certification is legitimate.

[@urthosart]

appreciate your content as always. love this video and the way you address these topics with respect and nuance.