We live in an era where reality TV stars seem to burst onto the screen with a business plan in hand. From social media endorsements to brand deals, the celebs-turned-influencers are as savvy about their side hustles as they are their best angles. But when MTV’s pop culture phenomenon Laguna Beach premiered in 2004, reality TV was a very different place. Especially because its stars were real-life high schoolers in Orange County, California. It was there we met then-17-year-old Kristin Cavallari. The beach blonde stood out from her costars (read: classmates) with her bold, take-charge attitude and a streak of confidence far beyond her years. From single-handedly making chokers and tank tops a thing to playing a key role in one of the greatest cinematic love triangles of all time, it was clear this kid was going somewhere.
But back then there was no social media, no creators’ fund, no influencer affiliate program. When Cavallari graduated from high school (and the show), she went on with her life. Acting gigs followed, of course, as did a brand deal—but all that
