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Inside the secret life of a sex worker

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In the suburbs of Toronto, Mia Miranda was born into a family of businesspeople.

From a young age, her entrepreneur parents instilled a sense of hustle into their daughter.

As such, it was no surprise when she enrolled in business school before shifting to Vancouver to explore a life of pleasure, art and creativity.

The move allowed her to develop skills in acting, singing, dancing, piano and gymnastics.

Soon afterwards, she found work as a feature dancer at nightclubs across British Columbia, and as an astrology reader while attending the Vancouver Film School to further her career ambitions.

But her creative passions and big hopes for the future came to a grinding halt in 2020.

Mia Miranda had been in a serious car accident, which left her with a brain injury.

“Recovering from my injury is a full-time job, sometimes with managing symptoms and all the therapies I do,” she said.

Unable to work, her career took another unexpected turn when she begun making content for OnlyFans.

It didn’t take long before she found herself in the top 4 per cent of earners worldwide.

“During that time, like many of us, I did a lot of self-exploration and came to realise that the best story I can tell right now is my own,” she said.

“Sex work is how I fund my passions and has allowed me to become real passionate about activism as well.”

The subscription-based platform has 170 million registered users, or ‘fans’, around the world.

The platform also boasts over 1.5 million content creators, like Mia Miranda, who takes requests and shares her life online.

“Now that I am fighting to get back to a normal life, it needs to be a life I am obsessed with.”

MIA MIRANDA, ONLYFANS CREATOR

“I love making custom videos and indulging in their fantasies,” Miranda said.

While OnlyFans is not all about sex, leaked documents from the company’s financial information believes sex sells.

How many people are watching porn?

The porn industry saw increased growth during the pandemic. According to popular website Pornhub, the average age of visitors is 37 years old.

Sunday is the most popular day for porn-viewing, and Friday typically records a drop in viewers.

Professor Jessie Ford is a sex sociologist at Columbia University, who said viewing habits are connected to the rhythms in people’s social lives.

“People often think about sex and porn as a biologically driven realm of life, but I argue that it’s much more like other aspects of social life than people might think.”

PROFESSOR JESSIE FORD, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

“People are watching less on Friday, Saturday, Sunday because they are probably out doing other things,” she said.

Meanwhile, more viewers have become interested in transgender porn, with the category recording a 23 per cent jump in 2021.

Luna Matatas is a sex pleasure educator, who said it is time the adult entertainment industry began reflecting society.

“The trans community has been prominent in advocating for their rights and representation across the world and showing up more in mainstream media, so we’re hearing more and seeing more about trans people and trans communities,” they said.

The United States, Britain and Japan were the top three countries for porn traffic.

Dr Laurie Betito is a clinical psychologist, who believes human connection became more important as people were locked down to control to spread of Covid-19.

“Many people have experienced loneliness and isolation and may be craving love, intimacy and romance. So the next best thing to a partner it seems, are the fantasies of romance,” she said.

South American markets like Mexico and Columbia were among those, which recorded increased visitors during the height of Covid lockdowns.

However, like most industries, viewing habits change when other events take place.

For example, when the three-hour broadcast of the Eurovision Song Content took place in 2021, Pornhub’s traffic dropped throughout much of Europe. Malta and Iceland reported the biggest traffic drops by nearly one-third.

Likewise, viewers dropped by 21 per cent during Super Bowl 55.

Is sex work the best job ever?

Samantha Jones is a former equestrian and exotic dancer, who has appeared in Playboy Croatia and Hustler magazines.

She is also a top draw on OnlyFans and Streamate, where she offers online companionship through live camera performances.

“I’m actually surprised how many people are open about doing sex work. It’s best job ever, you can work one or three hours a day if you want,” she said.

As demand for intimate content soars online, so too does the interest from budding entertainers.

But Ms Jones said the industry has become a saturated market with a lot of competition.

“I find that the people who do really well really love what they do, so if they’re willing to invest the time, the money and the effort—go all out on photo shoots, invest in the outfits, choreography, mentors.”

Samantha Jones brings fantasies to life on OnlyFans.

Likewise, Mia Miranda describes herself as a ‘pleasure advocate’, who is seeking to change the stigma often linked with sex workers.

When it comes to earnings, she said there are still misconceptions around sex work being viewed through a get rich, quick scheme.

“You can make a lot of money at it, but it’s still incredibly hard work; it’s not just easy money, it’s fast money, so you’re able to make a lot of money fast, but only if you are putting in that hard work.”

Miranda supports the Canadian charity, WISH, which supports street-based sex workers’ health and safety.

A recent Australian study conducted interviews with 31 sex workers. It found the stigma surrounding their profession had a significant impact on their mental health.

The findings pointed to increased training and development for mental health practitioners, and increased funding for support services to protect sex workers.

Ms Miranda said the stigma is “starting to unravel itself,” because of how much time OnlyFans models put into their work.

Meanwhile, Samantha Jones said she has not experienced much of this negativity in her experience.

“The sex workers I feel are kind of putting this old stigma on themselves. I’m very comfortable, I show my face, I’m kind of out there. But I think the stigma is dying off… I think it’s going to help me in the end that I am a YouTuber-slash-porn star.”

“You have to really sit down and have your ‘hell no, hell yes’ list… ‘what am I going to do for this amount, what am I going to do for that amount?”

Mia Miranda still practices the piano and hopes to kickstart her creativity and songwriting ambitions.

“It’s my dream to perform my songs live and tour the world with my music.”

“I found that some traditional avenues of performance honestly didn’t really allow me to express my full self, but I found that being a sex worker.”

Mia MIRANDA, ONLYFANS CREATOR

“It’s been really incredible to get to experience that and showcase all of my talents and skills in a way that I have full control over. I get to be in control of everything, and I think that really inspires me to keep pushing through,” she said.

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

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International brands adapt strategies to reach Chinese consumers

International brands adapt strategies to engage Chinese consumers through localisation, data insights, and cultural integration amidst market challenges

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International brands adapt strategies to engage Chinese consumers through localisation, data insights, and cultural integration amidst market challenges

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In Short:
– U.S. and European brands are refining strategies to engage Chinese consumers despite economic slowdown.
– Localisation and consumer data are crucial for successful market entry and product development in China.
China’s economic slowdown has not deterred U.S. and European brands from redefining strategies to engage Chinese consumers.

The nation remains an enticing market, prompting companies to innovate amid rising local competition.Kraft Heinz, for example, has enlisted a local agency to enhance its ketchup sales, utilising promotional campaigns that resonate culturally, such as marketing ketchup in stir-fried egg dishes. Competition in this market is dynamic, with shifts in consumer behaviour evident over time.

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Brands, including Starbucks and Lululemon, demonstrate that successful entry often hinges on localisation.

Effective international marketing strategies dedicate significant resources to content-first campaigns, tailoring products to local preferences. Under Armour’s approach features affordable product lines and community-building through livestreams.

Foreign investment remains robust in China’s evolving market, with brands adapting to new social commerce norms exemplified by platforms like Douyin. The shift presents unique challenges requiring comprehensive strategies, which can quickly yield substantial sales benefits.

Data Utilisation

Access to consumer data is critical for brands navigating the Chinese market. E-commerce platforms like Alibaba provide detailed consumer insights, allowing companies to innovate based on market needs. An example is Perfect Diary, a makeup brand, which successfully developed targeted products for price-sensitive consumers.

With the recent iPhone 17 launch, JD.com reported strong preorder volumes, highlighting the relevance of tailored features in attracting local interest. Companies that establish local R&D facilities gain a competitive edge by developing products that align with local tastes swiftly.

Cultural engagement is paramount for brands aiming to resonate with Chinese consumers.

Collaborations with local artisans signify a deeper cultural integration. Despite market challenges, innovative store designs, like LVMH’s new Shanghai location, reflect a blend of heritage and modern consumer values.


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How do banks assess you for a home loan?

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Ama Samarasinghe, RMIT University

Navigating the money side of buying a home can be daunting – especially if it’s your first time.

Unless you’ve recently come into a small fortune, you’ll need to have saved a deposit and take out a home loan.

That means engaging with the world of banks and mortgage brokers, and grappling with what might be intimidating-sounding jargon – terms like “pre-approval”, “offset accounts” and “serviceability buffers”.

Here’s a general guide to some of the essential steps: how to figure out what you can afford, how the loan process works, and some key things to watch out for before taking the plunge.

How much can you afford?

Taking out a home loan means you’ll be required to make regular repayments over many years. So, a bank or other lender will first want to make sure you can afford them.


This article is part of The Conversation’s series on buying a first home.

We’ve asked experts to unpack some of the biggest topics for first-home buyers to consider – from working out what’s affordable and beginning the search, to knowing your rights when inspecting a property and making an offer.


It’s important to understand the difference between borrowing capacity and affordability.

Your borrowing capacity is the amount a lender is willing to offer you, based on your income and debts, and their own stress tests. Affordability, on the other hand, is about you – your lifestyle, choices and actual spending patterns.

These two things are related but don’t always align, so it’s important to factor affordability into your decision. Being clear on both helps you avoid taking on more debt than you can comfortably manage.

Doing your own calculations first

It’s a good idea to start with your own numbers. List all your household expenses over at least the past six months – everything from groceries to streaming subscriptions – and work out the monthly average.

Streaming apps on a smart TV
Monthly subscriptions – such as streaming services – can have an impact on borrowing power.
Oscar Nord/Unsplash

After setting aside some room for savings and unexpected costs, the remainder gives you an indication of what could be available for mortgage repayments.

As a rule of thumb, many suggest keeping repayments to no more than about 30% of your after-tax income.

Here are a few tips to avoid mortgage stress:

  • Budget for reality, not hope. Don’t assume you’ll slash spending just because you’ve bought a home.
  • Stress-test your budget. Could you still make the repayments if your interest rate rose by 0.25–0.5%? What if it rose by 1-2%?
  • Don’t forget the extra costs that come up with home ownership. Factor in insurance, council rates and higher utility bills in a larger home.

How much will the bank lend you?

Your borrowing power depends mainly on:

  • household income
  • living expenses and debts (credit cards, car loans, buy-now-pay-later arrangements)
  • number of financial dependants.

Most banks have online calculators in their banking apps to check your borrowing capacity. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)’s Moneysmart site also provides calculators for borrowing and repayments.

Lenders are also required by law to check a borrower could still afford repayments if interest rates rose by a certain amount. This “serviceability buffer” is currently three percentage points.

Pre-approval doesn’t guarantee a loan

Getting pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your finances and indicates they’re willing, in principle, to lend you up to a certain amount.

But it isn’t a binding contract. You’re not locked into taking the loan, and the lender isn’t legally bound to provide it.

Still, getting pre-approval can have some benefits, including:

  • giving you confidence about your borrowing capacity
  • helping set realistic price limits and narrowing a property search
  • signalling to real estate agents and sellers that you’re a serious buyer, which can make you more competitive in a hot market.

At auctions, pre-approval is especially important. Once the hammer falls, the sale is binding – there’s no cooling-off period and no finance clause.

If you don’t have pre-approval in place, you could win the bid but may be unable to secure finance, leaving you at risk of losing your deposit.

Different types of loan

One of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to go with a principal and interest loan or an interest-only loan.

Principal and interest is the standard choice. Each repayment reduces both your loan balance and the interest owed. Most first-home buyers opt for this option because it steadily pays down the debt.

Interest-only loans mean that for an agreed period (say five years), you only cover the interest. Repayments are lower during that time, but the loan balance itself doesn’t shrink.

To illustrate, if you took out a $200,000 interest-only loan at 5% for five years, you’d pay $10,000 a year in interest. But at the end of the five years, you would still owe the full $200,000.

Interest-only loans can make sense for some investors focused on cash flow, but they’re far less common for first-home buyers.

Finding a loan

There are many ways to find a loan that suits your needs. You can compare products directly with lenders, use comparison sites, or go through a mortgage broker.

Mortgage brokers compare loans on your behalf and are often paid a commission by the lender, meaning you aren’t directly charged a fee.

It’s important to make sure they’re licensed (check ASIC’s professional register), reputable, and – if possible – recommended by family or friends.

A good broker will break down fees, features and hidden costs so you’re comparing more than just the interest rate. Before you sit down with a broker, think about what matters most to you: getting the lowest cost loan, or flexibility through features?

Take offset accounts as an example, where savings can reduce interest on the loan. An offset is a transaction account linked to your loan. If you owe $450,000 but keep $30,000 in the offset, you’ll only pay interest on $420,000.

Another common feature is called a redraw facility. This lets you make extra repayments (thus reducing the amount of interest you pay) and withdraw them later if needed.


Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is not intended as financial advice. All investments carry risk.The Conversation

Ama Samarasinghe, Lecturer, Financial Planning and Tax, RMIT University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Why most Australians aren’t ready for retirement

Australians’ retirement readiness declines as super fund trust wanes; expert shares insights and solutions for financial confidence.

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Australians’ retirement readiness declines as super fund trust wanes; expert shares insights and solutions for financial confidence.


Fewer than one in three Australians feel financially prepared for retirement, with trust in super funds falling and planning gaps widening. In this episode, Dale Gilham from Wealth Within explains why the nation is struggling with financial confidence.

We cover the most common mistakes retirees say they’ve made, how super fund distrust is reshaping decisions, and what role financial planning plays in boosting readiness.

Gilham also outlines the tools and resources Australians are seeking most as they look to secure their financial future. Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#Retirement #Superannuation #Finance #Australia #WealthPlanning #MoneyMatters #FinancialFreedom #TickerNews


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