This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Tatiana Bolaños, founder of The Lilac Agency. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Ask any Latina growing up in the 1990s, and she’ll know the variety show “Sábado Gigante.” For me, the show was life-changing: I won the competition when I was only six years old. Not long after that, I performed for a room full of Sony Executives in Key West and signed with the label.

I started my singing career as “La Chiquita Divina,” performing traditional Mariachi music. Although I was born in LA, I learned these songs from my mother, who is Mexican. My singing career quickly took over my childhood. I traveled the world and even produced a Gold album. I vividly remember being in Colombia, children chasing after the van I was in, trying to give me gifts. I was only eight, but that memory is imprinted on my mind. My voice felt like a gift from God, and I was happy to be able to share it with the world.

**Trading Fame for a Normal Life**

Eventually, singing took a backseat to my desire for a more ordinary life. I didn’t have time to enjoy school or make friends because of my career. Kids at my school in LA would make fun of me and bully me. I felt a lot of shame for being different from my American peers.

By the time I was 15, I knew I wanted to end my contract with Sony. I had achieved my dream of being a performer, but now I wanted a chance to attend homecoming and prom like other teenagers. Luckily, my parents were supportive. The money I made from singing was never a major factor for my family. My dad still had to work as a mechanic at the garage he owned. Most of the money was saved for when I turned 18, in line with California’s child labor laws. It wasn’t a ton, but it was thousands—enough to make a down payment on a house for my parents.

**Finding Myself Outside the Spotlight**

After graduating from high school, I moved to Arizona for a few years. I was still toying with the idea of returning to music, so I came back to LA. For years, I worked in a Verizon store selling phones while hoping to relaunch my singing career. Ultimately, I had to accept that the music chapter of my life was over—it just wasn’t meant to be.

I dabbled in marketing and public relations, and in 2015 I opened my own PR agency. Through that journey, I met social media influencers. By 2017, I had pivoted to talent management for influencers. Last year, my agency generated just under $4 million in revenue.

I love the work I do today. I lead an all-female team of managers and have created an environment that supports BIPOC talent while prioritizing the mental health of my team. I still get to meet interesting people and use my bubbly personality, but I don’t have to be in the public eye—which took a lot out of me as a kid.

**Embracing Change and Planning for the Future**

One important lesson I’ve learned is that change is okay in life. For a while, I loved being a singer—until I didn’t. Working in a cellphone store wasn’t glamorous, but it helped me support myself in LA. Now, I love where I’ve landed.

I don’t regret signing with Sony, nor do I regret ending the contract. I’ve learned to be ready for changes, and I always tell my influencers to diversify their income streams. No matter where life takes you, having a backup plan is essential.
https://www.businessinsider.com/tatiana-bolanos-traded-fame-for-freedom-as-a-teen-2025-11