A teenage influencer who used to work as a waitress for minimum wage is now making so much money online that she’s been able to pay off her parents’ debt.
Sophie Rain, who has 11 million followers on social media, surprised her folks by clearing the $15,000 they owed in property taxes, and has also bought them a new car and fridge.
The content creator, who grew up on food stamps, says her dad was so overwhelmed by the gesture that he was left in tears.
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“My dad, who manages a restaurant, had mentioned to me that he was worried about not having enough money to pay his taxes,” said Sophie, who is from Miami, but currently lives in Tampa, Florida.
“I just asked him how much his taxes were and how much debt he had, and how much money he would need to get himself out of the situation he was in.
“After he told me the amount, I transferred the cash then and there.
“Now my parents don’t have to live paycheque-to-paycheque.
“They were very surprised.
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“My dad started crying when he realised what I’d done.
“He gave me the biggest hug ever and kept thanking me.
“They told me to just keep doing what I’m doing and that they’ll always support me no matter what.”
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Sophie rose to fame in April last year after she began creating content online, with the help of her 20-year-old sister Sierra.
Sierra is also an influencer and has three million followers online.
A viral video saw Sophie’s page “blow up” overnight and she was soon raking in the cash.
Growing up poor, it has taken time for the influencer to adjust to her new life – which includes lounging by her pool or jetting off, going on shopping sprees and visiting private islands.
Sophie also owns three cars that cost a total of $750,000.
She said: “My family grew up very poor and we lived off of food stamps.
“My parents supported me and worked hard but we couldn’t afford luxuries.
“We were barely getting by, so I got a job at 17 at a restaurant because I wanted to help out.
“I never thought I’d become an influencer.
“I’m still waiting to wake up from a dream. “None of this feels real.”
While Sophie enjoys splashing her cash – she admits to dropping $30,000 on dinner and clothes when she goes out – she actually puts 70% of it into a fund.
The influencer uses much of the rest to spoil her parents and three siblings, which includes her aforementioned sister as well as two brothers.
She said: “It feels so nice to be able to help my parents and siblings.
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do, and that’s one of the main reasons why I do what I do.
“Seeing them struggle growing up really affected me and they don’t deserve that.”
The teenager rents her own flat in Tampa for $10,000 per month but her goal is to move back to Miami soon.
She is currently house hunting with a budget most people can only dream of – the influencer is ready to splash $2.5m on her perfect home.
Aside from getting her own not-so-humble abode, Sophie also plans to buy her parents a new house in the near future.
She added: ““They are trying to move house at the moment.
“When they find the right place, I’m going to buy the property for them.
“They have no idea, I can’t wait to surprise them with it.”
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