Yesterday, Facebook Marketplace decided to suspend my profile for selling “fakes.” The item? A bottle of Versace fragrance. Bought *directly* from Macy’s. With receipts. No questions about authenticity on my end—but it didn’t matter. They shut me down.
It was a solid reminder (not a fun one) that when you build a business on someone else’s platform, it can all vanish in a second—even when you’re doing everything right. Luckily, I’ve been expanding slowly. I’ve been dabbling in live selling over on Whatnot—it’s fast-paced, a little chaotic, but honestly kind of fun. If you want to check it out or catch a live show, here’s my profile: [whatnot.com/s/c6Tq0HGe](https://whatnot.com/s/c6Tq0HGe). Always trying something new and seeing what sticks. And some good news on the rental front—two of my properties turned over in January, and both are leased again as of this month. Those quick turnarounds feel like big wins in this market, and it’s a nice reminder that the systems I’ve built over the years are still working. Last week, I lost my Uncle Vic. He was the quiet one—always present but never in the spotlight. When I was a kid, he watched me and my brother while my mom was in the hospital. He even took us thrifting back then, which feels like a full-circle moment now. He’ll be missed. With everything going on, I’m still holding onto optimism. I’ve got a trip abroad on the horizon, and I’m ready for a change of scenery and a little reset. Life’s always shifting, but I’m here for the ride—grateful for the progress, lessons, and even the curveballs. Thanks for being here. —Tom