This Latina Is Buying Houses with Profits from Her ‘Chisme’ Business

Myriam, a 67-year-old entrepreneur from Colombia, has transformed her passion for chisme into a thriving business. In a recent interview shared by content creator Lady Daniella, Myriam detailed how she successfully monetized her penchant for gossip, turning neighborhood whispers into a lucrative venture that has allowed her to purchase two houses. 

How ‘Chisme’ Helps Myriam

The cornerstone of Myriam’s success lies in her strategic positioning outside her home, where she becomes a magnetic source for local tidbits. As she explains, “I love gossip,” she readily acknowledges her identity as a professional chismosa. Charging between $5,000 and $10,000 Colombian pesos for lighter pieces of information, Myriam says in Spanish, “A respected chismosa in the neighborhood knows everything.” 

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Her methods of acquiring gossip are as meticulous as they are entertaining. With a notebook always at hand, Myriam diligently records the conversations she overhears, a practice that not only aids in her storytelling but also serves as evidence to support her claims. “I, being so chismosa, can be here talking with you, but my ‘little ears’ are well positioned to listen to what they say here,” she shares. 

During the interview, Myriam reveals a bulletin board adorned with photographs and notes about her neighbors’ rumored indiscretions, demonstrating the lengths to which she goes to gather information. “She gives me money so I won’t tell him, and he gives me money so I won’t tell his wife and children,” she explains. Yes, there’s even a pricing strategy to her gossip business – what a jefa.  

In fact, Myriam states that she once charged $700,000 pesos to a man concerned about his wife’s fidelity—but also positioned her as a local celebrity of sorts. Despite her success, she faces competition from neighbors attempting to mimic her business model.  

Importantly, Myriam emphasizes the ethical side of her work. “I never say anything without evidence,” she insists. Could it be that she’s just the neighborhood reporter?  Nevertheless, her sense of observation, paired with evidence-gathering, cements her reputation as the “reina del chisme.” 

It’s a Collective Effort

In addition to her solo efforts, Myriam collaborates with friends during game nights, gathering insights as they play parqués. “They tell me things; they keep me informed, and I connect the dots,” she says. 

Notably, Myriam believes that her business model not only supports her lifestyle but also provides employment opportunities for her neighbors. “Gossip is my life; it runs through my blood,” she adds. 

Her resounding belief in the endless nature of gossip speaks to the cultural significance it holds in the Latino community. “Wherever you go, there’s gossip; so that will never end,” she states confidently. “In every respectable neighborhood, there’s a gossip, and if you don’t know a gossip, then you are a gossip,” she concludes, leaving no doubt about the permanence of gossip in society. 

The video detailing Myriam’s entrepreneurial journey has gained immense traction on TikTok. Gossip brings in money,” Myriam encourages, proving that where there is a will—and a story—there is always a way to thrive.