Fun Facts About Taylor Swift: Stockbroker Dreams & Cat Memes

The whole world seems to be swooning over Taylor Swift... AKA TayTay, T-Swift, T-Swizzle, T-Sweezy... you know the drill. While we're all fascinated by her chart-topping hits and high-profile relationships, there's a treasure trove of fun facts about Taylor Swift that even the most die-hard fans might have missed. From plucking bugs off of trees to almost becoming a stockbroker, Taylor's life is a mix of the extraordinary and the unexpectedly relatable. So grab your favorite cardigan and settle in—we're about to dive into 16 fun facts that prove Tay is full of surprises.

1. Taylor Swift Grew Up on a Christmas Tree Farm, Where She Picked Bugs Off the Trees

Taylor Swift's early years were spent on a Christmas tree farm in Reading, Pennsylvania. Her first job? Picking praying mantis pods off the trees before they ended up in someone's living room. This quaint upbringing even inspired her festive song aptly titled "Christmas Tree Farm."

2. Fun Fact: Swift Was Named After Singer-Songwriter James Taylor

Yes, Taylor Swift is literally named after another famous Taylor—James Taylor, to be exact. Her parents were such big fans that they decided to pass on the musical legacy through her name. Fast forward to 2011, and she performed a duet with her namesake, bringing the naming story full circle.

3. At 12, She Wrote Her First Song... and a 350-Page Novel

While most of us were struggling with middle school essays, Swift penned her first song, "Lucky You," at age 12. Not stopping there, she also wrote a 350-page novel that, to this day, remains unpublished. Who knows—maybe one day we'll see it hit the shelves, or be adapted into a Netflix miniseries.

4. Her First Guitar Teacher Was the Family's Computer Repairman

When her family's computer was on the fritz, they didn't just get tech support—they got a music mentor. Ronnie Cremer, the computer repairman, noticed a guitar in her room and offered to teach her some chords. Those lessons sparked her passion for songwriting and set the stage—literally—for her future career.

5. At 14, She Became the Youngest Songwriter Ever Signed by Sony/ATV

While most teens are busy navigating high school hallways, Swift was making music history. At just 14, she signed with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, becoming their youngest signed songwriter ever. Clearly, she skipped the awkward teenage phase and went straight to adulting.

6. The Number 13 Is Taylor Swift's Lucky Charm

While many consider 13 to be unlucky, Swift has turned it into her personal talisman. Born on December 13, she turned 13 on Friday the 13th, and her first album went gold in 13 weeks. So yeah, Taylor likes that number.

7. She Became the Youngest Album of the Year Grammy Winner at Age 20

At the tender age of 20, Swift snagged the Grammy for Album of the Year with Fearless, making her the youngest artist ever to do so at the time. Since then, she's collected a total of 14 Grammys, and counting...

8. Taylor Plays Five Instruments, Because Why Not

Not content with just singing, Swift is a one-woman band. She plays the guitar, piano, ukulele, electric guitar, and banjo. One could argue that guitar and electric guitar are the same thing, but "five" has such a nice ring to it. Her multi-instrumental talents add layers to her music and are a feather in the cap for any songwriter.

9. She Has Acted in TV Shows and Films

Adding acting to her résumé, Swift appeared as a rebellious teen in an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. She also graced the big screen in films like Valentine's Day and The Giver. It's safe to say she's not one to stick to a single spotlight.

10. Taylor Swift Is a Devoted Cat Mom to Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey

Swift's love for cats is no secret. She has two Scottish Fold cats named Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey, inspired by her favorite TV characters. These feline companions are practically celebrities themselves, often making appearances on her social media.

11. She Invited 2,000 Foster and Adopted Kids to a Private Concert 🫶

Before kicking off her Reputation tour in 2018, Swift showed her generous side by hosting a private dress rehearsal for 2,000 foster and adopted children. It's not every day that you get a personal concert from a global superstar—talk about the ultimate field trip.

12. She Was Nearly Blind Before Undergoing LASIK Surgery

Behind those iconic red lips and stage costumes, Swift struggled with poor eyesight. She underwent LASIK eye surgery to correct her vision, adding another layer to the phrase "seeing things clearly."

13. She Got Her Driver's License by Crying During the Test

Parallel parking isn't everyone's forte, and Swift is no exception. After failing her driver's test multiple times, she finally passed—allegedly by bursting into tears during the exam. A story familiar to so many. While this claim is under scrutiny, we wanted to include it since it is so relatable!

14. As a Child, She Wanted to Be a Stockbroker Like Her Cool Dad

Before music stole her heart, young Taylor aspired to join the world of finance like her father. She would confidently tell people she wanted to be a "financial advisor." It's hard to imagine a world where Taylor Swift is riding a desk and managing portfolios instead of riding atop the charts.

15. Taylor Donated $50,000 to a School Instead of Being Bested By Internet Trolls

Taylor Swift and her management co. ran a contest for schools with the winning location getting a free performance. However, thanks to decidedly 'not fun' internet trolls on 4Chan (do go to this site), they tipped the scale so that the winning school was one for deaf children. Instead of being pulled into the prank, Taylor and the sponsors donated a cool $50K to the school system.

16. She Sang the National Anthem at Age 11 at a 76ers Game

Proving early on that stages didn't scare her, Swift performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at a Philadelphia 76ers basketball game when she was just 11. It was one of her first major public performances and a sign of the star she was destined to become.

It turns out that picking insects off Christmas trees can be the first step to global domination. If nothing else, it's comforting to know that even pop superstars had awkward phases—some just happen to involve mantis pods. If Taylor's precocious achievements make you feel unaccomplished, perhaps it's time to reflect on how old famous Americans were when they made history. Spoiler alert: the clock is ticking. So go ahead, dive into that existential crisis—or just read our next article. Either way, happy scrolling.