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September 14, 2026 •6:01

Adopted at 4, Unstoppable by 14 - Victoria Pt. 1

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Tonight's Episode

Getting the name right, first thing — P-E-L-L-E-T-I-E-R

Only child, gifted kid, self-described loner: the bike as an instrument of exploration

Streetlights as the only curfew, and what kids lose without that

People-watching from a bicycle seat, and inventing stories about strangers — a habit that never left her

First job at eleven: booking appointments, running cash, sweeping floors, laundering towels

Babysitting at $2 an hour

Assistant manager at fourteen, coaching adults decades older

"Turtle shell outside, marshmallow inside — somewhere between don't mess with me and do you want a hug"

Why the all-business mask came first, and why vulnerability came later

Adopted at four out of a violent early childhood

"Tori, you need to do better than us" — and the crucial distinction between better than where I came from and better than any person

No money for the high school graduation trip

Book 5 is in stores now!

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Key Takeaways

Victoria was adopted at age 4 after experiencing a violent early childhood, and was raised as an only child with a gifted, introverted personality.
She began working at age 11 booking appointments and doing various tasks, and became an assistant manager at 14 coaching adults significantly older than herself.
Victoria describes herself as having a protective exterior ('turtle shell') while being sensitive inside ('marshmallow'), with vulnerability coming later in life than her initial business-focused demeanor.
Her childhood featured freedom and exploration via bicycle with streetlights as her only curfew, and she developed a habit of people-watching and inventing stories about strangers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old was Victoria when she was adopted?

She was adopted at age 4.

What was Victoria's first job and at what age did she start?

Her first job at age 11 involved booking appointments, running cash, sweeping floors, and laundering towels.

What position did Victoria hold at age 14?

She was an assistant manager at 14, coaching adults who were decades older than her.

How does Victoria describe her personality?

She describes herself as 'turtle shell outside, marshmallow inside' — somewhere between don't mess with me and do you want a hug.

What was Victoria's childhood like in terms of freedom and boundaries?

She had significant freedom to explore via bicycle, with streetlights serving as her only curfew.