How Taylor Swift’s mom overtakes Kris Jenner to earn the title of ‘Momager’

It’s no secret that there’s been a lot of “bad blood” between Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian over the years, but there’s one thing the rivals have in common: their very powerful “Momagers.”

The former friends have had more than their fair share of public clashes, and while they’ve had very different career paths, the role their mothers have played in their rise has been huge.

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But while Kim’s mom Kris Jenner is known as the “original” Momager, could it be that Taylor’s mom Andrea Swift is actually the most influential?

Just last week it was reported that Andrea had threatened to cancel Taylor’s August shows in Britain unless a police convoy showed up, showing just how much influence she has over her daughter’s daily activities.

Revealing just how close they are, Taylor previously said, “Everyone loves their mom… But for me, she’s really the guiding force. Almost every decision I make, I talk to her about it first.”

While there’s no denying that both the Kardashians and the Swifts have achieved tremendous success, the family’s approach to cultivating their images has clearly contrasted.

Spoke exclusively with Fabulous, PR expert and coach Natalie Trice says: “Andrea Swift and Kris Jenner have both played pivotal roles in shaping their daughters’ immensely successful careers, but their approaches when it comes to ‘momager’ are strikingly different.

“Andrea, with her background in marketing, has been instrumental in Taylor’s rise from a very young age. Although her involvement was characterized by a calculated, businesslike approach, this happened subtly and largely behind the scenes.

“In contrast, Kris Jenner’s approach to managing her daughters’ careers is much more aggressive and media-oriented.

“Kris is the architect behind the Kardashian empire, a family brand that thrives on visibility and constant media attention.

“From the beginning, Kris saw the potential to turn her family’s every move into a revenue-generating asset, taking advantage of opportunities in reality TV, social media and product endorsements.”

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From Christmas tree farm to ‘Tinseltown’

Taylor never imagined the fame she would achieve growing up on a Christmas tree farm in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, with younger brother Austin and parents Andrea and Scott.

However, it seems that from a very young age she was somehow destined for the stage – and it seems that she was very enthusiastically encouraged by her parents.

She did professional photo shoots from the age of four, so she got used to the cameras.”

Taylor’s old guitar teacher, Ronnie Cramer

Speaking to Heat magazine, her old guitar teacher Ronnie Cramer said: “Taylor was a great kid. You could tell she had talent.

“Her parents, Andrea and Scott, took her to singing venues and sang karaoke.

“She was doing professional photo shoots from the age of four, so she got used to the cameras.”

The entire family even moved to Nashville, Tennessee when she was just 14 so she could pursue her love of country music.

It turned out to be a smart move.

This way she could easily distribute her demo tapes – the first with covers of Hopelessly Devoted to You and Here You Come Again – to the major record labels.

“My mother waited in the car with my brother while I knocked on the doors of Music Row.

“I’d say, ‘Hi, I’m Taylor. I’m 11. I wanted a record deal – call me,” Taylor previously said Entertainment weekly.

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‘Making significant sacrifices’

It was a decision that paid off, as she landed her first deal when she was just 13.

Natalie says, “The Swift family made significant sacrifices early on, including moving to Nashville to help Taylor pursue her dreams.

“It was a move that was part of a well-thought-out strategy that would ultimately see Taylor become one of the biggest names in music.

“Andrea’s approach was about carefully creating a recognizable and authentic image, rather than just focusing on media visibility.

“This has allowed Taylor to maintain a controlled public persona, one that emphasizes quality and consistency.”

‘Her mother was strict… but it worked’

Things certainly haven’t been easy for the Swift family and they’ve worked hard both in their professional and personal lives.

Taylor’s parents split in 2011 after more than two decades together, and behind closed doors Taylor has also had to support her mother after she was diagnosed with cancer twice.

Despite all this, it seems like Andrea Swift has always been focused when it came to Taylor’s career.

Longtime guitar teacher Ronnie says, “Her mother, Andrea, was the boss and she was pushy.

“Her mother was strict with her, but it worked.”

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‘Calculated, logical and business-oriented’

Taylor herself has also openly credited her mother Andrea with playing a key role in her rise to fame, describing her as “calculated, logical and business-minded.”

Speaking to Esquire, she said: “My parents were very strict about education and hard work from the time my brother and I were very little.”

She told Great American Country Network in 2008, “My mom and I have always been very close. She has always been the friend that was always there.

“There were times when I didn’t have many friends in middle school and high school. But my mom was always my friend. Always.”

Natalie says: “Taylor has often spoken about the close bond she shares with her mother and this close relationship has undoubtedly influenced the authentic and recognizable brand that Taylor has cultivated.

“Andrea was not only a guiding force in Taylor’s career, but also a friend and confidante during what one can only imagine was an often isolating experience.

“I imagine this emotional foundation has been key to Taylor’s ability to maintain her image and stay true to her roots despite the pressures of fame.”

‘Great marketing minds’

The star’s first manager, Rick Barber, has also praised Andrea in the past for laying the foundation for her daughter’s career.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, he said: ‘The parents already had her MySpace and her website up and running.

“[They] both have great marketing power.

“I don’t want to say fake it ’til you make it, but if you looked at her stuff, it was very professional even before she got her deal.”

Although she isn’t in the spotlight, Andrea also attends most of Taylor’s shows and has even handed out bracelets to audience members.

Her father is also known to have been involved, and when fans lined up to catch a glimpse of her during a 2019 TV appearance, the singer had dozens of pizzas delivered, which were handed out by members of her team , including her father.

It’s these kinds of thoughtful touches, the interaction with fans, that have undoubtedly helped shape Taylor’s carefully crafted public image.

Natalie says: “Unlike Kris Jenner, who thrives on media attention, Andrea has lowered her profile and focused on long-term brand building rather than quick, impactful media attention.

“This has led to a career that is less about constant media manipulation and more about building a real connection with fans, which has been a cornerstone of Taylor’s continued success.”

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Control and counter-reaction

Kris, meanwhile, has been undeniably successful in developing her daughter’s careers, but opts for techniques that are slightly less subtle.

This comes with risks, which can sometimes lead to backlash and jeopardize any chance of privacy the family may desire.

Natalie added: “Kris’ strategy is to keep her daughters, and especially Kim, at the forefront of the public consciousness, using every possible media channel to maintain their global presence.

The Kardashian brand, led by Kris, is synonymous with wealth and excess, driven by a relentless media presence.

Unlike Taylor Swift, whose public appearances seem more carefully planned, the Kardashians are constantly in the spotlight, either through scheduled appearances or paparazzi.

This ubiquity has been key to their financial success, but it has also come with significant public scrutiny and occasional backlash.

“Kris’ method is more about capitalizing on the power of constant exposure, ensuring her daughters are always newsworthy and turning their personal lives into a profitable business.”

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