The Rise of the “Guru Girlies”: Are They Really Empowering Us?

So, let’s talk about the rise of “Guru Girlies,” shall we? You’ve probably seen them all over your socials—these glamorous, ultra-confident women who are just “here to help you.” They call you “bestie” (because, obviously, we’re in this together) and say they’re sharing their wisdom to elevate our lives. But it turns out, these so-called “life hacks” sound a lot more like a trap. Their version of “empowerment”? Be obsessed with money, luxury, materialism, and finding a guy who’s only worth your time if he’s rolling in cash.

Take “The Wizard Liz,” for example. Here’s this super-stylish, perfect-looking influencer with an endless scroll of “life advice,” telling women that they can achieve anything they want through manifesting—just a vision board, a couple of affirmations, and poof, you’ll get it! Oh, and don’t forget: if the guy you’re with isn’t matching your “high-value” lifestyle, then he’s obviously beneath you. Talk about setting women up for real happiness, right?

The “Bestie” Trap

What I find especially sneaky about the Guru Girlies is how they use “bestie parasociality.” They call us “bestie” or “sis,” blurring that line between influencer and friend. I mean, we all crave connection, right? And when someone that beautiful, confident, and seemingly wise looks at the camera and calls you her “bestie,” it’s easy to feel like she’s actually rooting for you.

But is she really? More often than not, these women are living in completely different realities. Many of them are gorgeous, skinny, and yes, some have had plastic surgery (which, hey, no shade if that’s your thing!). They portray their lifestyle as attainable and act like their advice applies to all women, but they’re often only reinforcing shallow values. They say, “Just manifest it, sis,” as if manifesting alone can take you from a 9-to-5 job to the “soft life” with zero extra effort. And this “soft life”? It usually revolves around designer bags, luxury cars, high-rise condos, and a whole lot of “high-value men.”

Toxic Advice in Designer Packaging

But let's dig deeper: this lifestyle advice isn’t just misguided—it’s harmful. When you tell young women that their worth is tied to designer items or finding a wealthy guy, it sends a damaging message. The “elevate your life” rhetoric gets twisted into this materialistic, almost ruthless pursuit of luxury, which is a world most of us don’t even want or need. And what’s worse is the way they casually encourage women to “use men for money.” According to the Guru Girlies, if a guy isn’t willing or able to spoil you, he’s “low value” and should be kicked to the curb.

But relationships are so much more complex than that. Healthy relationships aren’t about looking for who can give you the most, but about mutual respect, growth, and kindness. Reducing men to financial assets or branding them as “low value” just because they can’t fund some luxury lifestyle is not only shallow, but it’s harmful. It sends us backward to a time when women were expected to rely solely on men for resources—and isn’t that exactly the opposite of what true empowerment should be about?

The “Manifestation” Mirage

I get it—manifesting can be a powerful tool for some people. There’s nothing wrong with having a positive mindset, setting intentions, or believing in yourself. But let’s be real: you’re not going to manifest a penthouse apartment or a trust fund husband just by wishing hard enough. The idea that “anything is possible if you just manifest it” is not only unrealistic but downright insulting to women who work hard every day just to make ends meet. Life takes effort, hard work, resilience, and yes, sometimes a bit of luck—not just the right “manifesting vibes.”

For Guru Girlies, though, manifestation is more like a magic wand they dangle in front of us, promising that if we believe hard enough, our lives will magically transform into these Instagram-worthy existences. They’re selling fantasies, not genuine self-improvement or life skills.

Real Empowerment: Finding What Really Matters

Where’s the advice on building real self-worth, the kind that doesn’t hinge on bags, cars, or a wealthy boyfriend? Where’s the encouragement to work on things that actually make us feel fulfilled—our careers, our passions, our relationships, our personal growth? True empowerment should inspire women to be good, humble, and real, not sell us an impossible lifestyle.

Being empowered isn’t about rejecting people who don’t match a certain paycheck. It’s about knowing your own worth and having the confidence to build a life that aligns with your values. Instead of toxic advice about using men or “manifesting” a designer lifestyle, we should be prioritizing kindness, humility, and integrity. There’s real beauty in working hard, being grateful, and investing in the things that actually matter in life.

So, Is This Trend Here to Stay?

The truth is, as long as there’s an audience for the glamorous lives they’re selling, the Guru Girlies will keep popping up, calling us “bestie” and selling us advice that’s anything but bestie-like. And unfortunately, this trend isn’t likely to die down anytime soon. But if we’re wise to it, we can avoid falling into the trap. Let’s support each other in focusing on true empowerment, the kind that doesn’t revolve around a man’s wallet or a luxury lifestyle but on becoming the best versions of ourselves from the inside out.

So, next time a Guru Girlie calls you her “bestie” and tries to sell you on her “high-value” lifestyle? Politely pass and keep scrolling.

Thankful for your presence, Neja