Ruben's Car Crisis: Urgent Help Needed

I’m sharing this with some hesitation, but also with hope… hope that maybe you can help, or at least hear me out.

Back in 2018, I financed my very first car — a Kia Optima I proudly named “Optimus” (yes, because the side mirrors fold in like a Transformer when parked — don’t judge! ). This car quickly became so much more than just a car to me. It’s been my lifeline — getting me to work, to clients, to doctor appointments, groceries, volunteer work, even road trips with my dogs. It’s helped me stay independent and mobile, and even got a new engine in 2023 thanks to a recall!

Then the pandemic hit.

Like many of us, I was forced to defer several car payments due to financial strain. Those deferred payments were added to the end of my lease. I thought I had more time. But a few weeks ago, I was surprised to learn my lease has officially ended — and now I owe the deferred amount plus interest — about $5,000 due by September.

On top of that, “Optimus” is in need of major repairs — brakes, timing belt, axle, struts — totaling another $1,800. I’m looking at nearly $7,000 in urgent costs, and I have no clue how I’m going to make it happen on top of my regular bills.

I’ve explored every option — asking family, trying for loans, even refinancing. None of those paths are available to me right now.

So here I am, asking for help from my community — my friends, my extended family, people who know what it means to hit a rough patch. This isn’t easy for me to do. But I love what I do — makeup, bringing beauty and confidence to people every day — and I want to keep showing up for that.

If you can help — with anything — I would be so grateful. Even a dollar, even a share of this post, goes a long way. Your support means I can stay mobile, keep working, and keep chasing what I love.

Thank you for reading this far, for your time, and your kindness.

I’ll leave you with this:

Proverbs 18:24

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

❤️ With love,

Ruben