I remember a simpler time--a time when singers sang, actors acted, and models modeled. When did all this crisscrossing happen? When did all these actors start directing movies and all these singers start producing fragrances?

Following in the footsteps of pop culture idols such as Brittany Spears, Beyonce and Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift has decided to partner up with Elizabeth Arden to create her own fragrance line.

Swift, on the press release that revealed this upcoming move said that, “I've always loved how fragrance can shape a memory…the way certain scents remind you of events and people that are imprinted in your thoughts.”

But I do wonder…is that simply the next step to establishing yourself in the entertainment industry nowadays?

No longer is the music industry solely focused on the quality of lyrics or creating memorable melodies; rather, it’s increasingly become more about putting out merchandise that will further encourage this never-ending competition of fame between stars.

The competition for this perfume will be tough; Swift will be battling it out with young pop stars like herself such as Katy Perry and Justin Bieber, but is that the objective and hidden goal of these products? Maybe it’s just another way to measure and determine popularity among upcoming stars these days. With the constant changing of trends in the music industry, maybe venturing into the business world is the surest way for stars to remain relevant and turning a profit.

Swift, who just released her third album titled "Speak Now," is definitely reaching the heights of her career. Her fan base has now been strongly solidified and her image properly projected onto the public.

But would creating a perfume line be beneficial to the singer, or would it be detrimental in terms of the gap that her audience would now feel since she’s no longer just a lyricist/performer?

I will admit that I do like Taylor Swift. I think she has tremendous talent and her lyrics are nothing if not relatable. I think she has a huge future ahead of her as a singer if she continues down this path of producing fantastic music.

But one can argue that the business world is just as vicious--if not more so--than its entertainment counterpart. Should Swift be inserting herself into this fame game?  Or should she continue to do what she has already proven to be talented at, which is writing and singing popular country songs that speak to millions?

Reach reporter Sammi Wong here.