To sign with an agency or have agency over one’s career—that is the question. Adult’s best and brightest sound off on the merits and challenges of being a free agent.
There are many paths to success in the world of adult entertainment. Signing with an agency is one route—and a convenient one at that, with built-in support services like booking and PR, not to mention the heft of a big-name industry player backing you up. But is representation a prerequisite to making it in porn? Is it essential? The short answer is no. If you are hardworking, persistent, organized and always on time, then you can make it on your own—and on your own terms, no less. To prove it’s possible, HUSTLER probed seven sexy indie creators and performers who chose autonomy and found themselves better off for it.
KAZUMI
She cohosted the AVN Awards in Las Vegas and stuck a rubber duck up her butt at the Gathering of the Juggalos in Thornville, Ohio. She even has her own Fleshlight—and burger! Kazumi is a new breed of superstar, living life at full throttle—without inhibition, hesitation or compromise. How did she do it? By failing her way forward until she got it right. Perspicacity pays, and Kazumi is here to claim what’s rightfully hers.
HUSTLER: Years from now your rise to stardom will be an MBA case study. Let’s zero in on the decisions you made as an entrepreneur to get to where you are today, all without the support of an agency.
KAZUMI: During the pandemic, collabs and mainstream porn were nonexistent. You had to create your own opportunities. So I’d live online in group chats, forums, workshops and mentoring sessions with other creators, sharing tips on how to monetize and build a brand. When the world opened up again, I used these skills to build my own brand and break into the biz.
You did your homework.
Everything I’ve done or said is inspired by innovative and smart creators who work their asses off. You have to pave your own path in this industry, and I’ll forever be grateful for the inspiration. Independent content creators prove you can be anybody and there’s an audience for anything. I won’t be put into a box.
