Professionalism & Dedication: The Keys to a Long Career in Adult

Sara Jay is a performer, producer and manager who is seen on many adult sites, including Vicky’s Vette Nation network of sites and her Vette Nation Army Live Cam Ring, and videos. “I also produce for my company Wyde Syde Productions, in addition to managing talent,” Sara noted.

Vicky Vette is a performer, producer and all-round entrepreneur. “I am completely hands-on with every single aspect, a total control freak – in a good way, I hope, because I care more than most,” Vicky told YNOT. “I even do all the customer service myself! I don’t sleep much.”

How They Started Out

The circumstances that launched these veteran porn stars’ long careers couldn’t be more different.

For Vicky, her current career path was almost accidental. “I entered the Hustler Beaver Hunt Contest on a whim back in 2003,” she explained. “I was the oldest ‘beaver’ to ever win it! By the time the final layout for the magazine came out, I was already 39!”

With this promotional boost at her back, it was easy for Vicky to take the next logical step.

“I had a profile on OneModelPlace.com and was modelling lingerie and hats, but the jump to adult work was not a stretch for me,” she recalled. “It was supposed to be just for fun and only part time, but it slowly took over my life! I’ve never looked back and I’m happier than I ever could be!”

In contrast, becoming an adult star was entirely intentional on Sara’s part.

“I started in 2000,” she said. “I loved sex and sought a safe outlet to explore and make a decent income.” 21 years later, this has proved to be a smart career move for Sara Jay and Vicky alike.

Maintaining Success

Although Sara and Vicky have proven that long-lasting success in adult is doable, maintaining this status is not easy, especially on an ongoing basis. So, have they managed to stay in demand for 20-odd years apiece?

“I have more than maintained my star status, I have built and expanded my brand more and more annually,” Sara replied. “The number one key is motivation and number two is consistency.”

“This may sound very simple, but the key to long-lasting success is to never screw anyone over,” Vicky added. “Be true to your word. Make sure that every decision you ever make is in the best interest of the people you are responsible to.”

Avoiding Burnout

Many adult stars burn out after a few years in the business, often leaving while their careers are still in the ascendancy. What’s the secret to avoiding this fate?

“You really need to surround yourself with people who love you,” Vicky said. As well, “Have a good support system,” she added. “Don’t take anything too seriously. Take a lot of breaks and mini vacations for your own mental clarity. Ask for help when you need it. Get advice from others with more experience than you, and always try to see the bigger picture.”

Sara avoids burnout by virtue of wanting to be a successful porn star. “I got into this business very intentionally,” she told YNOT. “This was not to pass the time, or to get by until I found something else: This is what I wanted to do.”

Sara sees her continuing passion for porn as central to her longevity in the business. “I think my drive and passion is evident through my work: Fans want to see people enjoying themselves on camera,” she said. “Moreover, I have given my time in the industry the respect it deserves as a business.  I handle day-to-day tasks as any business would, one of which is seeking and tending to new streams of income.”

“Another key to success, besides the ones previously mentioned, would be flexibility,” Sara added. “This is a growing, changing industry often affected by technological advances that change frequently. If you want to stay relevant, you have to be willing to adapt to new ways.”

Making Age Your Friend

The fact is that there are all kinds of niches in porn related to age, from Barely Legal Teens to MILF and GILFs. As a result, the idea that porn stars ‘age out’ of the business is a “myth,” Sara said.

“As far as adapting from teen to MILF, I don’t really feel it’s much more than a pivot,” Sara opined. “You just buy different clothes.”

Vicky is similarly unconvinced that porn stars are doomed to age out.

“Oh, hell no! Not anymore,” Vicky declared. “MILF and GILF are just as big as Teen and Step. Besides, this never really never applied to me because I was already ‘old’ – 38 – when I started. I imagine it would be more difficult for someone who started out as a Teen in the business to go through all the different stages and end up as MILF, but some have done it so gracefully! Look at Julia Ann who just turned 50 last year and she is still drop dead gorgeous! Look at Deauxma! She has a rockin’ body better than most 20 and 30 year-olds! Look at Sally D’Angelo! She is sexy as hell and a hoot to hang with as well!”

All this said, what advice do these erotic icons have for other adult stars wanting to make porn a life-long career?

Sara’s career advice is short and to the point: “Never do anything you don’t want to do.”

Vicky’s advice about pursuing porn for life is somewhat longer, but just as straightforward.

“Think about it long and hard,” Vicky said. “Once it’s on the internet it’s forever. Your real name will likely be hacked and your family will know. It still hurts me every time I read a comment like, ‘Oh you suck dick for a living, your father must be so proud of you.’ Can you handle that? As well, get your education regardless. Have a backup plan and have an exit strategy for when you are done.”