A ‘Penny’ for Your Thoughts, Nel Parker! (Interview)

“My name is Penelope Parker, though most people call me Nel or Penny,” Nel Parker told YNOT Cam. (Author’s Note: We went for Nel — how lovely!)

Parker is currently 26 and lives in Northern California. Parker originally started in the entertainment business at a young age, having been scouted to be a runway/editorial model.

“I have pursued several other jobs since then,” Parker shared, “but my heart has always been in entertainment!”

And what an interesting career trajectory it’s been. Parker explained:

I worked in runway and editorial for almost a decade as a fashion model and then went to college for a degree in Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts. I worked as a line cook and pastry chef for about five years at some of the best rated restaurants and bakeries in my city and then left my job in hospitality right before the pandemic began in order to reassess what I wanted to do with my life.

Side note: Through all this, Parker is also a dancer… of sorts!

“A fun fact that most people don’t know about me is that I have taken a variety of different types of dance classes over the course of my life,” Parker shared. “I’m still a terribly awkward dancer, but I love to dance!”

A winding, “dancing” path to today, for sure. Let’s learn more about how Parker navigated towards online sex work, as well about work philosophy and more!

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YNOT Cam: So, you were reassessing your career overall — but what prompted the move to online sex work?

Nel Parker: I started cam modeling because one of my partners suggested I try it out, and I fell in love with it immediately! Thankfully for me, it has been my full-time job since the beginning – a little over a year and half later, and I have never been happier in my life.

What are some of the best things about your current job? What about challenges?

I would say the best parts of this job are the people and experiences you have with them. And I don’t just mean the members, but also the models that I have met and connected with that have become best friends. I’d even say soulmates, with certain models and members!

I am lucky to have such a wonderful community of friends and partners. I am polyamorous and that has definitely helped me navigate the world of cam modeling in a different way than many models have an opportunity to.

Highlights include some of the most mind-blowing orgasms of my life, laughing until I cry more times than I can count, feeling understood in a way no other job has ever left me feeling and actually loving my body for the first time in my life.

On the flip side, there are challenges, like with any job — but they feel much easier to manage when you are “your own boss” in the way that we are as cam models and content creators. Having the ability to ban trolls makes my job much easier than when I worked in customer service, where you can’t exactly ban someone who is screaming in your face.

People don’t realize that being a sex worker can be incredibly physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. But overall, I’d say I take the challenges of my current gig over the challenges of the others I’ve been presented any day!

I hope you are having an amazing Halloween! 🎃 pic.twitter.com/my6HrzzTuC

— NelParker – on vacation until 6/16! (@Nel_P_Parker) November 1, 2021

As an emerging star, what do you think about the current state of the industry?

The state of the industry, frankly, has me scared. As a queer creator, I am worried about our futures, of course. Nervous is an understatement. I think any person who isn’t taking this seriously is in denial. We are at war with the conservatives.

Sexual health and safety is of utmost important to me, and people having access to porn and sexual content is more than just masturbation. It is education and normalization. Finding videos or performers you relate to isn’t always about getting off — not that it isn’t valid and important. It is about stimulating your mind in a multitude of ways and exploring your own sexuality, gender and even identity.

Engaging in things like contests and awards programs is often an event in of itself. What are the benefits that models and creators can get out of engaging in these types of initiatives? Are there any drawbacks?

There are enormous benefits! The networking opportunities, as well as the chance for learning, growth and creative inspiration, are limitless. These sort of contests push us to sell ourselves and define our brand, and if you have support — which I am lucky to have — it can really skyrocket your growth in the industry.

The only drawbacks in my eyes are that big events like this can be draining on someone who is inherently introverted, like I am. But when I manage my downtime right, I am still able to thrive during the busy event season.

Silly question: Your eyeliner look is so good and so consistent! How on earth do you do it?

I know this is the most generic answer, but the truth really is just practice. And it doesn’t always look perfect. Sometimes you have to go for your best and commit to it honestly.

My biggest tip is don’t be afraid to start over. Sometimes you need to just wipe it off and try a fresh hand at it.

https://t.co/aWy5ytDDzr come join us for a spooktacular day! pic.twitter.com/9t2PPZyCMF

— NelParker – on vacation until 6/16! (@Nel_P_Parker) October 31, 2021

Outside of your career, what are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about spending time with my loved ones, whether that means my long-distance pals and partners, one of my friends or family members or my nesting partner. They bring me so much light and joy in life.

I am interested in learning more and spreading more information about sex and sexual health, and I hope to go back to school for sex education and/or therapy, while continuing to create content online. I am also very passionate about my cat, Jiji, as well as roller skating when I have the free time!

If you could change one thing about today’s world, what would it be and why?

I would make the act of sex less taboo and shameful to be talked about and provide better sex education to people of all ages and demographics. Hopefully I can help do that with what I do currently, and even more so in the near future!

Find Nel Parker on Twitter at @Nel_P_Parker.

Erika is a sex positive people watcher (and writer). Email her at erika@ynotcam.com.