Before she started on cam, Cat Candescent was bouncing around between factory jobs and working at a supermarket in Michigan.
“I enjoyed all of the jobs I had but loathed my management anywhere I had been employed,” she shared with YNOT Cam.
After up-and-quitting her then-current grind one day, she knew she couldn’t take another agonizing job.
“I felt I’d do better trying to find something that I wouldn’t be micromanaged at, had work hours I wanted to and would give me more creative play,” Candescent explained. “I was on a nonstop job hunt for days when I came across a model on Tumblr who was promoting herself on MyGirlFund…”
…and the rest is history!
Now, going on five years later, Candescent, 27, has lots to share about her experiences being a sex worker online – and YNOT Cam got the scoop!
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So your first experience with sex work online was with MyGirlFund?
After seeing a model on Tumblr promoting herself, I had signed up for [MyGirlFund] to get an idea of what exactly it was. At this time, I had very little knowledge of what the site entailed and what to expect upon joining. But after being approved, I spent days on end learning the site, chatting with members and feeling it out.
I took to it quick. I was excited to be longed for by so many willing strangers wanting to pay to interact with me.
This was all I did for the first year: chat. I had numerous requests coming in for content and customs but had no equipment or knowledge about how to even get started there. I did homework on different cameras within budget for almost two months before deciding on my first. Lighting and other fancy equipment was never much of a thought then, as I always filmed in a house with awesome natural lighting and only filmed during the day.
I was lucky enough to have a member who purchased a few of my first toys for me as well. Of course, I was not comfortable in front of a camera at all and had no idea of what the viewer really wanted or expected. Even if they told me, I didn’t know how “intense” or “gentle” to be. I was a nervous, awkward wreck.
Of course, over time, I started figuring things out more and more. I got more comfortable and got to start exploring with all sorts of things I’d never even dreamed of.
What are some challenges you’ve experienced clip making?
There are three major challenges I’ve faced: the learning curve of everything (be it how each site works, new kinks, equipment, etc), promoting and learning to cope with time wasters.
The learning curve is something we all go through and, honestly, never ends. But when you first start out, it can be extremely overwhelming — especially if you’re not asking for help. I never really asked anyone for tips upon starting. I didn’t really know anyone in the industry to feel comfortable reaching out, so it was all “learn as you go.” This worked out well, but had I had some firsthand knowledge, I’m sure would’ve made the process slightly quicker.
Promoting I still don’t feel I have down to a science. I am, shamelessly, a ruthless promoter — but I also enjoy learning all the different platforms and connecting with models and members alike.
Time wasters are still my biggest struggle (though I have the tendency now to give everyone a fair chance before ignoring them or smashing the block button). I’ve learned that, if my attitude is already set in a certain way for the day, not to respond to any newcomers who may potentially rub me the wrong way. I also get suggestive instead of having the “fuck you, pay me” attitude right off the back — because most of the time, these are potential clients. They just can’t always afford our services straightaway. Keeping a calm conversation to lure them back later is often necessary.
My overall experience with clip making has been such a great experience though. It has helped me shape my personality more, get over anxiety, forced me to work on my self confidence and has keep me inspired to be creative — something most jobs don’t allow you to do. This has been, by far my most fulfilling journey, not only career wise, but “spiritually” (for lack of a better term).
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PM SC username after sending to be added instantly! pic.twitter.com/FN1IDJF26Y— ????????????????? (@CatCandescent) March 7, 2018
How does CamGirlDollhouse (CGDH) factor into your work?
Being I’m newer to CGDH and am not working with the team until April, I’ll tell you this: I have watched LadyBellaKush as a solo artist and with CGDH and have admired her hard work, dedication and creativity soo much throughout the last two years that.
I remember seeing a mansion get together she held some time back and wanted to go soo badly. I had no idea how to get into that sorta stuff (reaching out probably should’ve been the first step!) but loved seeing all the models come together for fun and sexy productivity.
Then came the end of 2017. I had seen one of the CGDH posts about the Denver Dragon Dolls for Exxxotica. I asked what it was and – thankfully — was asked to join the team for the event! I was delighted to be considered and couldn’t say no. I look forward to having a weeklong adventure with so many inspirational models and creating amazing content with them. I really don’t expect to get anything out of my experience with CGDH outside of building friendships and memories and hopefully having the opportunity to join them (as a team and singularly) for future events and filming.
Outside of clip making, what are you most interested in?
I really love working out, though I haven’t been able to exercise nearly as much as I’d like to over the last year. This year’s New Year’s resolution was to fix that.
I thoroughly enjoy multiple mediums of art as well: drawing, painting, scrapbooking, sewing, etc. You name it, and so long as it’s crafty, I’m probably interested in it. Even tinkering in Photoshop can keep me occupied for hours on end. I’m not a huge television person. Given the right show however, I can get hooked and love binge watching a series within record time.
I also like to write down inspiring or cute, romantic quotes when I need to do something a little more relaxed but keep my mind and hands busy. I have sooo many notebooks, journals and sketchpads full of stuff!
G'morning/afternoon, #CattieClan!
I'm gonna be sending out titty snaps TODAY
Tip $5 for 24 snaps @ https://t.co/r5O29xnuGW & PM me your SC username after on MV
You do NOT have to be a premium member to participate?
Offer valid til 12am EST tonight pic.twitter.com/OBMtPTvcpx— ????????????????? (@CatCandescent) March 2, 2018
If you could change one thing about today’s world, what would it be and why?
This is such a loaded question for me because there’s a lot in the world I feel needs to be acknowledged and worked on.
One of my biggest things is people’s attitudes towards each other. I will never understand the sheer hate some radiate. For instance, those who have differentiating opinions about whatever topic(s) and end up disliking each other for it. While yes, there are some things that are flat out just wrong, I cannot fathom seeing people hide behind their computer screens to be cruel to one another… ESPECIALLY those who go out of there way and commit to making another being’s life a living hell, simply because they’re bored and lack self love.
It’s important for us all to uplift and support each other. There will always be bad seeds and those we can’t get along with, but it’s important to leave them in the dust versus exert energy in a negative fashion. Nothing gets resolved in these matters. Be the change you want to see in the world!
Find Cat on Twitter at @CatCandescent and on Insta at @fretsetgo. Check out her ManyVids here.
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Erika is a sex positive people watcher (and writer). Email her at erika@ynotcam.com.
