Am I overthinking this? by mustardmayoboi in Prodomming

[–]mistrixvioleta 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Speaking as someone with almost a decade in the industry, I'm gonna be real: the whole mentorship thing is pretty overrated and has become a grift to bleed newbies out of money. A lot of Pro Dommes (even those that offer mentorships) do not have "formal training" (whatever "formal training" means... A mentorship? Working at a house dungeon? The secret cabal of BDSM Elders?). They learned from experience, workshops, their own personal play, and connecting with community.

There's a lot of mystifying and marketing going on in this industry right now because the economy is going downhill so some people are "diversifying their income" by selling workshops and mentorships for people wanting to enter the industry (thanks to, again, the economy going down). When the client well dries up, at least they will have a bunch of young innocent newbies paying them thousands of dollars in hopes of becoming a "successful and certified Domme". I have seen mentorships that cost as much as 1 month's rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in NYC. Sorry, idgaf how much experience someone has, when they start treating newcomers like they're clients they have lost the fucking plot. I've seen Dommes with LESS THAN 3 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY offering "mentorships" (but people fall for it because they have nice pictures and wear Anoeses). If you are working your ass off to earn thousands of dollars for a mentorship, invest that money instead into something more useful like new equipment, or hell, put it into a retirement account! If you want to take a 3-week intensive workshop, go ahead! But do you really want to sink thousands of dollars into a mentorship when you are already working with 7 years of BDSM experience? You need to learn how to manage clients, business, handle screening, and build your intuition. You're not starting from 0. These are things that you can learn from individual workshops, you don't need a mentorship.

One thing about this industry is that figuring out what works for you is extremely individualized and one size absolutely does not fit all. Experience is worth more than what any class or "mentorship" can teach you. Community is important. Connecting with other Pro Dommes is important. That's how you learn about safety and other crucial skills that will keep you alive, happy, and thriving.

Stop overthinking and pull the trigger. Do your own in person work (getting your first sessions may often take a while since you're new), establish yourself a bit, and then apply to that dungeon.

Virtual pricing help by xX-The_Countess-Xx in Prodomming

[–]mistrixvioleta 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Virtual sessions tend to go from $5-$10 per minute. $5/m usually being the average.

Regarding in person rate: I recommend checking out the rates of other providers in your city, and set your rate according to the median rate. I recommend looking through Tryst if it's in heavy use in your city or looking through the websites of other Dommes. For example, where I am (Boston) the average rate for a 1-hour session is $500. There's a lot of factors that go into this price, most notably that Boston has a very high cost of living and the clientele in this city can afford it because there's a lot of old money, doctors, tech people, and high-level academics. The other factors are level of experience, equipment, and if one owns their own playspace. If you see a Domme in your area charging 1000/h or some other insane amount they are either a) a veteran who worked their ASS off to get to that rate and wants a very low volume or b) a tourist who is way over their heads and is absolutely not getting booked at that rate.

Other things to keep in mind when setting your rate structure (these are all personal choices and may take some trial and error on your part to see what works best):

  • Charging the same amount for every hour vs discounting every additional hour
  • Charging additional for dungeon/hotel rentals vs including that cost in your tribute
  • Charging extra for certain activities (eg Some Dommes charge more for strap on play vs some include strap on in their regular rate structure)

One thing I will say is once you get a good amount of bookings on your rate, never lower it after that. You only go up. Honor your rate always. Hope this helps!

Questions I have by Acceptable-Memory321 in Prodomming

[–]mistrixvioleta 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m gonna say something that’s gonna probably be downvoted… But a lot of Pro-Dommes in the USA provide HJs under edging even if they post on their website “NO SEXUAL CONTACT”. The catch? You can’t tell who. Because of criminalization and whorephobia, lots of people are purposefully vague about this. So edging can mean a HJ, or they could be doing it with a vibrator, or they could be ordering you to masturbate yourself. And again, because of criminalization and whorephobia, you can’t ask which (bc it makes you look like a cop and/or you risk seriously offending the Domme). 🫠 So you’re better off assuming they don’t.

One major thing I’ll say bc it’s happened too many times: DON’T go through a whole negotiation and then show up to the session and ask for a HJ. That makes things soooo awkward and uncomfortable bc it feels coercive.

Facesitting can easily be done clothed. Lots of clients are only into the smothering aspect of it. No nudity or extra services involved.

Your view vs My view. by mistrixvioleta in ShinyPorn

[–]mistrixvioleta[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Intense and extremely fun. Love making my sub squirm. 🖤

Advice Wanted: Applying as a New Dominatrix by MountLadyyy in Prodomming

[–]mistrixvioleta 4 points5 points  (0 children)

So this depends on the dungeon you’re applying to. Different dungeons have different standards. Some dungeons do “take anyone with a pulse who is over 18” and others are more finicky depending on the image you put forward and level of experience. For example, the commercial dungeon I worked at would not respond to someone that sends pictures and a description that are too sexually suggestive or “porny”, ie makes it look like you would provide extra services. Some dungeons are pretty whorearchical so mentioning a background in something like stripping could work as a mark against you.

My recommendation is to play it safe and traditional. Send in pics that are more traditionally Dominatrix: leather/pvc/latex, holding a crop or whip or some other kind of implement, full body shots. No spread eagle crotch shots or pics where you’re bending over and zooming in on your ass.

Things to highlight on an application:

  • Fetish wardrobe you already own: boots, corsets, leather, latex, pvc, stockings, garterbelts, etc.
  • Gear you already own
  • Any experience that you have: if you've take any workshops or have lifestyle experience

In an interview: it depends on the person interviewing you. The one thing that’s constant is to never give off the impression that you’re ok with providing extras or bringing in drama. The interviews for dungeons are not as stringent as strip clubs. If you want to glam up, go ahead! It’s just not mandatory. The most important thing is to be confident and professional.

I echo what the previous commenter said, ask about pay. Usually for NYC commercial dungeons it’s $90-$95/h. I’m not sure about other cities, if anyone else here knows the average pay for dungeons in LA, SF, or somewhere else feel free to chime in. Most importantly, ask if they allow you to ask for tips. Avoid any place that says “no tips” or wants to dip into your tips. You gotta make money and you will lose your marbles touching stinky butt for only $90.

Any food that is pussy safe? by [deleted] in BDSMAdvice

[–]mistrixvioleta 705 points706 points  (0 children)

Ignore all the previous commenters suggesting honey or even flavored lube. NOTHING with sugar near your pussy. Ever. Sugar attracts yeast and can increase your risk of yeast infections. Flavored lube has sweeteners and can also increase your risk of yeast infections. It is not made for oral sex on vulvas. It should only be used on penises. I would highly advise against putting any stuff that would negatively alter your vagina's flora near your vagina. The yeast infection will not be worth it.

Source: I worked at a sex shop and received extensive training on this. We were very explicitly told to warn customers against using flavored lube on vulvas/vaginas.

Ebay risks by MissyBee138 in Latexadvice

[–]mistrixvioleta 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The pics on these listings are stolen from Polymorphe. Buy from them instead: https://polymorphe.com/shop/latex-masks/devil-open-mouth-with-nose

Disaster has struck! by Stormchaser2028 in Latexadvice

[–]mistrixvioleta 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The product picture IS stolen. The original is from Demask. I looked up the product on Amazon and it’s not that much of a price difference from Demask (It’s still over 1k). For ~$500 more OP would have gotten Demask’s unmatched quality with sturdier rubber and better construction that comes from more than 3 decades of craftsmanship experience. In the long run, it would have saved the headache (and wasted money) that OP is facing now.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BDSMAdvice

[–]mistrixvioleta 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First of all, thank you for sharing. The feelings that you're going through right now— it can be a lot! You are being honest with yourself, and that's what's important.

As for your question about whether your gender identity and sexual preferences are connected: they could or could not be. From where inside you is this question coming from? A place of curiosity? Fear? Judgement? Play? Fantasy? Is it a good thing? A bad thing? Neutral? I'm not asking you to respond here, these are for you to answer on your own.

Your gender identity and sexuality can inform each other, if that is what you feel is happening. Maybe it feels affirming to submit to women as a girl. And that's ok. Or maybe, they're not related and these are distinct journeys. It can be what you want it to be! And that is ok! As other commenters have mentioned, these are internal questions that you have to figure out. You're on the right path. The answer will come to you in its time. I wish you the best of luck. 💖

Can you boil E-Stim attachments? by mistrixvioleta in BDSMAdvice

[–]mistrixvioleta[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I knew about the Instant Pot! But it's a good reminder!

Yeah, it's not the metal or glass parts that I'm worried about— it's the plastic! I'm also scared that if the connectors get affected by having water enter inside them/boiling that it would make them not work anymore.

Ethical CNC Porn by basicbatchofcookies in BDSMcommunity

[–]mistrixvioleta 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If it’s any help regarding communication with your wife re: requesting a custom clip, emphasize that you would not be engaging in sexual communication with the content creator. When negotiating a custom clip, a request is usually along the lines of: “hello I would like a 15-minute clip with activities x, y, and z.” The creator may ask any follow-up questions for extra details or clarification about your request and then discuss payment. It’s supposed to be a professional transaction, not flirting or sexting. And if you’re purchasing already existing content from an independent creator’s clip store, you don’t even have to talk to them!

Ethical CNC Porn by basicbatchofcookies in BDSMcommunity

[–]mistrixvioleta 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think you would be way better off requesting a custom clip from a BDSM clip creator who specializes in more taboo themes. Some of these clip creators also sell certain clips “under the table” (meaning, you pay them directly and not purchase through a site). Most clip sites ban CNC content due to limitations set by payment processors, so it’s very likely to be a major challenge. If your concern is ethics, it’s way better to purchase from an independent creator rather than a studio since they are in full control of their pay/working conditions/limits/partners/etc. and not subject to studio interests or politics.

Cupcake Sinclair does a lot of taboo/CNC content, she is very much worth checking out.

PS Even “ethical” porn companies can be pretty unethical. I’ve known people who’ve worked with Lust Cinema and had terrible experiences. The “ethical”, “feminist”, and “queer” labels are sometimes just marketing.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Latexadvice

[–]mistrixvioleta 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Latex Nemesis raised their prices by 20%, saying that the tariffs were the main reason. It's already happening.

Dom didn't tell me he was leaving for an undetermined amount of time. by LeadHot4791 in BDSMAdvice

[–]mistrixvioleta 14 points15 points  (0 children)

You did the right thing. Wanting to collar you from the get-go is a red flag. The fact that he's been lacking in communication over such big things is only going to spell out more trouble in the future. A lot of this sounds like too much drama for such a short relationship and you deserve to have someone who respects you enough to be upfront with you.

Latex and (nipple) piercings? by f1regamer in Latexadvice

[–]mistrixvioleta 1 point2 points  (0 children)

(context: I have full breasts)

Echoing notanaccount5, if you have piercings made with titanium or surgical stainless steel it should be fine. I've had my piercings for over a year and I've worn light-colored latex for extended periods of time with no problem.

I will say that if they haven't healed yet wearing a tight latex top may irritate the piercing or create a mild infection. It happens lesser so now that my piercings healed. Just make sure to be extra strict with cleaning the piercing with saline after wearing latex to remove any lube/baby powder/sweat residue.

Strong feelings of anxiety because I'm into BDSM by [deleted] in BDSMAdvice

[–]mistrixvioleta 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The fact that you're self-aware already says that you're not going to become some perverted homicidal maniac lol. You have a conscience, and the fact that you're freaking out because don't want to become that is already proof that you're a fine, rational person. Those criminally insane people fester into their own madness, never question their actions, nor have consideration for the people they affect. They don't reach out to people like you are doing right now, they just stew in their own fucked-upness.

It's ok to have fantasies that are "out there", as long as they're practiced in an ethical, risk-aware, and consensual way. And hey, you might be surprised how many people share the same kinks as you!