If you're not from my inner circle of industry friends you may not understand just how much the industry has changed over the past 18 years. I wasn't young when I came in as the new girl, I was 32. And I think I did a pretty good job of figuring it all out back then. I was an agency girl working for one of the two best escort agencies in town. Now keep in mind, we are talking soccer mom by day, escort by night. Belle was a whole new world for me, something completely outside of my rudimentary life. Although not young, I had the energy and gumption as though I were. I connected well not only with my clients but with the other girls, the agencies and many who never saw me in a professional way but enjoyed the conversation I brought to the table through the boards and my blog.
Back then there were parties, industry parties where agencies would bring their girls and sometimes even the independent SP's would participate. We rented houses to celebrate holidays, full turkey dinners at Thanksgiving, Steak for Steak and BJ Day. We wore costumes for Halloween parties, sometimes renting a whole floor of a hotel for the festivities. We toured wineries, local bars and of course many events that were held naked in the local dive hotel pool. Good times.
So how do I feel about the industry today? How have things changed and where do I see myself moving forward?
Things are much different today. 18 years ago, outcalls were really unheard of. Independents would come down from Montreal or Toronto and you would hear talk of them offering incalls but as for agencies and even local indy's, the business was 99% outcall. Today it's all about incalls, in my short time since returning I would say 85% of my business is incall. So this put me in an unfamiliar situation of having to choose hotels. It's not easy to address daytime use of a room with hotel staff and so I struggle even still with how to communicate my needs and maintain a level of trust and respect from the employee despite the intended use for the room. And it shouldn't be that awkward as it's not the first time a hotel room is being used for sex so why does adding in the fact that money is being exchanged complicate things?
Anyways, I overcame my nervousness and have worked out a nice arrangement with a local hotel near me. I submitted my personal ID and CC info without hesitation so sadly this arrangement wouldn't work for those who do not wish to leave a paper trail but for me it works. Now that this is settled I am much more at ease when booking appointments.
I used to spend a great amount of time on the local escort review boards. Years ago thee were two for the region, now being only one that I consider reliable and safe to participate on. I've been saddened to see that there is not much participation like there used to be, maybe a sense of community that feels lost to me. But it could also be that I am still feeling like the new girl again and while there are so many people I'm familiar with on the board, there are so many new names, new personalities and really a newer generation of hobbyists logging in. I hope to help be a part in reigniting the industry flame. I would like to see local events and get togethers return. I strongly believe, and always have, that these events serve as an environment where the men can meet the ladies of the industry, see if they click with them before jumping in so to speak. They serve to promote the ladies and help them gain new clients. They are casual, safe and fun if organized in the right way. Something I will be working on in the coming weeks.
The girls. I can't talk about the industry without talking about the girls! It's been nice to see that there seems to be much support for one another, both between agency girls and independents. The board I participate in has really cracked down on the hurtful and belittling behaviour between SP's. There is no room for any of that in this industry. We are strong, beautiful, intelligent women, there is no need to break another down. The ladies of today have been nothing but supportive and complimentary to one another, something I'm very proud to be a part of.
I've connected so well with an indy who is not only the most sexual being I've ever met but who matches me in how we think, how we view the industry and who truly understands the sense of satisfaction and validation in what we do as service providers. Her name needs no introduction, everyone in the local scene knows her. Jewel has become not only my only duo partner but also a very dear friend. Going forward this gem and I have big plans so stay tuned for more on that!
Age. 18 years has passed, so I'm a little older. Go figure, right? And while with age comes maturity and blah, blah, blah....it also comes with aches and pains. recovering from a 3 hour duo is not as easy today! I'm currently looking into investing in an epsom salt company (maybe my next Dragon's den idea wiseguy?) as it has become my best friend. Joking aside, wait....there is no joke, it's all true. Recovery time is something I never had an issue with but between age and three years of covid, it's now something I actually have to add to my schedule. But if you know me, you also know it won't slow me down, I just plan around it now.
There is so much that has changed but hey, the entire world has changed and so like everything else I will continue to adjust and grow and follow my own path, wherever that may lead. I could carry on but I'm feeling ashamed as my robot vacuum works around me, it's 2:54pm and I'm still in my pyjamas (which for the record I only put on when I wake up, I'm a nude sleeper). Thanks for reading!
xo Belle