Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives.
As the director of marketing for AdultEmpire.com, a major adult retail and entertainment website, Megan Wozniak says she thrives under pressure. The past year must have kept Wozniak on her toes with the blossoming of AE Films, the production company that brings exclusive premiere movies to AdultEmpire.com customers, and the launch of a newly redesigned, mobile-compatible website. Wozniak joined AdultEmpire.com seven and a half years ago, right after college and though she’s had to deal with the tribulations of working in the adult film industry, she says the obstacles has just fueled the company’s creativity.
We want to be more than a website; we want to give our customers a full-service adult entertainment experience and create a real sense of community with our customers.
In this month’s edition of Women In Adult, we profile Wozniak as she discusses her various responsibilities and accomplishments for AdultEmpire.com.
XBIZ: How/when did you get into the industry?
Wozniak: I had recently graduated from college and was looking to gain professional experience rather than extend my education. I came across a job listing for an entry-level marketing assistant position for an online retailer that sold mainstream DVDs and Blu-rays, and applied. When the Empire called me in for an interview, they revealed that I’d be dividing my time between DVDEmpire.com as well as their adult entity, AdultEmpire.com, and if I’d be okay with that. What’s funny is, my mom was standing right next to me while I was on the call and I mouthed to her, “Mom, they’re a porn company!” The job market at the time was hit hard by the recession so she replied, “Well, it’s in your field — go for it!” Seven and a half years later, I’m still here!
XBIZ: What did you do prior to working for Adult Empire?
Wozniak: This is actually my first position after graduating. Prior to, I attended Penn State University to obtain my B.S. in Marketing. I’m really fortunate to have landed a job in my chosen career path.
XBIZ: What is a typical day like for you?
Wozniak: Typical doesn’t apply to the types of tasks I do vary each day. I’m at my best when I’m under the gun, with too much work to do — such as being asked to produce a commercial in less than three weeks! I thrive under pressure and enjoy the challenges the company presents me.
XBIZ: What challenges have you confronted in your career and how have you overcome them?
Wozniak: The discrimination against companies with a connection to pornography — such as suspended Twitter accounts, rejection from credit card processors and cable providers denying us the ability to advertise. The list goes on and it’s a never-ending battle. Here we like to refer to it as “You got porned!” But with that, we try to turn obstacles into opportunities and find new, creative ways to market ourselves.
XBIZ: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Wozniak: Every day is new and never dull at the Empire. We are all fairly young, ambitious and eager to hit goals. I am also grateful for having a wonderfully creative marketing team to work with in the office.
XBIZ: What is your personal motto or mantra that you live by?
Wozniak: “It wasn’t a waste of time if you learned something.”
XBIZ: What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
Wozniak: It’s hard to narrow it down to just one. When we launched our #PayForYourPorn campaign, the success of it was overwhelming and gained a lot of momentum in the press. It was amazing to see it get picked up on numerous mainstream outlets such as The Washington Post, Vice, Cosmo, Business Insider, amongst others. It’s even been nominated for this year’s Marketing Campaign of the Year XBIZ Award.
I’m also really proud of what we’ve accomplished since the launch of our new production label, AE Films. We’re new players to the production game and have certainly learned a lot along the way. We scored 11 XBIZ nominations this year, the most to date, with five of those going to AE Films — including Best New Studio!
Lastly, I’m thrilled to have been contacted by XBIZ to be profiled for WIA. To be included in this list of accomplished women is definitely an honor and a career highlight for sure!
XBIZ: What are some of your professional goals for the future?
Wozniak: As we’ve expanded our range of products and services, the Adult Empire brand has evolved as well. We want to be more than a website; we want to give our customers a full-service adult entertainment experience and create a real sense of community with our customers. 2015 was a milestone year for us and we’re looking to solidify our presence in all markets.
