profile

WIA Profile: Sunny Leone

How did you get into the business side from performing?

I was introduced to the industry about nine years ago and did it because it sounded like fun. It wasn't something that I thought about beforehand, it just fell into my lap. Nothing prepared me for this job — it was all new to me. I saw that the way to make a long career in this industry was to own my own product and not just provide content for someone else. There was an opportunity to start a company with my partner so I took it and never looked back: We are now successfully releasing titles and enjoying the benefits of owning everything ourselves.

it's a 24-hour job

What changes have affected your work since you started?

Each year changed so much from the last that I would have to say everything about it affects my following year. We make mistakes in life or learn from past experiences, and that makes us grow as people. So there isn't one specific thing that affected my work. Early on I learned that this is a business and it's not just about making money and then spending it. I have the ability to be a leader in this industry and a role model for other performers. The key is to never dismiss a new idea — because you never know when something will pop up. We are always looking for new and creative people to work with. This is a brand we are creating, not just a set of pictures and video on a site.

What changes have affected you and your website(s) as the Internet has gone from exotic to commonplace?

Again, you have to see it as a business. In the past, it was easier to gain members but now the average surfer has more needs and more interests. I have for the first time partnered with another company to help my site reach the potential that it should and I am really proud of it. I believe there is a weeding process going on and I have aligned myself with the right people to stay competitive in this business. Our philosophy is simple: Be seen at all times. The more we can stay in everyone's face, the better we like it. My new partners have made it possible to take the site to a new level and I couldn't be happier.

What do you see as challenges to online adult enterprises as the economy tends to decline and discretionary spending slows? How are you approaching these challenges?

Industries are always changing and businesses always have to change to stay on top and keep making money. I believe we are going to go through a weeding process where companies are going to fold or sell to larger companies. The only way for a smaller business to do well is to be creative, do things that you would not normally do and really pay attention to your customer's needs. I partnered my website with one of the largest companies in our industry and that in itself helped me to do better than I have in all the years I have been in this business.

Does your work affect your personal life? How do you balance your work as a performer and your work as the operator of a website?

Yes, but only because it's a 24-hour job. You never really stop unless you force yourself. I have not gone on vacation in a long time, but now I have to really pay attention to my calendar and lock it in like a job. I guess it could be worse and I could not be working, but sometimes, just like most people, I would love a weekend getaway or — even better — my Saturday and Sunday off. I love my job though. I guess I can vacation when I am old.

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.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

profile

WIA Profile: Reba Rocket

As chief operating officer and chief marketing officer of Takedown Piracy, long at the forefront of intellectual property protection in adult entertainment, Rocket is dedicated to safeguarding the livelihoods of content creators and producers while fostering a more ethical and sustainable industry.

Women In Adult ·
opinion

Protecting Content Ownership Rights When Using AI

In today’s digital age, content producers have more tools at their disposal than ever before. Among these tools, artificial intelligence (AI) content generation has emerged as a game changer, enabling creators to produce high-quality content quickly and efficiently.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How Payment Orchestration Can Help Your Business

An emerging payment solution is making waves in the merchant world: the payment orchestration platform (POP). It’s quickly gaining traction as a powerful tool for managing online payments — but questions abound.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Fine-Tuning Refund and Cancellation Policies

For adult websites, managing refunds and cancellations isn’t just about customer service. It’s a crucial factor in maintaining compliance with the regulations of payment processors and payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Laurel Bencomo

Born in Cambridge, England but raised in Spain, Laurel Bencomo initially chose to study business at the University of Barcelona simply because it felt familiar — both of her parents are entrepreneurs. She went on to earn a master’s degree in sales and marketing management at the EADA Business School, while working in events for a group of restaurants in Barcelona.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Gregory Dorcel on Building Upon His Brand's Signature Legacy

“Whether reflected in the storyline or the cast or even the locations, the entertainment we deliver is based on fantasy,” he elaborates. “Our business is not, and never has been, reality. People who are buying our content aren’t expecting reality, or direct contact with stars like you can have with OnlyFans,” he says.

Jeff Dana ·
opinion

How to Turn Card Brand Compliance Into Effective Marketing

In the adult sector, compliance is often treated as a gauntlet of mandatory checkboxes. While it’s true that those boxes need to be ticked and regulations must be followed, sites that view compliance strictly as a chore risk missing out on a bigger opportunity.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

A Look at the Latest AI Tools for Online Safety

One of the defining challenges for adult businesses is helping to combat the proliferation of illegal or nonconsensual content, as well as preventing minors from accessing inappropriate or harmful material — all the more so because companies or sites unable or unwilling to do so may expose themselves to significant penalties and put their users at risk.

Gavin Worrall ·
opinion

Know When to Drop Domains You Don't Need

Do you own too many domains? If so, you’re not alone. Like other things we accumulate, every registered domain means something to us. Sometimes a domain represents a dream project we have always wanted to do but have never quite gotten around to.

Juicy Jay ·
opinion

Understanding 'Indemnification' in Business Contracts

Clients frequently tell me that they didn’t understand — or sometimes, even read — certain portions of a contract because those sections appeared to be just “standard legalese.” They are referring, of course, to the specialized language used in legal documents, including contracts.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
Show More