profile

WIA Profile: Kristen Kaye

How did you get into the business?

After a wonderful run working in the entertainment business as an event planner and marketing associate for a major mainstream studio, I reflected back to a time when I was in high school doing a religion class project (yes, I’m a Catholic school girl) with a bunch of 16-year-old boys who thought they were “getting my goat” by popping in a porno movie instead of the religious movie we were supposed to be watching.

I simply continue to follow through for my clients, maintain integrity in my dealings both personal and professional and look forward to doing business with you at one point or another.

At that point, seeing how lame they were and that I could appreciate the art of porn, I knew that, with my open mind and business accumen, that I could play a big role in some way in this business had I ever chosen to enter it. So, 2005 is here, the time for me to break in, and sure enough, while companies like Playboy and Hustler were hiring for basic jobs, I came across a post on Craiglist for Adnet Media Group. After several phone conversations and three in person interviews, Alec Helmy took a leap of faith and entrusted me to head all ad sales for XBIZ (which, at the time was a simple one magazine and one website company).

Six years later I am still in this business and am more confident than ever that I have the right elements in place to really make a difference in the way business is done and therefore, MogulPool is in development to highlight my clients (currently XBIZ, AdultCentro and L3 Payments) and other upper-eschelon businesses in this sector.

What in your background prepared you for what you are doing now?

I have always been interested in people. I love meeting and learning about people and their backgrounds, and this has always helped me in sales. It’s tough to say what specifically to attribute my skillset to, but I would definitely say that my attention to detail, awareness of client needs and wants, and ability to maximize their exposure and budgets are all results of working in the movie business on such a large scale. The rest of my qualities are innate and I’d say I was born with them.

What do you see as the challenges of working in the adult online business? How do you overcome them?

I wouldn’t say that I personally have challenges working in the adult online business because I am not running a program or dealing with banking and traffic matters. In the six years I have been in this business, I have seen one running theme: the adult online business moves fast —a person can be knocked off the top of their game in an instant and never get back up. All too often I see and hear of indivudals who were at one time influential who stepped away for one reason or another and tried to come back —those same people who once commanded respect cannot even get meetings with the people they once partied with. So, a challenge for everyone (including myself) is staying relevent and aware. To overcome that, one would have to make a conscious effort to maintain professionalism and follow through on every level. It is entirely up to each of us individually.

Does your work life affect your personal life?

A year ago I would have said, “no,” as I kept work and personal life completely separate. However, a year ago, my life changed when a gentleman in the business and I fell in love with one another. Now, my work and personal lives are intertwined to some extent that really fuels and empowers both of our businesses and appreciation for one another.

Do you have a personal motto or mantra that you live by?

I don’t have a personal motto or matra per se. I simply continue to follow through for my clients, maintain integrity in my dealings both personal and professional and look forward to doing business with you at one point or another.

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: Lexi Morin

Lexi Morin’s journey into the adult industry began with a Craigslist ad and a leap of faith. In 2011, fresh-faced and ambitious, she was scrolling through job ads on Craigslist when she stumbled upon a listing for an assistant makeup artist.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Still Rocking: The Hun Celebrates 30 Years in the Game

In the ever-changing landscape of adult entertainment, The Hun’s Yellow Pages stands out for its endurance. As one of the internet’s original fixtures, literally nearly as old as the web itself, The Hun has functioned as a living archive for online adult content, quietly maintaining its relevance with an interface that feels more nostalgic than flashy.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

Digital Desires: AI's Emerging Role in Adult Entertainment

The adult industry has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing new technology. From the early days of dial-up internet and grainy video clips to today’s polished social media platforms and streaming services, our industry has never been afraid to innovate. But now, artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking things up in ways that are exciting but also daunting.

Steve Lightspeed ·
opinion

More Than Money: Why Donating Time Matters for Nonprofits

The adult industry faces constant legal battles, societal stigma and workplace challenges. Fortunately, a number of nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to protect the rights and well-being of adult performers, producers and industry workers. When folks in the industry think about supporting these groups, donating money is naturally the first solution that comes to mind.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Consent Guardrails: How to Protect Your Content Platform

The adult industry takes a strong and definite stance against the creation or publication of nonconsensual materials. Adult industry creators, producers, processors, banks and hosts all share a vested interest in ensuring that the recording and publication of sexually explicit content is supported by informed consent.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

Payment Systems: Facilitator vs. Gateway Explained

Understanding and selecting the right payment platform can be confusing for anyone. Recently, Segpay launched its payment gateway. Since then, we’ve received numerous questions about the difference between a payment facilitator and a payment gateway. Most merchants want to know which type of platform best meets their business needs.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Reinventing Intimacy: A Look at AI's Implications for Adult Platforms

The adult industry has long revolved around delivering pleasure and entertainment, but now it’s moving into new territory: intimacy, connection and emotional fulfillment. And AI companions are at the forefront of that shift.

Daniel Keating ·
profile

WIA: Sara Edwards on Evolving Clip Culture and Creator Empowerment

Though she works behind the scenes, Sara Edwards has had a front-row seat to the evolution of adult content creation. Having been immersed in the sector since 1995, she has a unique perspective on the industry.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

Segpay Marks 20 Years of High-Risk Triumphs

Payment processors are behind-the-scenes players in the world of ecommerce, yet their role is critical. Ensuring secure, seamless transactions while navigating a rapidly changing regulatory landscape requires both technological expertise and business acumen.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

The SCREEN Test: How to Prepare for Federal Age Verification

For those who are counting, there are now 20 enacted state laws in the United States requiring age verification for viewing online adult content, plus numerous proposed laws in the works. This ongoing barrage has been exhausting for many in the adult industry — and it may be about to escalate in the form of a potential new AV law, this time at the federal level.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
Show More