profile

WIA Profile: Kelly Shibari

Kelly Shibari runs her business, ThePRSMGroup, with a sense of fun and a strong business ethic … and much love and pride.

Yes, Shibari, after nearly a decade in the biz, starting out as a plus-size performer and later moving over to the publicity side, is still thrilled about the industry as when she first came aboard.

I can’t express how happy I am with how things have worked out, and how thrilled I am that I am able to stay indefinitely in an industry I love.

This enthusiasm for the adult entertainment industry is infectious, and that is one of many reasons Shibari has been chosen as WIA’s woman of the month for June 2016.

In this XBIZ Q&A interview, Shibari offers a glimpse on how she runs ThePRSMGroup and discusses how she uses social media to deliver messages on behalf of her clients. She also touches on her personal side and offers her take on porn’s new frontier, virtual reality.

XBIZ: How did you enter into the world of adult entertainment industry and what are you doing now?

Shibari: I entered the adult industry in 2007 as a plus-size (BBW) performer as a sabbatical from my work as a Hollywood production designer and art director. Ten years later, I’ve found that I really, really enjoy this industry, and that all of the work I’ve done in various entertainment industries before XXX has ultimately lead me to be an extremely well-rounded person for my current iteration as a publicist and social media marketer.

I started ThePRSMGroup in 2009 and now handle pleasure products companies, studios, and distributors and the occasional performer or author — though I must admit, I tend to refer performers to publicists who are more experienced with their needs.

I also write for B2B publications, coordinate and moderate panels and speak at events. My work now affords me the time to do a few carefully selected personal, creative projects throughout the year as well — I can’t express how happy I am with how things have worked out, and how thrilled I am that I am able to stay indefinitely in an industry I love.

XBIZ: How important is Twitter and other social media platforms to get your message out to fans?

Shibari: I definitely use Twitter and Facebook differently. Twitter, given its character limitations, has been wonderful for getting short bursts of information out to a large group of people. It’s perfect for news posting, whether it’s press release pickups by media, reviews of films and products, and calls to action. Facebook has been better for longer conversations, promoting events, and things that benefit from “thread”-based interactions with a group of people.

In my case, I’ve also been able to leverage my social media following to signal boost information on behalf of my clients, which has been extremely helpful and sets me apart from the majority of other PR firms in the industry, who may have a smaller presence online. I think more performers should be looking to do the same, in terms of using their existing fan base — which is mostly made up of adult-product consumers — in a collaborative effort with companies, in particular in terms of Twitter and Instagram.

XBIZ: What do you think of the new frontier that is being touted by many in the biz — virtual reality and porn?

Shibari: It’s something I had a hard time wrapping my brain around — until I was able to wear a headset for myself at the January XBIZ Show. VR is fantastic, in the truest sense of the world — you are immersed in a 360-degree environment, where you’re completely breaking the fourth wall.

The applications are incredible — whether it’s a long-distance relationship, or a fantasy experience with your favorite adult performer, or even immersive education, VR is very, very cool. Take that one step further, with the advent of live cam VR, dual-cam, and the inevitability of VR-enabled novelties, I think fans are going to be able to get incredibly personal with performers, without the worry of legal or health issues.

For consumers open to spending the money on the tech, VR may even be an option they’re even willing to pay for, for now, and performers are going to be able to continue the exponentially growing trend of independent owner-operators.

XBIZ: Who inspires you in this industry?

Shibari: I’m regularly inspired by the business owners in this industry — and in particular, those who have been in the industry for a while, and are regularly coming up with innovative ways to market their product, or are coming up with something new. The same-old-same-old, “don’t fix what isn’t broken” or “let’s do what’s currently popular” bandwagon model don’t do it for me; the men and women who look at the industry and the world landscape, and see what can be twisted into something new and turned on its head, is what inspires me to do the same.

With the world changing, and previously marginalized communities becoming more and more accepted, the entertainment and products industries are coming up with really cool ways to cater to those genres and niches. Whether that’s a veteran performer branching out into a new way to brand herself, or a production company adapting a new technology, or a studio coming up with a new angle on a tried-and-true line, when I’m surrounded by innovators, I absorb that energy and helps me thrive.

XBIZ: What’s a typical workday like?

Shibari: I usually roll out of bed around 6 a.m., and go straight to my computer to distribute press releases to media and message boards — it’s 9 a.m. on the East Coast, and a couple of hours before the West Coast adult media starts their day. Between then and 3 p.m. (6 p.m., Eastern), I work on new and ongoing campaigns for my clients, which can range from reaching out to media for interviews, reviewers to pitch products, and speaking with my clients on what’s coming next, including seeking quotes for press releases and having them approved.

I usually have mainstream media playing on the TV in the background, and adult and social media refreshing on my computer, so I can see if there are ever any tie-in opportunities available for my clients. I’m able to take a break around 3 p.m. for a late lunch, and errands before things close at 5 p.m. Evenings are spent working on the next batch of press releases, and any additional writing assignments.

Every once in a while I can take time to go out for dinner, but usually, it’s something quick at home. The work day usually ends just before midnight. That’s a typical day, but over the course of the month I will usually have other independent projects to coordinate, including pre-nominations and nominations to push. Weekends are spent scheduling social media posts for clients, which I supplement during the week with real-time posts, and curating clients’ photo galleries and banners to send to adult media, as well as logging media mentions and reviews for the next batch of social media posts and press releases.

XBIZ: In your spare time,what do you like to do?

Shibari: Spare time? Just kidding. Honestly I tend to do a lot of self-care when I’m not working — I’m definitely an education and pamper junkie.

Whether it’s massage and other spa services, or a quick manicure, I’ve learned that if I take the time to take care of my physical and emotional well-being when I can, and work on lowering my stress, it makes it easier to take care of my clients and come up with interesting ways to market their products.

Also love to read marketing books — right now, I’m finishing up Tom Rath’s “Are You Fully Charged” and re-reading W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne’s “Blue Ocean Strategy” for the umpteenth time. Most of my work can be done with my smartphone and laptop, so now I’m adding travel to my to-do list.

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