SWCEO Interviews Kari Anthony
Blog Post Written By: MelRose Michaels
MelRose Michaels chatted with Kari Anthony in a recent Twitter Space about her illustrious career, from her early days as a phone sex operator to her evolution as a leading BBW content creator. They delved into Kari's brand transitions, discussed the ever-changing landscape of the adult industry, and shared invaluable tips for aspiring performers.
Kari Anthony is a two-decade continual learning performer, content creator, live streamer, educator, digital marketer, advocate for size acceptance, believer in positive change, and consultant coach for those looking to expand their brands. She is a rising phoenix who has found creative ways to reinvent her online personality and evolve with the ever-changing digital world. She is a trailblazer for her successful BBW projects, such as BBW Fan Fest, BBW Camhouse, and iheartbbw.com.
Melrose Michaels: There is so much I want to get into with you, but I think we should start with your background. Can you share your journey into the adult industry and how you became involved with the BBW community?
Kari Anthony: I’ve been in the industry for two decades. I started as a phone sex operator on Night Flirt by happenstance. I needed to take some time off work and saw a job offer for phone work from home. It turned out to be phone sex, but I loved it. My career evolved from there to photos and videos, then live webcam, which was still new at the time. I realized I was making more money with my part-time at-home hobby than my nine-to-five, so I quit my job. Being a plus-size person, the BBW community was where I originated and remained loyal. I wanted to help people like me who faced similar struggles and challenges.
Melrose Michaels: That’s incredible. Can you talk about the platforms you’ve used over the years, especially starting from phone sex to other content types?
Kari Anthony: I primarily used Night Flirt for many years. SextPanther came later with the rise of cell phones. Initially, I used a landline for phone sex and a digital camera with an SD card for photos and videos. Nowadays, SextPanther is my primary text service platform.
Melrose Michaels: I’d love to discuss I Heart BBW as a brand. What inspired it, and how is it separate from Kari Anthony?
Kari Anthony: Kari Anthony is the retired mattress actress and the test dummy for all my projects. I Heart BBW sparked from other successful events like BBW Fan Fest, the first-ever BBW awards event. It was like Exxxotica, but for BBWs, it gave recognition to plus-size performers who didn’t have award categories back then. BBW Camhouse was another project that helped performers gain recognition and opportunities. IHeartBBW became an umbrella project encompassing podcasts, live cams, content creation, education, and more. It gives me the freedom to explore different areas of the industry and see what works.
Melrose Michaels: That’s amazing. How has the perception of plus-size creators in the adult industry evolved over the years?
Kari Anthony: We’re in our prime right now, thanks to mainstream performers like Lizzo advocating for size acceptance. The industry has made progress, and more platforms are giving us opportunities. The BBW genre is still a high-income revenue stream with a lot of performers. It’s a great time to be who you are and get the recognition we’ve longed for.
Melrose Michaels: Looking back, what are some of your proudest moments or achievements?
Kari Anthony: It’s hard to pinpoint specific achievements because every moment, good or bad, has been pivotal in my evolution. Helping others see their potential and confidence is very inspiring. I want to be part of watching people realize their unique beauty and become content creators.
Melrose Michaels: When you look forward, what changes or evolutions do you expect in the BBW niche in the future?
Kari Anthony: I’m trying to uncheck the boxes and not be known just as a BBW performer. I want to be known as an individual. It’s about expanding beyond labels and being recognized for who I am, not just for my size or age.
Melrose Michaels: That makes complete sense. What advice would you give to aspiring plus-size performers looking to enter the industry or break out of specific niches?
Kari Anthony: Do your research and create healthy boundaries. Make sure the content you participate in aligns with your values and morals. Be confident and patient, and stay true to yourself. Know that it’s okay to change your path if it doesn’t feel right anymore.
Melrose Michaels: Absolutely. Boundaries are crucial. Can you talk about your current career transition and what that looks like for you?
Kari Anthony: I’m transitioning away from the sexualization of myself. I’ve always had a dom personality and now want to focus more on that. I don’t want sex to be the main premise of my content. It’s been tough, but it’s necessary for my evolution.
Melrose Michaels: That’s a significant shift. How do you manage fan expectations during such transitions?
Kari Anthony: Be transparent with your fans. Explain your changes and why you’re making them. Some fans will stay along for the ride; others may not, but that’s okay. It’s important to be honest with yourself and your fans.
Melrose Michaels: That’s great advice. Let’s talk about burnout, a common issue for creators. How do you recognize and recover from burnout?
Kari Anthony: Recognize the early signs of burnout, like lack of motivation and desire to work. Self-care is crucial—take baths, spend time in a positive space, and create boundaries to protect your mental health. Sometimes, you have to let things crash and rebuild from there. Align yourself with positive people who can recognize when you’re struggling.
Melrose Michaels: That’s essential. How do you stay motivated and inspired, especially during tough times?
Kari Anthony: Survival is a big motivator—if I don’t work, my bills don’t get paid. I also remind myself that achieving my goals requires consistency, hard work, and eliminating distractions. Having accountability partners helps keep me on track and motivated.
Melrose Michaels: Excellent points. Finally, what lessons have you learned from your career that you think would be most valuable for other performers?
Kari Anthony: Believe in yourself and stay consistent. Keep working towards your goals, try new things, and get advice from various sources. Understand that your journey is unique, and you can create your own path to success. Don’t give up, even when it gets tough.
Melrose Michaels: That’s a powerful message to leave our listeners with. Kari, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your wisdom.
Kari Anthony: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to share my story and insights.
Some parts of the above interview have been condensed or edited for clarity. Listen to the entire Twitter space for the full interview.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the interview are those of the guest speaker and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SexWorkCEO or MelRose Michaels. Anything said or written is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone else.
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