SWCEO Interviews Madam Bella Cummins
Blog Post Written By: MelRose Michaels
In a recent Twitter Space, MelRose Michaels sat down with Madam Bella Cummins, who is the longest-serving female legal brothel owner in America. Bella is not just the force behind Bella's Hacienda Ranch—a premier adult entertainment destination in Nevada—but also a powerful advocate for the rights and dignity of sex workers across the nation.
Today we’ll explore her journey, the unique challenges she’s faced as a female leader in a male-dominated industry, and her unwavering mission to create a safer, more respectful environment for sex workers everywhere. Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that challenges the status quo and shines a light on an often misunderstood world.
MelRose Michaels: Bella, you're America's longest-serving female legal brothel owner. Could you share a little bit about how you got started in the industry and what led you to take ownership of Bella’s Hacienda Ranch?
Bella Cummins: When I was much younger, I married a man who thought owning a brothel as a silent partner would be a good idea. Even though I had been in the restaurant business in an area of Nevada with legal brothels, I knew very little about the industry. When the venture started to fail, and we were almost wiped out financially, I had to step in and figure out the business side of things—everything from bookkeeping to understanding the operational costs. This happened around the time Interstate 80 opened, which changed the dynamics of the small town of Wells, where Bella's Hacienda Ranch is located. I essentially had to reinvent the business from the ground up.
MelRose Michaels: That’s quite a journey. Over your 30 years of ownership, what are some of the most significant changes you've seen in the legal brothel industry, both in Nevada and globally?
Bella Cummins: There have been a lot of changes. When I first got involved in the industry in 1987, it was legal to have sex without a condom. That’s something the young women I work with today find hard to believe. We also saw the introduction of HIV, which led to mandatory condom use and the evolution of safer sex products like better condoms and lubricants. Another significant change has been the impact of technology—from pay phones and CB radios to the Internet and cell phones. The industry has had to adapt to these advancements, all while maintaining strict health and safety standards. It's worth noting that Nevada’s legal brothels have never had a case of HIV, which speaks to the effectiveness of our regulations.
MelRose Michaels: Given that you're a female brothel owner in a predominantly male industry, have you faced any unique challenges, and how have you navigated them?
Bella Cummins: Starting in my thirties, I was one of the few women in this field. Back then, there were still issues with pimps and women on the streets, most of whom did not choose to be in the industry. Over time, I’ve seen the industry evolve, particularly with the rise of OnlyFans, where there’s often no human contact at all. The pandemic also forced us to adapt in unexpected ways, such as obtaining an escort license so we could continue operating during the lockdown. It’s been a constant evolution, and navigating these changes as a woman in a male-dominated industry has required resilience and a deep commitment to the well-being of both the workers and the clients.
MelRose Michaels: You’re also advocating for changing the language on sex worker licenses in Nevada. Could you explain the current language and what changes you’re advocating for?
Bella Cummins: In Wells, the current code refers to workers as “prostitutes,” which I find problematic. I’m advocating for the term “courtesan,” which has historical roots dating back to 16th-century Venice, where courtesans were educated women who entertained nobility and held positions of influence. The term “sex worker” is used in some places, but I believe it carries the assumption that sex is always involved, which isn’t necessarily true. Courtesans provide a range of services, many of which don’t involve sex, and I think the title should reflect the respect and dignity they deserve.
MelRose Michaels: That’s a compelling point. How has the broader community reacted to your efforts to change this language?
Bella Cummins: Surprisingly, the response has been positive. Some county commissioners in Elko, where Wells is located, looked up the word and agreed it had merit. They understood that “courtesan” offers a more respectful and accurate representation of the work these women do. It’s important that the language we use reflects the dignity and professionalism of the industry.
MelRose Michaels: Let’s talk about the Onesta Foundation. What inspired you to start this foundation, and what are its goals?
Bella Cummins: The Onesta Foundation was initially created in response to a lawsuit filed by a group of religious fanatics who wanted to shut down legal brothels in Nevada. I wanted to support these brothels and ensure they remained open, especially since they were legalized by a vote in the early 1970s. Over time, the foundation’s mission has evolved to focus on educating the public and advocating for the legalization of prostitution throughout the United States. Our goal is to provide accurate information and promote public safety, revenue generation, and respect for sex workers.
MelRose Michaels: What have been some of Onesta’s most successful initiatives, and what’s on the horizon?
Bella Cummins: One of our ongoing goals is to speak to legislators and help them understand that this isn’t just about sex work; it’s about business. The sex industry is the largest untaxed industry in the world, and legalizing it can provide significant benefits in terms of public safety and revenue. Onesta is focused on advocating for business-friendly policies that also protect and support sex workers.
MelRose Michaels: You were recently featured in The Guardian discussing adult virginity and the consequences of our app-dominated culture. How do you think modern society’s approach to intimacy affects the demand for services at Bella’s Hacienda Ranch?
Bella Cummins: It’s had a significant impact. Many young men are struggling with intimacy because they’ve grown up in a world where social skills are underdeveloped, and much of their interaction happens through screens. I’ve noticed a trend where a large percentage of young men are still virgins well into their twenties. They come to Bella’s seeking not just physical intimacy but also guidance and education on how to interact with women. Our courtesans often provide a therapeutic experience, helping these men build confidence and self-esteem.
MelRose Michaels: It sounds like there’s a strong educational component to what your courtesans do. Has that become a key aspect of their role?
Bella Cummins: Absolutely. Over time, the focus has shifted from just the physical aspect of sex work to providing emotional and therapeutic support. Clients often come to us after heartbreak or long periods of isolation, and they’re looking for more than just a physical connection—they want to heal. This has made the courtesan’s role more complex and rewarding as they help clients navigate these emotional challenges.
MelRose Michaels: What advice would you give to someone, particularly women, considering entering the legal brothel industry?
Bella Cummins: I would advise them to understand that being in service to someone else isn’t just about money, though money is exchanged. It’s about the exchange of energy and the ability to be present for another person. Whether the service involves physical touch or just listening, there’s always an emotional connection. If you’re authentic in your work, the money will follow.
MelRose Michaels: What do you hope your legacy will be in the world of legal brothels and the sex work industry?
Bella Cummins: I hope to be remembered as someone who genuinely cared about the evolution of others—both the courtesans and the clients. My goal has always been to help people understand how to be human correctly and to embrace their sexual nature in a way that is respectful and loving. I want to leave behind a legacy of compassion and understanding in an industry that is often misunderstood.
MelRose Michaels: That’s a beautiful legacy, Bella. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and experiences with us today. Could you let our readers know where they can find more information about Bella’s Hacienda Ranch and the Onesta Foundation?
Bella Cummins: You can find us on X (formerly Twitter) at Bella’s Hacienda, and our website is bellas.us. If anyone wants to reach out, I always answer emails personally. We also accept donations for the Onesta Foundation through Cash App at $BellasHacienda, which helps support the education of women who want to become courtesans.
MelRose Michaels: Thank you, Bella, for your time and insights. This has been a truly enlightening conversation.
Bella Cummins: Thank you, MelRose. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.
Some parts of the above interview have been condensed or edited for clarity. For the full interview, listen to the entire Twitter space.
Find Bella's Hacienda Ranch on Twitter.
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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