How did you get interested in adult entertainment?
I was always very comfortable with my body and I always knew that I turned heads. I developed at a very young age and got these “assets”. It didn’t start with an interest in the adult industry. I went to school for criminology and criminal justice, was bar tending and working a very high-end office position in a major mobile company. I loved bar tending, and I loved being able to be social, make jokes, and have fun. A friend of mine brought web-scamming to my attention and it was history from there.
And how did that interest develop into a career?
I am very down to earth and outgoing, so I thought why not give it a chance. I was always looking to try something new, and the idea of being in front of a webcam never phased me. I was a bigger girl at the time, but I was a confident BBW. I bought a webcam, turned it on, and was instantly a hit. It was very hard to leave my office job, but I wanted to test the new adult entertainment waters. From there, I self-marketed myself. I did everything on my own and all-of- a-sudden, I became a brand. Its more than big bouncy boobs and a smile. It is my personality. I genuinely care and love my fans very much. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m a business woman, a sports personality, adult model and much more.
You've been nominated for XBIZ “Web Star of the Year”, what was it like to receive that honor?
It is amazing! It’s always a pleasure to be nominated. I’ve won awards from other companies prior, and been the number 1 webcam girl for the last 10 years. An XBIZ nomination is incredible. I was nominated last year by XBIZ as well. It shows you that people are recognizing my dedication and hard work that I give to my craft. It is an amazing feeling to be honored by a nomination for something you love to do. Thank you, XBIZ!
You've also developed a considerable “mainstream” following, how has that changed things for you?
I’m not just one dimensional. It is great that I have a "mainstream" following. I’ve been through a lot in my life, and I am very open with my fans. I let them into my life. They deserve that part of me. I used to weigh 300lbs, and I lost 180lbs in 2006. My fans were with me through the process and I gained a lot of fans who saw me as inspiration, or who had already lost weight, both men and women. I also got diagnosed with cancer on Christmas Eve, and have been fighting non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This fight has also broadened the fan base and supporters.
I am a HUGE sports fan and I love to bet! A lot of people follow me for my sports knowledge and crazy sports pictures. It has been great to diversify, and it is always great when the world can recognize that you are multi-talented, or that you aren’t just what the world thinks you are. My attitude has opened a lot of doors for me, brought in new projects, and allowed me to meet some really amazing people. I am very blessed.
And to what do you attribute your mass appeal?
It is not just the big boobs and glasses. I am a real person. Everyone knows what you see is what you get. I am the same girl off of the cam as I am on. The fans that come to the conventions and meet me see that all the time. People realize I am a human being. I go through ups and downs, and I can relate to people. I am down to earth, silly, a nerd and a huge sports fan. My fans feel comfortable around me, my personality and my heart.
You're making a lot of appearances at conventions etc, what's it like for you to meet fans there?
I can’t stress enough how much I love my fans. They are the reason I am where I am today. They get to meet me but more so I get to meet them. It gives them the opportunity to see me in person, get a hug, and talk to me. There is nothing like looking into someone’s eyes and talking to them. It is more personal. For many fans, it is their dream to meet a star, or someone they look up to. I always feel humbled by these experiences. I always say I have the best fans in the entire world.
You're currently battling Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, how has that impacted your life and work?
I am a fighter. I have been my entire life. When I got the call, I didn’t know what to do. I channeled my dad who passed when I was 6 (I am my Father’s daughter). It was either give up, or get up. I chose to get up. I had some really low days, but my fans were right there to pick me up. I didn’t let it impact my work. When my hair fell out I just bought wigs and kept doing my thing. .I shaved my head for National Lymphoma Month and put it on video. It has made my life completely different. I learned to cherish and value every moment and everyone that is there for you. As far as work, my battle just kept me wanting to continue to give my best.
Do you think pinup and fetish are becoming part of the mainstream culture?
I think they always were. I definitely believe that people are much more accepting these days. Look at ‘50 shades of Grey,’ which opened up a whole new world, although it wasn’t new; people just didn’t talk about it. Ann rice wrote a series just like that ages ago. Pinup has always been around and always will be. I think we are all becoming a lot more open-minded. I love it.
What do you have planned for the future?
Beat Cancer then everything else! I have so many amazing things going on right now. I feel like the world is at my doorstep. I have a lot of projects upcoming that I know my fans will love and enjoy. Stay tuned to www.taystevens.com. I love these new opportunities and new projects. I am super excited.