I got my start in porn… because opportunities don't always look how you expect.
Not something I share often, but here’s how my career journey took off in an unexpected direction.
After graduating from Art Center in 1999, I wasn’t sure where my first real job would come from. I worked at Buca di Beppo in Pasadena, a new family-style Italian restaurant, where I had a great rapport with the owners and management; they even brought me on to help open a new location in Santa Monica. While working there, I kept my design skills sharp through small freelance gigs in graphic design and illustration.
One night, as I served a table of women, I overheard a conversation that, let’s say, caught my attention. They were talking—boldly and humorously—about their day jobs, and it turned out they were designers for an adult entertainment company called Leisure Time Entertainment. They explained their role: creating video box covers, catalogs, and advertisements using Photoshop, Illustrator, and Quark.
I casually mentioned my design background, and one of them immediately encouraged me to apply. They were hiring, and I figured, why not? That night, I talked it over with my partner, and the next day, I scheduled an interview. With a portfolio of college projects and some confidence, I managed to convince the art director I was the right fit. He asked me to design a box cover on the spot, and though I was a bit nervous, I gave it my all.
I got the job, and for the next year, I dove into the world of digital design, working on everything from title treatments to series logos, catalogs, ads, and packaging. This role sharpened my skills in Photoshop and Illustrator more than any class ever could. And at a time when jobs were scarce, especially post-9/11, I was grateful for the experience.
I knew this industry wasn’t where I wanted to stay long-term, so when the chance came, I transitioned to the apparel world, joining JNCO Jeans.
Career journeys don’t always follow a straight path, and unconventional starts can be the best learning grounds. Sometimes, the most unexpected roles are the ones that give us the foundation to grow and thrive.
So why am I sharing this? Because this experience taught me that careers are rarely linear. It’s easy to look back and see only the polished, traditional roles, but often it’s the unexpected detours that shape us the most.
Here’s what I learned and why it’s important to share:
Embrace Every Opportunity – The roles that push you out of your comfort zone are the ones that build resilience and skill, setting you apart in the long run.
Challenge Your Own Expectations – Success doesn’t always arrive in a predictable form. Being open to the unknown can lead to the greatest growth and discovery.
Share Your Unconventional Stories – We all have parts of our journey we don’t talk about, but those experiences often hold the richest lessons.
