Stoya is not your average porn star; she was Digital Playground’s first alt porn contract girl, carving a niche for herself by appearing just a little edgier and kinkier than most in the industry. Stoya has also continued to learn and explore things outside of her profession, refusing to lie back and coast through her career. Subsequently, she has established herself as an eloquent and witty writer and writes for Vice, New York Times and Esquire. She also creates her own clothing, which she has worn in many of her scenes and during conventions – a lady of many talents!
Early Years
Stoya has always enjoyed the spotlight; as a child, she wanted to become a dancer and started taking dance lessons at the age of three. She was home-schooled and received her high-school diploma before the age of sixteen. After relocating from her hometown in North Carolina to Philadelphia, she worked as a secretary, flier distributor, a go-go dancer, and appeared in several music videos. She later began professionally posing for pictures for a friend and states that she has always felt comfortable with her body and being naked. Her pictures were quickly noticed and she was offered several contracts, eventually turning to modelling and working for alt-erotic websites.
Stoya’s Career
Due to Stoya’s distinct appearance and confidence, she was later contacted by one of the websites she had worked for and asked if she would be willing to do a soft-core scene. Stoya admitted the decision was not made instantly: “I was like, ‘Well, do I want to be a politician? Do I want to work with children?’ No, not really. I might lose a couple of friends who are more like uptight acquaintances. That didn’t worry me. I looked into the safety aspect and said, ‘Why not?’” The sexy star featured in two DVD production for Razordolls before being contacted by Digital Playground with a proposition to perform in a hard-core lesbian scene. She was later asked if she would star in a pornographic movie for Digital Playground, but this time with a male star. Stoya had originally wanted to perform in women-on-women scenes only, but after careful consideration she agreed. Subsequently, in 2007 she signed a three-year contract with Digital Playground and became the company’s first alt porn contract girl.
Since her first scene with D Stoya Video Nasty, Stoya has performed in over 50 films including our personal favourites; Jack’s POV 9 and Voracious. She also has a string of awards under her belt including the 2008 Eroticline Award for Best U.S Newcomer and the 2009 AVN Award for Best New Starlet. She has also moved towards directing and is self-funding her first film, which began shooting in February.
Outside of the Industry
As Stoya’s popularity grew, she decided to turn to writing and social media to voice her opinions, general musings and give a personal insight into the industry. Her blog is particularly popular and has provided her with a platform where she can say things for herself and without worrying how editing or biased journalists may skew her opinions and misquote. Stoya then moved to Tumblr, which has been attracting hordes of fans ever since. She continues to post frequently, and after being offered a contract by Vice writes witty, frank and often eye-opening articles for them too. Her articles cover a variety of subjects from the false conception of beauty to how to make it in the porn industry. Stoya’s eloquence and honesty make a refreshing read, and for her fans it brings them one step closer to her world.
Fleshlights
Stoya was one of the first Fleshlight girls to have had all three moulds made. The Stoya Swallow (€ 84.06, kinky.ie) is the most popular of the three, and it’s not hard to see why. Moulded from patented real feel superskin and with a variety of textures and tightness between all the inner channels; it really is one of the best sleeves ever created. As with all Fleshlight products, the cleaning process is simple and straightforward. Simply rinse out the toy with warm water and leave to dry naturally.
Stoya is proud of her moulds and often visits expos and promotional events to sign and discuss her toys for fans. Sexy, likeable and down to earth – could Stoya be any more perfect?