Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives.
Offering an inspiring example of the varied opportunities that the adult entertainment industry provides for those seeking a career path in the business of bawdiness, Gamma Entertainment Marketing Manager Loula combines personal drive with professional perseverance to achieve success and the admiration of her peers. Going hands-on with many aspects of the company’s operations, Loula has gained experience and insights around the juggernaut that is the venerable brand that she promotes, making her an invaluable asset to the team.
We need to promote a safe and beautiful place for adult entertainment in order to break the dark stigma attached to it.
To gain an insight into her path to becoming Gamma’s go-to marketer, XBIZ sat down with the Woman of the Month for this interview.
XBIZ: What did you do before joining the adult industry and why did you choose this career path?
Loula: Most of my career was spent in marketing and project management. I’ve worked in the mainstream for a market research company, an electronics distribution company and an online software company, to name a few. I felt like this industry was a better fit for my skill set and personality, allowing me to be open and creative without any reservations or taboos.
XBIZ: What attracted you to Gamma and did you always serve as marketing manager, or has your role at the company evolved?
Loula: Believe it or not, I started out as an online marketing manager handling a portfolio of Gamma’s paysites, which included search engine optimization. My role has since evolved to several different positions within the various business units, but was always tied within marketing and advertising, either before or after the paywall.
I did have a good run with partner management as well — I loved building and strengthening the relationships we have with our business partners. This enabled me to learn about our company as a whole and the work that is being put in from all divisions to make Gamma what it is today.
XBIZ: Gamma shows an enviable commitment to excellence across a range of different verticals, from production to paysites and beyond. How involved are you in the day-to-day operations and do you focus on one business segment more than another?
Loula: I am very involved in the day-to-day operations. I work, side by side, with many of the business units within Gamma, although, I focus mostly on the Adult Time brand, social and online/offline press business segments.
XBIZ: A company as diverse as Gamma requires strong partnerships. How do you develop the relationships you need to build bridges in the industry?
Loula: I think it’s extremely important to build bridges. We pride ourselves on always being open and transparent with our counterparts. I believe it’s necessary to work together in this industry and not against each other.
We need to promote a safe and beautiful place for adult entertainment in order to break the dark stigma attached to it. This can only happen with mutual respect and building strong and positive relationships amongst each other first.
XBIZ: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your work and the best score you’ve made in the industry?
Loula: As with any company, there are always ups and downs. The best thing one can do is always keep a positive mindset, adapt and share that energy with others.
I would say the biggest score would be the success in launching Girlsway and Adult Time into recognized adult brands. Of course, this took a team to create and not just myself. We create great quality content and it’s good to see it being well received.
XBIZ: Is there anything else on your plate, business-wise, at Gamma or elsewhere?
Loula: My focus has always been and will be Gamma. As the company grows, so do I on a professional and personal level. I am excited about upcoming projects and collaborations that are in the works. Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can disclose at the moment, but you’ll be sure to find out soon enough!
XBIZ: What does a typical workday look like?
Loula: Wow, where do I begin? It varies from day to day, but it can typically consist of touching base with my team, coordination with design and social media, communicating with the content department, dealing with online/offline press and my publicist, working on upcoming campaigns and making sure everyone has what they need, etc. So basically, a lot of communication.
XBIZ: What does a day off look like — or is it a matter of all work and no play?
Loula: I live by a “work hard, play hard” attitude. I believe both our personal and work life should be balanced and lived to its fullest. So, days off? Travel, travel, travel.
XBIZ: How do you stay motivated and what do you define as “achieving success” in your life?
Loula: My motivation comes from a place of wanting to help, support and contribute to the success of a product, studio or release of any kind. Knowing I can help someone today with one simple task that can potentially set them up for success for the future is what keeps me going. In my life, achieving success is when personal and career goals are getting accomplished. One check mark at a time!
XBIZ: What does 2020 hold for your work at Gamma and your personal life beyond?
Loula: I’m looking forward to 2020. Adult Time has a lot of new projects and collaborations in development which will allow us to keep growing and bringing our network to new heights in the industry. Ultimately our mission will remain the same: providing a place where mature audiences can safely, securely and proudly have a place in their lineup for premium adult content. As for my personal life, the world is my oyster!
