Each month, 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.
On every project for which she consults, business development specialist Jasmine James leverages her far-ranging adult industry experience spanning multiple sectors. With her eye on the prize, whether she is drawing fans to websites or spotlighting products with influencers, James has no shortage of contacts and campaign creativity up her sleeves.
I am naturally drawn towards hardworking trailblazers, because that energy keeps me on my toes and it’s inspiring.
Over the years, she has worked for major brands like Flirt4Free, Streamate and Fleshlight, for whom she shines as the company’s business development and talent manager.
As the creator economy increasingly intersects with a variety of markets, traffic is the name of the game for everything from ecommerce-driven pleasure products to paysites to indie content. That makes targeted branding and switchblade skills ever more valuable, as James attests in this WIA Woman of the Month profile.
XBIZ: Tell us about your professional background prior to adult entertainment and what led you to join this industry.
JAMES: Prior to the adult industry, I was in the restaurant and entertainment industries, working in both sectors throughout college. I started to climb the ladder over the years, but I grew tired of the late nights and not having any weekends free, so I started looking for a new industry that I could service with my marketing degree. I then stumbled across a job advertisement on Craigslist and it’s been history ever since.
XBIZ: How have your experiences working for various brands, encompassing Flirt4Free, Streamate, Fleshlight and more, shaped your skill set?
JAMES: I think that consulting for some of these top brands has definitely made me a more well-rounded person in business. Having the opportunity to work with so many diverse types of companies has not only helped expand my knowledge base but also given me the experience of working on so many different types of business deals; if I had decided to stick with one sector, I wouldn’t have had so many opportunities.
XBIZ: As an expert in business development, describe the core philosophy that underpins your every move.
JAMES: I consider myself a visionary — AKA a bigger-picture thinker! So when I’m consulting for a business/person, it’s important for me that the first thing I do is try to understand their core philosophy. Then from there I bring business opportunities to the table that line up with that.
XBIZ: How did you become involved with Fleshlight as its biz dev and talent manager?
JAMES: Through prior business endeavors I’ve had the chance to partner with Fleshlight. So when the opportunity came it just seemed like the perfect fit and timing since I’ve already had a great relationship with some of the team.
XBIZ: Talk about the ways you blend the worlds of pleasure products and content creators to accelerate sales.
JAMES: That is a twofold question. I would say that if the brand is model-adjacent then it’s a pretty straightforward approach since the product is then in some way associated with the model. If that’s the case, of course lots of photoshoots with the model and product placement is key, while also making sure the model is utilizing social media with the content that is created.
Since the product represents her/his likeness in some way, it’s key that the model is promoting it to her/his fanbase and that I provide her with the tools to do so via a tailored marketing plan geared for the model’s fanbase.
If I’m asking a model to just promote a brand that isn’t associated with her/his anatomy in any way, then the marketing is focused more on the product’s traffic than the model’s. In this case I would ask the model to do promo commercials for social media, streaming channels, etc. and also see about integrating the product into scenes.
XBIZ: What are a few business initiatives you have successfully spearheaded this past year?
JAMES: I have spearheaded multiple projects over the past year. With the digital landscape ever changing, I invested a lot of time helping improve the sales funnel, bringing in innovative opportunities that support the direction a company is moving in and shaping the digital images of the models I work with. This gives me an opportunity to showcase my creative side and come up with new and fresh things to present. I’m excited to have executed many of my projects this year.
XBIZ: How do you juggle your various responsibilities while maintaining work/life balance?
JAMES: I don’t necessarily have a work/life balance per se. I’m a passionate person, so when I set my eyes on something, I only really know how to be at a level 10. So if it’s important to me I just find a way to make time for it. That goes for all areas of my life. But I think taking care of myself and trying my best to live a healthy lifestyle definitely helps me balance it all. I’m also fine with being busy as long as what I’m focused on is making me happy.
XBIZ: Discuss a few of the most important relationships you’ve cultivated over the years in adult.
JAMES: I’ve met some amazing people in this industry and they are part of the reason I have the success that I have now. I am naturally drawn towards hardworking trailblazers, because that energy keeps me on my toes and it’s inspiring. Surrounding myself with these types of people has only helped me grow more mentally and of course helps me quickly increase my knowledge base and connections in this industry.
XBIZ: Give us a glimpse of your real-life hobbies, interests and passions.
JAMES: Mmm, just to name a few, when I have time for myself I definitely enjoy some type of physical activity, whether that be working out, hiking, dancing, etc. I also enjoy eating so I always try to squeeze in time to make a nice meal or grab a quick bite ... I also try to find time to meditate and/or do some yoga, as it helps me stay grounded.
XBIZ: What are your goals for 2022, professionally and personally?
JAMES: Some goals I have for 2022 are to challenge myself more, learn more, improve my skills, make time for myself each day even if it’s just five minutes and just make sure I’m doing the best I can. As for work, I think some of what I just mentioned above applies but in general, my main goal is to significantly increase profits overall for all of my clients.
