While attending college, Shelly H. began working as a marketing assistant at a women’s shoe company. She did not dislike the job, but she knew she wanted more. Applying everything she had been learning, Shelly branched out to create her own women’s shoe business with a close friend.
As they juggled multiple duties, their company grew and they began to meet influencers in the entertainment space. Through connections made, she was offered a business management position for a top digital creator.
Everyone is extremely talented at what they do and we all put our best foot forward to try and attain the best exposure we can for the brand.
Within six months, she went from managing one venture to managing four. Though she was busy all the time, she remembers enjoying every minute of it, mastering even more skill sets and meeting new people.
Nonetheless, after three years Shelly began to feel a little stagnant and started seeking growth opportunities. That was when she started looking into the film industry. Fast-forwarding to now, she has joined one of the fastest growing studio networks in the adult space: Model Media.
Founded in 2019, Model Media became a pioneer in the Asian adult market, quickly rising to prominence in China, Taiwan and Japan. Now the company also has a strong foothold in the U.S. as an XBIZ Award-winning brand with sites like Jerkaoke, Delphine Films, Model Media Asia and POV Adventure.
In this WIA Woman of the Month interview, we sit down with Shelly to discuss her approach to business development, and her plans for Model Media.
XBIZ: What led you to join this industry?
SHELLY: Wanting to expand into something bigger sparked my interest in the film industry. One day, I was randomly looking over job listings and I came across a post that caught my attention. I saw Model Media was hiring and I applied. When I got called to interview, I was informed it was in the adult entertainment space. Never once did I think I would be working for this industry, but now I’m so happy I applied. I love what I do and I love working for the brand.
XBIZ: How has your role evolved with Model Media since joining the company?
SHELLY: I feel like I’ve learned so many things since starting with the company. I’ve primarily always worked in the beauty and influencer space, so joining the Model Media team has definitely helped me venture out a bit more and negotiate the way the big boys do. I feel like my mind has broadened. It’s allowed my creativity and my problem-solving skills to expand. I’m happy that I’m surrounded by supportive colleagues who allow me to express myself and mentor me, so I can help make a name for our brand.
XBIZ: What does a “typical” day or week look like for you?
SHELLY: At Model Media, we’re always looking to expand, whether it be in new collaborations or new projects we have lined up. Every week and/or day can be a little different, whether brainstorming new ideas, negotiating new deals or developing PR campaigns — you name it. Our business team is always busy and we’re always focusing on what can best benefit the company.
XBIZ: How do you collaborate with other members of the Model Media team?
SHELLY: What I love about the company is how structured and comfortable our dynamic is. We usually start each Monday with a meeting. We strategize and go over everything that needs to be accomplished for the week. From there, we harmonize within our different departments to assist each other in whatever task it is we are currently working on. We are all consistently working together so we’re all always in communication.
XBIZ: What’s one project you spearheaded this year that you’re especially proud of?
SHELLY: This year was my first year ever attending and organizing our participation in adult expos. Although the process was a bit tedious, I definitely learned a lot. I’m now looking forward to attending many more. We’re also currently working on a campaign that I’m pretty excited about. I can’t reveal it just yet but I’m excited to see the outcome. Details coming soon!
XBIZ: What makes Model Media truly unique?
SHELLY: I think what sets Model Media apart is our family dynamic and content. Everyone is extremely talented at what they do and we all put our best foot forward to try and attain the best exposure we can for the brand. The company was started in Taiwan in 2019 and has already become so successful in such a short time span. Not to mention, we pride ourselves on developing good quality content that people can appreciate. I think we definitely have made waves when it comes to our Asian films.
XBIZ: How do you forge partnerships with other companies and businesses to promote mutual success?
SHELLY: Through a lot of outreach and extensive research! I have found that the best and most successful deals are where both parties stand to strongly gain from the deal being proposed. Highlighting all of the benefits from a potential partnership between both parties is crucial. Also, creating great relationships with our partners is always a top priority.
XBIZ: Tell us a bit about your personal life and how you spend your time when not working. Any special talents or hobbies?
SHELLY: When I’m not at work I really enjoy doing activities that soothe my mind. I enjoy working out, whether it be weightlifting, Pilates, yoga, cycling, dance, etc. I love traveling; this year I would really like to visit as many places as possible. I’m also trying to step out of my comfort zone a bit more, so I’m doing things like skydiving, bungee jumping and/or cliff jumping. Some hobbies of mine include painting, reading, meditating, DIY-ing and refurbishing old furniture.
XBIZ: Discuss your biggest biz dev goals for the coming year.
SHELLY: I would say my biggest goal for Model Media would be to continue expanding. I would definitely want us to be the pioneers in the adult space for Asian content in the U.S. We are definitely well-established in Asia, so bringing that same status over to the U.S would be the overall goal. I think we’re on the right track; however, with more push I think we can establish this in the near future. I’m looking forward to what the rest of this year has to offer for the company.
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.
