An Interview With... Berlin Moss - Experiencing Agency and Indy Life

[Guest lydiahardwood]

Another weekend another interview with a delightful member of the Lyla community! This time we are talking to @Berlin Moss after being nominated to be interviewed by @vegeta85. We're talking about her general experience in the agency, including her experience working for an agency and as an Independent escort.

 

Q: Hey Berlin! Thanks so much for agreeing to be interviewed. You were recommended by @vegeta85 and I’m excited to get to know a bit more about you. So, tell me about your career so far. When and how did you get into this line of work?
A: I actually started in sex work as a camgirl as soon as I turned 18. I had been living on my own and was finishing post secondary so needed the extra money to live on. I did that on and off for a few years and eventually I moved in with roommates, which made having a cam schedule a bit difficult. In my experience the earnings were inconsistent and moving to full service sex work seemed like a feasible transition from there. I did a little bit of reading on what this side of the industry was like and decided I’d join an agency in Niagara Falls. I wasn’t in a position to spend a ton of time learning about the different agencies, and I had no idea what to even look for, so I just applied to the first ones that came up in a google search for my area. I was hired by a new agency and stayed there for about 3 years before going fully independent in Hamilton/Niagara. After some time independent though, I decided that I wanted to establish myself in Toronto. I worked with an agency there for a short time, but soon after moved to another that better suited the direction I wanted to go in professionally. The most current one is structured as a hybrid between indy and agency where we book our own calls, as well as see agency clientele. I continue to work with them when I am touring Toronto, but am fully independent when I work everywhere else. 
 
Q: You’ve worked as an Independent escort but also for an agency. Can you tell me a little more about your experience with both?
A: My experience with agencies has really been all over the map. I’ve had some amazing experiences with very supportive admin teams and then some others that were on the very opposite end of that spectrum, with everything in between.
As for independent work, I am constantly learning new things and I really enjoy all that goes into it. There is definitely a ton more that you’re not used to doing if you’re typically in an agency environment. Naturally, there’s a lot more admin type work that’s involved - scheduling and booking, advertising, screening, website management, photos, etc. 
 
Q: Have you got a preference out of the two?
A: Both have served different purposes at different times in my career and there are pros and cons to both. As far as preference, throughout the years that has been more dependent on what best suits my personal situation at the time. I love the sense of community and camaraderie in an agency setting. I also love the independent side because I feel like I get to connect more with my clients and I have more control over the business side. Of course you’re also doing all the work when you’re indy, which does equal a higher payout. (But worth mentioning you assume more risk financially as well) 
 
Q: If someone was new to escorting, would you recommend agency/going Indy?
A: In my opinion, this really boils down to an individual’s situation and where they are looking to go with sex work. Generally speaking, if there are reputable and ethically run agencies available to that person, I’d say an agency is a great stepping stone to learn the basics when you’re brand new. Once you have the physical aspects down, you can always branch off and do independent work from there. Depending on circumstances though, it can also be beneficial to work independently and have a mentor figure to show you the ropes and answer questions as you go along. I know a few people who have done indy work entirely on their own from the beginning and that has worked for them as well! There’s no single right way to go about it, it’s mostly about what suits someone best. 
 
Q: If someone wants to work on the agency side, can you give us some tips on finding a good one?
A: Some initial things I look for are a polished website and an established, reputable presence online in the community where they are. I look at their rates in contrast to the general rates for that specific area. Do they have a diverse group of people working with them? Where/how do they advertise? 
Once you’re in an interview you can more accurately gauge what the policies are, and if they align with the kind of work environment you’re looking for. 

I will say point blank that if an owner or staff member ever wants you to do an “audition” to “prove your skills” - don’t walk, run. Away. 
I’ve been with agencies in the past that fine workers for missed shifts and other various things that inconvenience them. If you’re not comfortable with that, it’s best to ask upfront what their procedures are during the interview. Security and screening methods is another great question to ask to make sure your safety is absolutely paramount - always of course, but especially where there is a demand for outcalls. I would recommend taking the time and writing down questions to ask, as there is often an overwhelming amount of information being given in an interview and you definitely want to get a good idea of their stance on all of the things that are most important to you.
 
 
Q: What’s the hardest thing about being Independent?
A: I mentioned before that you assume all of the financial risk when it comes to independent work. So if you book a hotel and you have a bunch of cancellations after you arrive, you’re ultimately on the hook for that. There are steps some can take of course to mitigate loss, but we all experience cancellations and time wasters and they can definitely add stress to the job. 
 
Q: I can see from your Twitter that you get to travel with your work, which is awesome! What places has this career taken you and where else is on the list?
A: Yes! I’ve worked all over southern Ontario, Ottawa, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and British Columbia. I’m hoping to do Newfoundland soon and once covid is over, another BC visit. 
 
Q: Can it get quite lonely? If so, how do you combat loneliness?
A: It does get lonely. By nature I’m about as introverted as it gets, so it doesn’t bother me a whole lot. I have a wonderful support network to lean on. When there isn’t a pandemic, heading to Toronto to see other industry friends usually gets rid of the lonely feels as well. 
 
Q: What are the biggest struggles for you personally in this industry?
A: Outside stigma and the way sex workers are viewed as a whole by society. There are a lot of hurdles we have to jump through in every day life because of people’s harmful perspectives and moral bias against our job. Some days it can be really disheartening, because sex workers are truly some of the most selfless and empathetic people I know. 
 
Q: To end on a positive note, what’s your favourite thing about what you do?
A: I can’t decide between two so I’ll put them both! Firstly, I love the freedom this work grants me. It’s so different from vanilla jobs I’ve held in the past and it allows for me to have more time to pursue interests and hobbies outside of work. I also love the opportunity to meet new people that I might otherwise not have the chance to. I really thrive in one on one (or two on one *wink*) environments, so I really feel like I’m able to form stronger connections in that sense. 
 

[Sharpe 771]

Berlin thank you so much for sharing.  I’m constantly amazed by how much these interviews surprise and inform.  And thank you Lydia for continuing to offer these interviews!

[Guest lydiahardwood]

25 minutes ago, Sharpe said:

Berlin thank you so much for sharing.  I’m constantly amazed by how much these interviews surprise and inform.  And thank you Lydia for continuing to offer these interviews!

I am learning so much from them! Hoping to get one a week going forward, every Sunday 🙂 If you have any topics you'd like covered do let me know!

[NotchJohnson 214134]

@lydiahardwood, thanks again for interviewing a wonderful lady like @Berlin Moss.  I do hope to get to meet her one day and get to know her on a more personal way.  I love these interviews so keep them coming @lydiahardwood.

[vegeta85 1675]

I knew @Berlin Moss would be an interesting one to interview! She's an intelligent, sensual, classy, sensual, down to earth, sensual, driven, sensual, beautiful, sensual, sensual, sensual lady, who is very sensual! (Did I mention that she's sensual?) Anyway, thank you for interviewing her, Lydia.

[Sharpe 771]

5 hours ago, lydiahardwood said:

I am learning so much from them! Hoping to get one a week going forward, every Sunday 🙂 If you have any topics you'd like covered do let me know!

Reading about Berlin made me think of other successful independent ladies.  How about @Allie Zeon ?  I’m sure she would have some stories to share and is clearly successful enough to be able to move to a beautiful dream spot in rural NB

[Trevor Lyla 43]

Great Interview. 

10 hours ago, lydiahardwood said:

will say point blank that if an owner or staff member ever wants you to do an “audition” to “prove your skills” - don’t walk, run. Away

Such a shame people think they can exploit vulnerable people like this and hope those just starting out see this!! 👏

[Guest JamesB700]

Great interview Lydia.  

Berlin is such an amazing person.  One of my favourites for sure.  Great hearing Berlin's perspective.  It's very interesting to learn a little more about Berlin and some of her stops along the way to becoming one of the nicest, funniest, cutest, hottest, naughtiest, sexiest and dare I say "most sensual" providers touring these days.  

Just simply a wonderful human.

Never stop being so amazing Berlin!  ❤️

[StephanieMystique 1903]

Wonderfully said. I love that you've had a positive experience with agencies.