Why Marina Valmont Says Creators Should Learn to Say No

SWCEO Interviews Marina Valmont

Blog Post Written By: MelRose Michaels

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What does it take to lead a major adult platform after a decade in front of the camera? How do you step into power when people still treat you like the talent, not the executive?

In a recent Twitter Space conversation, MelRose Michaels sits down with Marina Valmont, longtime anchor turned Executive Producer of Naked News, to talk about leadership, longevity, reinvention, and the power of saying no in an industry that’s always watching.

MelRose Michaels: Welcome back to On the Whorizon. I’m MelRose Michaels, your host, and today we’re talking about what it takes to be taken seriously when you come from a sex work background. What happens when saying no becomes your biggest power move? And how do you evolve when the industry keeps shifting under your feet?

Today’s guest has gone from body paint at the Playboy Mansion to boardrooms behind the scenes. From stripping in Vegas and posing for Playboy to producing and leading one of the most iconic adult platforms in the world. Marina Valmont is proof that you can be the talent and the power behind it.

Marina, thank you so much for joining us.

Marina Valmont: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure. I’ve always admired your podcast and love the community you’ve built.

MelRose Michaels: That means a lot. I’ve followed your work for years, but for those just tuning in, can you share a bit about who you are and what your career in the industry has looked like?

Marina Valmont: I’m a redhead from Toronto, Canada, and I was drawn into the adult world through modeling and dancing. I’ve danced and traveled across the U.S., Vegas, New York, and Louisiana, and eventually came back to Toronto, where I auditioned for Naked News. I’ve been an anchor there for 13 years and, this past year, became Executive Producer of Naked News and Cam4.

MelRose Michaels: That’s such an achievement. What originally drew you into the adult world, and what has kept you here all these years?

Marina Valmont: I’ve always been drawn to the glamor. I loved Playboy, Anna Nicole Smith, and the energy of being on stage. There’s an intoxicating power in commanding a room. I started with pageants and modeling, but broadcasting gave me more reach, creative growth, and a platform to connect with different audiences and communities.

MelRose Michaels: Yes! Even with camming, I found myself constantly thinking on my feet, developing this “live improv” skill that carries over into everything, from advocacy to press interviews. What was it like transitioning into the executive producer role and leading behind the scenes?

Marina Valmont: I assumed the shift would be quick, but it’s been a year-long growth process. Many people at Naked News knew me from day one, so it was an adjustment for them to see me as a leader.

Externally, I’ve had situations where people weren’t comfortable discussing business with me, often preferring to talk to a man instead. That’s been frustrating. I’m soft-spoken and feminine, and some assume that means I’m not serious. But I am very serious about business.

MelRose Michaels: I’ve had a similar experience. As a performer turned executive, I’ve been in meetings where people default to my male co-founders, even when I’m the decision-maker. And sometimes I’ve internalized that and deferred to them for validation without realizing it.

Have you ever caught yourself doing that, too?

Marina Valmont: Yes. I’ve leaned on my producer and others behind the scenes for that validation. Once, I told someone I was the Executive Producer of Naked News, and they smirked and said, “Oh, does it say that on your business card?” And I said, “Yes, actually, here it is.”

MelRose Michaels: It’s exhausting. And I think the disrespect sometimes comes not just from being a woman, but from being a creator, a sex worker, or lacking a “traditional” background.

Do you ever feel like your experience is dismissed because it comes from the adult industry?

Marina Valmont: Absolutely. I didn’t go to university, so people overlook the 20 years I’ve spent building this career. But the truth is, we’re doing so much, marketing, content creation, editing, running our brands, navigating platform rules, and stigma. This work makes you strong. It makes you sharp.

But many people, even within the industry, don’t recognize it.

MelRose Michaels: Yes! It’s so undervalued. We may not have MBAs, but we’ve mastered real-world marketing, design, customer experience, branding, you name it. We’ve had to learn fast and adapt even faster.

Marina Valmont: Exactly. And we often underestimate ourselves, too. I used to be shy, but dancing taught me how to walk into any room and strike up a conversation. We’re constantly learning and adapting. That’s one of our greatest strengths.

MelRose Michaels: Have you ever had to advocate for your own authority, really push back and say, “No, this isn’t how I want to be treated”?

Marina Valmont: Yes. I was invited to participate in X3 Louisiana, but the company didn’t really understand what it meant for me to be an executive producer. They wanted me to be a “booth mom.” I suggested an alternative plan, and they declined. So I said no and walked away.

We didn’t speak for months, but when they came back, they approached me with more respect. Saying no can earn you more credibility than saying yes.

MelRose Michaels: That is such a powerful reminder. I’ve had similar situations where a no today opened up better yes's later. It’s hard in the moment, especially when you’re early in your career and scared to say no to anything that looks like an opportunity.

Marina Valmont: I’ve learned that saying no to someone else is often saying yes to yourself. If an opportunity doesn’t align with who you are or who you’re becoming, it’s okay to walk away. The right ones will come back.

MelRose Michaels: What advice would you give to creators who struggle with saying no?

Marina Valmont: If you’re caught off guard in person, stall. Say, “I need to run it by my team” or “Let me check my schedule.” That gives you space to say no later. And if you can, say no via email; it’s so much easier to do in writing.

MelRose Michaels: That’s great advice. I also wanted to ask: have you ever dealt with self-doubt or pressure tied to your appearance or earnings, especially as a performer?

Marina Valmont: Definitely. I struggle with anxiety and depression, so if I’m earning less, it’s easy to spiral into “Is it me? Do people just hate me now?” But talking to peers helps. When top creators are also seeing a drop, you realize it’s the market, not your worth.

MelRose Michaels: Yes. We see that in our CEO Society community, too. Just knowing you're not alone can lift so much pressure.

Marina Valmont: But we also have to be careful. Some fans will try to take advantage during these downturns. They’ll push for free content or overstep boundaries. We have to stay firm.

MelRose Michaels: You’ve sustained a career in this industry for over 20 years, which is incredible. What have you learned about reinvention?

Marina Valmont: The best advice I ever got was: reinvent yourself every 3–4 years. That doesn’t mean changing everything. It could be shifting your aesthetic, trying a new niche, or exploring new interests.

This year alone, I became Executive Producer, got engaged, left that relationship, and now I’m dating a woman. So I’ve rebranded myself again, and it feels good.

MelRose Michaels: I love that. Fans want to evolve with us now. They don’t just want the highlight reel. They want to come along for the journey.

How do you stay grounded when things feel overwhelming?

Marina Valmont: Nature. I’m a naturist, so I spend time at my home in a naturist community. I go for walks, swim in the lake, do puzzles, and unplug. Being around people who aren’t judging you by your appearance or status is incredibly grounding.

MelRose Michaels: You’ve mentioned the importance of being real and authentic a few times. How do you balance that with running a brand and protecting your privacy?

Marina Valmont: I share as much as I can, but never my real-time location or who I’m dating until I’m sure about the relationship. I don’t talk politics. Instead, I talk about food, fashion, puzzles, and things I love. That’s where I can be authentic without oversharing.

MelRose Michaels: If you could go back and give advice to your younger self, what would you say?

Marina Valmont: Be single. Don’t date anyone right now. Do more research. Don’t drink on the job. Enjoy your freedom and take care of your future self.

MelRose Michaels: And for the creators feeling stuck or burnt out, what’s one thing you’d want them to take from this conversation?

Marina Valmont: You are number one. Take a break. Touch grass. Talk to your friends. You are not alone in this. We’re all going through it, and we’re doing it together.

MelRose Michaels: What’s lighting you up right now? What’s next?

Marina Valmont: Summer in Toronto is amazing. I’m heading to Exxxotica Amsterdam for my birthday, and I’ll be walking the red carpet with my girlfriend, our official debut!

MelRose Michaels: That’s beautiful. Thank you so much, Marina, for being here and sharing your story and your insight. Can you let people know where to follow and support you?

Marina Valmont: Everywhere, Instagram, YouTube, OnlyFans, @MarinaValmont. On TikTok, I’m @Marina.Valmont. Join me on this journey. I’m living, learning, and growing like we all are.

MelRose Michaels: Thank you so much, Marina. You’ve given so much value in this conversation.

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Some parts of the above interview have been condensed or edited for clarity. For the full interview, listen to the entire podcast episode here

P.S. If you’re ready to take your creator business seriously without sacrificing your sanity, don’t miss our episode “Run your adult content business like a Fortune 500 company (without burning out)”. It’s packed with real strategies, mindset shifts, and practical tools to help you scale sustainably. Give it a listen, you’ll walk away thinking bigger.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the interview are those of the guest speaker and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SexWorkCEO or MelRose Michaels. Anything said or written is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone else.