Smutlancer Spotlight: Seshata Rose

Are you still working a 9 to 5 job? Me too, y’all! I’m grateful I work in the pleasure industry (and for financial stability) but I wish I had a little more time to hone in on my smutlancer passions and ideas. 

Being a part-time smutlancer can be tough and sometimes pretty lonely, especially if your feed is filled with full-time sex bloggers, influencers, editors, etc. like mine. So this month, I decided to interview a part-time smutlancer who’s making big moves. Fellow smutlancers, allow me to introduce Seshata Rose.

Seshata Rose (she/her) is an educator and creative writer who has a passion for poetry and pleasure activism. She has self-published Soul Touching (2017) and Soul Syncing (2018). Both poetry collections discuss intimacy, sexual desire, and love. Seshata finds enjoyment in promoting sensual liberation and wellness, so she created Queendom: a goddess guide, planner, journal 3-in-1, with sensual and self-care tasks. 

She holds her Masters in Education: Curriculum and Instructional Leadership. She serves as a secondary science educator, instructional coach, and curriculum developer. Seshata leverages her strengths as an educator by creating lesson materials, sharing deliverables in a bite-size way, and facilitating, to provide this cohesive experience for women exploring their sexuality.

Spotlighting Seshata reminded me that where there’s a will, there’s a way and to trust the process. There are many times when social media, Patreon and IRL relationships cause me to compare myself to others or go into analysis paralysis. 

I know I’m not alone based on the results I got when I googled “social media comparing yourself to others and analysis paralysis.” So, if you can relate or just want some cool resources and tips to help you on your smutlancer journey, this interview is for you. 

How do you make money as a smutlancer?

Mostly through programs, ebooks, and brand partnerships. The topics I cover include sexuality (pleasure advocacy, kink education, etc..), women empowerment, sensual liberation, intimacy, and feminine embodiment. 

How long have you been a smutlancer? When did you get interested in sex and creating content about it?

I’ve been in the sexuality space for six years. I started out exclusively sharing erotic poetry/prose and have evolved over the years into a sexuality brand. I’ve always had an interest and passion for erotica and had an interest as early as junior high.

Are you a full-time or part-time smutlancer? Do you have a day job?

Part-time. I am a full-time science educator.

Are you open with anyone about the work you do? 

I work creatively under my alias Seshata Rose. I am open about my work to friends, family my age, prospective romantic partners, and a very limited group of former colleagues. I use a pseudonym to keep my professional life as an educator separate from my sexuality work.

When and how did you realize this was what you wanted to do professionally?

I don’t believe there was one precise moment. I’ve known for a long time that sexuality and erotica would be a part of my life. Within the last 2-3 years I’ve decided that I want this to be my full-time commitment. It’s the only thing that truly sets my soul on fire and doesn’t feel like work to me. 

How did you get started and how long before you felt like you had “made it”?

I started my Seshata Rose brand six years ago. I’ve learned and grown so much in my craft and in my business since then. For me, success looks like freedom over my finances and my time. So “made it” to me is when I can leave my 9-5 [job] and work 100% for myself doing what I love. 

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you started creating content about sex or became a smutlancer?

I wish I took social media and content creation seriously very early on. When I started, I shared poetry and imagery inconsistency, as I felt like it. Only in the last few years have I researched and learned about how to use social media as a tool to monetize my gifts.

What does a typical day look like for you when you’re smutlancing?

Reading and researching: A lot of what I know about sexuality is self-taught. I invest a lot of time building my knowledge base. 

Creating content: Writing and sharing kinks and other sex positive content in a way that’s relatable, direct and easily comprehensible for others.

Networking: Partnering with other creatives in my niche, attending events, and building community.

Facilitating: Creating safe spaces to discuss “taboo” topics and leading sensual and self-care programs.

What is your favorite content to create or type of smutlancing work to do?

I love creating content that brings awareness to kinks and promotes sensuality. Anything that makes people feel empowered to explore themselves, their desires, and if they choose- share intimacy with others. 

In a perfect world, what would you want your legacy to be as a smutlancer?

I want my work to leave everyone who interacts with it feeling prepared to practice sexual agency and pleasure advocacy. To be prepared to raise a more sex-positive and aware generation of kids. To feel confident in themselves, their body, and tuned into their divine power. 

What do you absolutely need to have when you’re ready to sit down and work to be productive?

I have to have something that engages my sense of smell. I burn candles, incense, or sage. [I also need some] vibey tunes turned low. I typically listen to “Herbal, Tea, and Whiskey” by Chianexo [on Spotify]. I prefer to be in my home office or a coffee/book store. Lastly, some tea (coffee if I’m out) and the work mood is set. I pull out all of my tools (Google Suite, Canva, Planoly, InShot) and go to work!

Who or what inspired you to become a smutlancer?

I started my journey writing erotic short stories in middle school. Back then, I had read my mom’s entire Zane collection and I thought I would love to do something similar. Now, [some] of my greatest sources of inspiration are Evyan Whitney, Shan Boodram, and Blktouch.

Name the best, strangest, funniest, wildest thing you’ve experienced as a smutlancer.

Doing sex work. I formerly ran an Onlyfans account and I really enjoyed it. I appreciated the freedom it gave me to express myself fully without the restrictions of shadowbanning and the risk of a deleted account. I loved how it challenged me to learn about and explore new kinks, as well as tap into my femme dom energy more. The instant gratification of earning [money] from what I created left a lasting impact on me. I also had the opportunity to have a lot of healing and growing conversations with fans via DM, which led me to the realization that sex coaching is the avenue I want to take this career.

Follow Seshata Rose on Twitter, Instagram, or on Clubhouse at @seshatarose and check out her website! Leave a comment to share what this month’s spotlight reminded you about your journey or inspired you to do in your business.