By Peter Berton

YNOT – There are those in the escorting profession who make excuses for their career choice … and then there is Emma Alexandra Page. Page is proud of the work she does. She’s proud of the quality of service she provides and the attention she gives to her clients in Canada and the U.S.
YNOT.com caught up with her during her international travels.

YNOT.com: Please tell us about yourself.
Emma Alexandra Page: I’m a 45-year-old strong, independent woman. I was married but left him 10 years ago. We have three boys: 22, 20 and 17.

I’m spontaneous, adventurous and have a big heart. I have a zest for life or, as the French say, a joie de vivre.

How did you get into the business?
Truth? Out of a need for money. I was going through a tough divorce and not making enough money working as a waitress. I had asked social assistance to help but they refused, as my ex was supposed to be paying me monthly. He wasn’t — the deadbeat dad syndrome.

While reading the paper one day I saw an ad for an agency looking for “models.” I knew what they meant, so I called them. I have always loved sex, and the thoughts of being paid for it excited me.

The gentlemen owners of the agency thought I was too old, but they decided to let me try it out. To everyone’s surprise — even my own — I was their star! A few months in, I stole all their clients, and the rest was history.

I had a friend in New York City who set me up there to work, and off I went. Now I work all over Canada and the U.S.

Would you share the secrets of your success?
Sure. The understanding of men’s needs is what makes me good at what I do. I -know it’s not just a sex thing.

Contrary to popular belief, men want to feel wanted and needed and appreciated. It’s not all about getting off. I don’t cater to the “get-off guys.” I cater to the gentlemen who appreciate women.

I love making people feel special. Putting a smile and a spring in one’s step makes my day.

So do your clients become friends?
No. I have developed many friendships through the business; however, once we are friends, the sex stops. So no, I don’t do the “friends with benefits” thing.

A friend is a friend. A client is a client. Otherwise things would just get difficult. I don’t have sex with my girlfriends, so I’m not having sex with my gentlemen friends either.

Do men really grasp that they are buying sex for money? Or do they like to believe there is more to the transaction?
Most men get it. It’s a fantasy. Some men get a little too involved, or at least want to. That’s when we have to separate them from us.

You’re a mother who travels a lot. How did you juggle your profession with raising your children when they were younger?
I was lucky with the boys. When they were younger, my friend would look after them. Then, as they got older, I told them what I was doing — not in detail, but they got the gist. I told them what I do so no one else could try to demean my work.

They are very supportive now, even checking in with me when I’m on tour to make sure I’m OK. I see they have respect for women — unlike their dad.

So what is the actual life of an escort like? Not just the sex, but the day-to-day details?
My day-to-day life is like any other working woman’s. I get up and have my coffee while reading my mail. I check my ads, do house work. If I’m working that day, I prepare everything: my clothes, my room, my hair, my toys, set the ambiance with music and candles…. Then the date begins.

Other than the sex a few times a day, escorts are the same as every other woman.

What are the best parts of the job? What are the worst?
Meeting some amazing people is the best part. It doesn’t matter who they are or what they do, there are some very interesting men and women out there.

The worst part, I guess, is when someone thinks they love you. That’s so sad. I never want to hurt anyone.

Do you like your job?
Most days I love my job, but there are days I just want to scream. It’s like any job that one loves. We all have our bad days.

Finally, what are your plans for the future?
Save money and move to a nice, hot country — maybe Panama or Cuba. Or have a little business. What, I don’t know. I’m a “one day at a time” kind of woman.

For more about Page, visit her on the web at EmmaAlexandraPage.com.