This week, YNOT had the pleasure of speaking with Latina porn star, Leda Lotharia. Featured talent in the YNOT booth at Exxxotica Chicago, the black-haired, twenty-one-year-old ball of energy exudes positivity, humor, and fun. To Leda, “porn is beautiful,” so read on and enjoy the viewpoint of a young woman who not only loves what she does but has a true passion for the industry.

How did you get your start in the adult world and what do you enjoy most about the industry?

Honestly, I think it was curiosity. I’m originally from Las Vegas and when I turned 18, I was doing a lot of content creation, web camming and fetish porn when someone noticed me. From there, I did a couple mainstream gigs. The thing I love the most about the industry are the amazing people I meet, the opportunities I’ve gotten, and the chance to use my sexuality in a way that I wouldn’t have outside the industry.

Tell us about your experience at Exxxotica.

So far, I’ve gone to two and I can honestly say it is one of the best chances to meet your fans as well as other enthusiastic performers. Not only is there great networking but you meet positive likeminded people.

We know YNOT was one of your fave booths at the expo but tell us about some of the others you enjoyed.

I like all the sex toy booths and lingerie stores. I always check out the smaller sex toy brands, it’s a favorite at all conventions. I do sex toy reviews, and I just enjoy it.

How do you stay on the cutting edge in a business that is so competitive?

I try not to look the business as competitive. Once you’re in your own lane, it’s more about focusing on your thing and more about connecting with your audience. For example, if I’m competing with a tiny 90-pound blonde girl it’s apples to oranges, so find your audience. Also don’t compete with other girls anyway – fuck ‘em instead!

What are you most proud of in your career and why?

I’ve been in three years and I’m very proud of how far I’ve gotten sexually. I consider sex work like being an athlete. I have pushed my body to new directions that I never thought I would be able to. I’m also proud that I’ve become my own boss with my own content and name. I’m making a lot of my own porn and controlling every scene I make. It’s very creative. I’ve always had a very creative mind, so being able to produce my own stuff is a real fit for me.

Who inspires you and what other models do you look up to?

Goth Charlotte, Lexi Lore, and Joanna Angel. Those three are not only amazing performers but they’re amazing producers and that’s what I want to achieve in my career in the next few years.

What do you wish people understood more about the adult industry?

I wish the outside world people saw porn as something we enjoy, when you see it reported in the mainstream – it’s negative. What they don’t understand is it’s quite beautiful when you experience it yourself and I wish they could see it through our eyes. I find it empowering.

What do you do to relax when you are nervous about a shoot?

I do get nervous, especially working for a new company. The night before I get plenty of sleep and no drinking so in the morning, I’m very relaxed and ready for work. Also, the night or morning before I practice with toys if it’s an extreme scene.

If you weren’t a model what else would you be?

I would probably be in culinary school – I love making pastas and Italian foods. Or I’d be in nursing school. I come from family of women who were nurses, so I grew up with a very nurturing disposition and it fits me. But now I just play a naughty nurse which is way more fun!

I definitely put on a performance, but really, it’s just an exaggerated view of myself, a heightened version. Sometimes I feel like I’m playing a character, but I’m always at the very least 75% myself. I think it’s very important to bring your authentic self to set.

Where do you see your career five years from now?

I would like to go international and working in Europe has been one of dreams. I would also really like to get into producing and making my own content. I’m starting to do that now!

To find and follow Leda head over to her Twitter @ledalotharia and her OnlyFans @leadlotharia.