We were lucky to catch up with Marilyn Monhoe recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Marilyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your creative career?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my career in healthcare administration, particularly as the Director of Operations in the ENT and aesthetics space, is the importance of setting firm boundaries between your professional and personal life. In corporate America, despite what many companies claim about valuing diversity and personal freedom, your actions outside of work can often be scrutinized in ways that unfairly impact your career.

For context, I’ve worked for over 15 years in healthcare, excelling in every position I held. Simultaneously, I have been a highly successful online content creator on the OnlyFans platform for the past seven years, to the point where I could have left my day job entirely. However, I chose to stay in the workforce because of my passion for the aesthetic industry. Throughout my five years with my previous employer, my work ethic was impeccable, and I had built strong relationships within the organization.

That all changed when an anonymous email containing nude photos from my OnlyFans account was sent to my employer and colleagues. Despite my track record and contributions, I was forced to resign. This experience was devastating—not only because of the professional loss but also because it highlighted a harsh reality: in corporate environments, personal choices that don’t align with their image can be grounds for dismissal, no matter how exemplary your work is.

This taught me that setting boundaries is not just about separating work and life, but also about being vigilant about the values and cultures of the organizations you work for. It’s crucial to work for employers who respect you for who you are, both personally and professionally, and who don’t impose their judgment on your private life. Today, I am fortunate to be with an employer that respects and supports me fully, recognizing my professionalism without allowing personal biases to interfere.

The lesson here is that you should never compromise your personal integrity or allow yourself to be trapped by an employer that doesn’t see your full value. Understanding and maintaining boundaries can protect not only your career but also your mental well-being.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a successful online content creator, particularly known for my work as Shanassty on OnlyFans, where I’ve been active since 2017. This journey has not only transformed my life but has also allowed me to explore and thrive in multiple aspects of my identity and career. I’ve been married for 15 years, and I’m a proud parent of four amazing adult children, all of whom have been incredibly supportive of my personal and professional endeavors.

My success as an online creator is rooted in my authenticity. I’ve always prioritized being true to myself, and my followers appreciate that. They connect with me because I don’t try to fit into anyone else’s mold—I embrace who I am, and that has been a huge factor in building a loyal and engaged fan base.

In addition to my online work, I’m deeply passionate about the aesthetic industry. For me, maintaining my appearance and self-confidence is not just important for my brand but also personally. I understand how powerful aesthetic treatments can be in helping people feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin, and I bring that understanding into my professional work in the industry.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to connect on a personal level with my audience, whether it’s through my online platform or in the aesthetic industry. I am not just creating content or working in an office—I’m providing a sense of empowerment and authenticity, helping others feel confident and accepted. I’m proud of the community I’ve built, the trust I’ve earned from both my followers and clients, and my ability to balance my personal life and passions with a thriving career.

What I want potential clients and followers to know is that I am more than just a content creator. I’m a businesswoman, a creative, and someone who deeply values authenticity, confidence, and personal growth. Whether you’re engaging with my content or working with me in the aesthetic space, you can expect honesty, dedication, and a passion for helping people look and feel their best.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building a social media following today is much more challenging than it was in the early 2010s, but the core principles of success haven’t changed. It’s all about staying ahead of trends while staying true to yourself. I started building my audience in 2010 on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where I posted daily. I shared my thoughts, gave people a glimpse into my life, and was unapologetically myself. My audience resonated with that authenticity, and it helped me grow a loyal following.

By the time I launched my OnlyFans career in 2017, I already had an established community of followers who were eager to see more of me. That existing social media presence made my transition into the content creation space smoother because I had built trust with my audience over the years.

Nowadays, building a following can be tough, especially with platform algorithms and shadow bans that make it harder for new creators to gain visibility. My advice for anyone just starting out is to consistently post content that aligns with your voice and values. Don’t chase viral moments—post what feels real and authentic to you. In an era full of AI-generated content and curated perfection, people crave authenticity. Sharing your real-life experiences and thoughts makes you relatable and helps build genuine connections. The key is to show up consistently and allow your true personality to shine through. That’s what will set you apart and help you grow your audience over time.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing that I think non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey is the emotional and mental investment required to be a successful content creator. From the outside, it can seem like a glamorous or easy job, but in reality, it requires a lot of hard work, consistency, and vulnerability. As a creative, you’re constantly putting yourself out there, sharing intimate parts of your life, and opening yourself up to judgment from strangers. It’s not just about producing content; it’s about maintaining a connection with your audience, which can take an emotional toll.

Additionally, the pressure to stay relevant and maintain your appearance, especially in a visual platform, can be overwhelming. There’s also the unpredictability of income—success in this field is not guaranteed, and it often requires constant adaptation to new trends and changes in platform algorithms.

One insight I would offer is that while the creative journey can be rewarding, it’s also filled with uncertainty. It takes resilience, self-discipline, and an ability to handle rejection and criticism. For anyone who might be looking at a creative career, it’s important to understand that the work goes beyond what you see on the surface. It’s about passion, persistence, and being willing to show up even on the days when it’s hard to do so.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.shanassty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanassty_/profilecard/?igsh=MTU0ZGh3bXl4aXJueQ==
• Twitter: HTTPS://www.x.com/shanassty

Image Credits

Anthony Caldwell – @mr.atitagain