From 300 lb BBW to 130 lb Girl Next Door-Before & After Pics/Exclusive Interview-Tay Stevens

All pictures courtesy of Tay Stevens

Exclusive Interview with Taylor Stevens

Taylor Stevens has been an adult webcam mainstay for several years. The busty blonde Toronto native began modeling and performing on the BBW circuit before losing 170 pounds following a resolute year-long diet. Since shedding the weight, Taylor has successfully transitioned into conventional cam work and runs two popular websites, PlayWithTay.com and TayStevens.com.
Taylor kindly discussed several topics with Luke Is Back, including her time working as a BBW performer, how life has changed after losing such a significant amount of weight, her feelings on interacting with fans, and more.
 
Thank you for taking the time to speak with LIB, Taylor. Let’s begin by telling readers a little bit about yourself and your work.
Hey!! Thank you so much for the opportunity. 🙂 I’m Taylor Stevens, I’m 27, and I’m from Toronto, Canada. My Ethnicity is Palestinian. I’ve been the face of webcam for about 7 years now and the number-one chat host and fan club on my site. Some people say I "invented webcam" and that’s a HUGE compliment to me. I love what I do. I’ve modeled for Score, Voluptuous, Xl girls, Pinupglam, and Pinupfiles. I’m bouncy and playful and I just love to translate that on cam at www.playwithtay.com and www.taystevens.com

I’m into sports big time: Love Football – go Vikings!! (That’s my Brett Favre love). I’m a Sportsbetting princess, lol, so no-one is allowed to bother me on Sundays. After my Parlay comes through, however, I will be happy to talk to you, lol. I love Poker, traveling, Karaoke, UFC, and movies. Most of all, I love showing off behind the camera. I’m down to Earth, silly, goofy, and fun. I’m a gamer girl so I’m a bit nerdy, lol. Madden 11 or WoW anyone ? I am still a girly girl, though, and I love the color pink. 🙂 I have a degree in criminology and criminal justice. I have two Shih Tzu doggies that I love. 🙂 I’ve been through a lot in life and I’ve learned and am still learning. 🙂 I’m single and still looking for my Prince Charming.

How did you initially become interested – and later involved – in the adult industry?
I worked at a local Hooters and I bartended on weekends while I was in university, and a friend of mine mentioned this webcam "thing" at the time, and I thought, “Ok, why not give a shot on the nights after school?” I decided to get behind the camera, and everything was so natural to me and I became instantly successful on the site, and I loved and still love every minute of it. It was all totally natural to me and then more and more opportunities came my way. When I first started, the person that was supposed to help me get started actually ended up scamming me. But his first words were, "You’ll never make it because …" and his list included the fact that I was a heavier girl then. But I’m the type of person when you tell me I can’t I will show you I can. I always admired and looked up to the girls who could be entertaining and sexual at the same time. I love entertaining people and putting a smile on peoples faces, so it’s okay if I did that topless 🙂

You began your career as a BBW model before losing a massive amount of weight in recent years – in the neighborhood of 170 pounds, if I am not mistaken. What made you decide to drop the weight – was it a personal or professionally driven choice?

Yes … I used to weigh 300lbs, and in 2006 I lost 170lbs with diet and exercise. There was no bypass surgery involved. It was killer hard work and I did it – woot! Vegas is what was my motivation. It started out personal. I loved Vegas and went for the first time when I was really heavy, and as most of you know, there’s sooo much walking to do in Vegas and I remember getting tired and not being able to do all the things I loved, and I vowed March 16th, 2006 that I would not return to Vegas till I was able to thoroughly enjoy it – which I have time and time again since then. My health was very much at risk and I was very close to having diabetes, and I had to do something and right away.
Contrary to what some people might think, I was extremely successful as a BBW and it was a hard decision professionally actually, because I had a lot of fans as a BBW and I was wondering what the risk would be to my career. Luckily, my fans are loyal and loved me for what I brought to them, not necessarily my weight. I lost some and was reamed out by many BBW girls and BBW lovers for losing the weight as well. I, however, gained many more along with a lot of respect for what I did, but my level of success in my part of the industry has sky rocketed and I owe that to the great bonds, friendships, and fun times with my fans.

Can you speak about working as a BBW performer for those who may not be overly familiar with that side of the industry?
I was very confident and comfortable in my own skin as a BBW. I think its very tough for a lot of BBW girls and I think most people don’t realize that men LOVE curvy women. I don’t regret losing weight, but I am still curvy. I think every BBW – or many at least, because I cant speak for all of them – fight with the idea of being thin on a constant basis. I know I did. The adult industry in media, etc. focuses a lot on the ideal girl, but there is a huge market for BBW girls. I’ve heard time and time again "I loved her better when she was fat", but I’m okay with that because I know I can’t please everyone all the time, despite trying really hard, lol. When I was fat I was too fat, thin now I’m too thin, then it transitioned from making fun of my figure to insulting comments about my face. It’s gonna happen when you put yourself out there. I have thick skin, so now I’m good.

The BBW community is underrated and goes unnoticed a lot. To be great big or small you have to be confident and love what you do.

Do you feel that larger-figured on-camera talent is treated with the same respect as more traditional-looking performers by both producers and fans?
From a producers perspective I don’t think they are. I think producers are smart and they know what sells. We always see unrealistic-type models in magazines and that sells. I know for a fact that lots of girls in the industry love being curvy – including myself – and are highly respected for it, but the trend of selling more traditional talent always seems to prevail. I have noticed that producers are trending towards showing curvier, less airbrushed real women behind the camera and I’m really happy about that. I know, though, that a lot of new opportunities opened up when I lost the weight, so from a producers perspective its definitely about what sells. I will say, though, a few people I have worked with have said, “Don’t lose anymore weight. We love your curves.” Its really just who they are marketing to.

As far as fans go … everyone loves something different. Everyone’s idea of beauty is different. BBW fans love their BBW girls. They give them the utmost respect, as they should. I was lucky that my BBW fans still loved me and what I brought to them even when I lost the weight. I think the fans love and respect the talent for doing what they do. If I’m 300 lbs and I put a smile on your face, or 120 lbs and put a smile on your face, the end result is the same and that’s really what matters.

How has the overall fan reaction been to your weight loss? Have many of your supporters from the BBW days remained Tay Stevens fans? Thank you so much for this question. Overall, I have gained a ton of new fans and a LOT of respect. It was not easy for me to do what I did – it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life. It took me 13 months, I lost a lot of friends, and realized who I was. When I first lost the weight, I got a lot of hell from the BBW community, a lot of insults and a lot of crap – not from everyone, but from the diehard BBW lovers. It was really hard for me because I have always respected BBW performers and thought they were beautiful, but there was some hateful stuff said and it hurt because I hate disappointing people, but at the same time I had to do what was best for me.
Overall, I gained new fans, maintained my BBW fans, and I know for certain it’s because I give them a kick-ass good time on camera and I am very genuine with who I am. When they meet me in person or when they get to know me they know I’m the same person off cam as I am on cam. I’m silly, loving, crazy, and wild, and I love what I do and who I am. So, YES. 🙂 There are tons of Tay Stevens fans from the old and new. 🙂

What are some of the major differences you have discovered between working as a BBW performer and a customary adult industry actress?
I don’t think there is as many differences as people may think. We are all part of the same family, we bring different things to the table, but we all sit down and eat together. I have not done any hardcore yet, so I cannot relate too much to the behind-the-scenes of shooting porn. I have done solo work and I can say with honesty that sometimes I felt as a BBW that they expected more out of me because I was bigger … almost like I had more to prove. I gave and still give my all at any weight, so for me it was without question that I would give my best.
I think that sometimes the industry tries to play on the insecurities of a BBW and make them think he or she is worth less then a customary adult industry actor, which is absurd.
I think performers work hard to entertain and maintain themselves the way their fans want. I know that I have to work very hard to keep my current figure (primarily because I love to eat, lol), but also because this is where I am at right now and have current projects at this weight, etc., as well as the fact that once you have a branded look or name, its hard to change sometimes even if you want to. That’s why I make sure that where I am at is where I want to be. If you stay strong and don’t settle for less then your best, you’ll be great. 🙂

Do you have a preference between the two?
My health was my only preference. I’m happy and healthy now and that’s what I prefer. Granted, I loved being a BBW because it was soo nice to know that people loved me for me and loved my curves. It’s very rewarding to be the number-one host on your site at 298 lbs. I also love to eat and it was a hard thing to have to find a different diet.

Even as a BBW I worked out. There’s this misconception that BBW’s just sit around and eat or don’t care about their health. That’s false. I miss the food, but I gained years on my life, and living my life for as long as I can the best that I can is definitely my preference.
 
In what ways – both personally and professionally – has your weight loss most significantly changed your life?
After I lost my weight I gained a new sense of self, actually. My tattoo on my back says, "Destined, Driven, Determined". It was my first tattoo and I got it after losing the weight and going to Vegas for the AVN awards and convention. It’s opened doors professionally that were not open before because it just simply wasn’t what certain people were looking for. It also gave me a new lease on life – I’m healthier then I have ever been, I embrace working out, I’m much more active and full of even more energy.
I lost a lot of friends – friends who were there for the wrong reasons. Friends who tried to sabotage my weight loss. I guess in retrospect they weren’t really friends. Most of all it just made me realize what’s important in my life, what I want, and its definitely made me a more confident person. It gave me strength to realize I can accomplish anything that I really and truly put my heart into.

What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with weight and diet issues?
Oh, I have been asked this question so many times and I love it. My best advice is do what’s best for you. DO NOT give into a fad diet. Nothing good ever comes easy. Commit to yourself, your goals, and what you want. Don’t try and be someone you’re not – be what you want to be, whether its 300lbs, 150lbs, 120lbs. Just be healthy. Exercise and know what your putting into your body. Also, it’s okay to fall, it’s okay to not be perfect all the time – just know how to pick yourself up again. Also, I’d tell them to email me, ‘cause I will be happy to give them that kick in the ass that I needed and got so many times. 🙂 Look, its not easy, its really not, and you will be extremely hard on yourself, but you need to know it’s okay to indulge, it’s not realistic to say you’re never gonna eat sugar ever again. I’d set mini-goals and go one step at a time. You know the quote (I’m a quote person): "A thousand-mile journey begins with just one step".

You have posted many photos and articles on your blog relating to appearances at adult industry conventions such as Glamourcon, Exxxctacy, and the upcoming Adultcon gathering in September. What do you enjoy most about attending these events?
I love, love, love going to conventions, primarily because I get to meet all the amazing people who have supported, loved, jerked off (Can I say that?) to me all these years. I love letting people see that I’m really the same girl next door they thought I was. I love being surrounded by greatness, and I believe all the girls who attend these conventions for their fans are giving back to them. I respect them so much and I love meeting new people in the industry. I may be a performer, but I am most definitely a fan as well of all the girls who put their best out there. 🙂 Its like a family, really. I love seeing the same faces at these events and welcoming new ones. I am, after all, fairly new and in the last two years I cant say what amazing people I’ve come across. I respect them all so, so much. I haven’t done any hardcore films yet, so the respect that they give me is also humbling. I also love these events because its more then just being behind a webcam – it’s showing your fans that you’re not out of reach. That you’re not some supermodel, untouchable girl that looks down on them. I LOVE meeting my fans, hearing their stories, and sharing mine. These events tear down the screen between me and them and let us connect on a different level. I wish I could go to every single one. 🙂

As a Canadian performer, do you find it difficult to follow the adult industry – or even find work – while residing in Ontario?
Well, I work from the comfort of my home, but I work for a U.S. company, so the Canadian market, although growing, is tough. I’m always traveling to the U.S. I think it’s tough here in Ontario for a girl in this industry. I’m lucky that I can be behind the camera at home and have a great career, but it’s always connected to the U.S. L.A, Vegas, NYC, it’s just where the markets are and that’s where I will be. I love being Canadian, though, and will never hesitate to tell anyone that. We love our hockey and our beer, that’s for sure. In all seriousness, a Canadian performer can make it here, I just think they have to be connected – not just with the U.S., but with the rest of the world. There are so many opportunities around the globe, it would be silly not to open those doors.

You have a very active online presence with your websites and Twitter account. How important do you feel fan interaction is to an adult talent’s career in the Internet age?
It is INTEGRAL to an adult talent’s career. I have just always been this way. I have always been a social person who loves to interact with people, that’s why I don’t mind opening my heart, mind, and life to my fans. I think interacting with the fans lets them know just how much you care about them. There is a reason the social networks like Twitter, Facebook, etc. are out there. They are ways to connect with people when you can’t reach out and touch them, or when you can’t spend all your time with them. It’s about connecting with them letting them know the real you – good or bad – without fail. I’m not an actress, I’m me – it’s really me. There’s the good, the bad, the best, and you get all of that with me.

I’m a huge Twitter girl. I’m known for my drunken karaoke nights and fun quotes, etc. I Tweet everything. I want to stay connected with my fans and I want them to stay connected to me. It brings me closer to them, and when they come see me live on my webcam we have great conversations and they know what’s going on with me and can find out more. At www.taystevens.com they get everything – all the updates, behind the scenes vids, answers to crazy questions. Ask away – I’m an open book. I let people see my qualities – good or bad – my wit, my humor, my sarcasm, my annoyance, my bad habits, my good ones. People who know me know my story, they know the tough times I’ve been through and the highlights of my life as well.

Connecting with the people who admire you, look up to you, love you, get turned on by you – it teaches you soo much about them and soo much about yourself. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

How would you describe yourself as both a person and performer?
As a performer I am excited, energetic, love what I do, love putting smiles on people’s faces. I’m dedicated, committed, real, and fearless. It’s in my blood. I was born to do this. I lost my father at a young age, and as a result, I grew up really quick. As a person I am strong, driven, fearless, loving, honest, loyal to a fault. I would die for the people I love. I’m true to myself, compassionate, non-judgmental, and emotional. I put my heart and soul into everything, both personally and professionally. Both as a person and a performer my qualities go hand in hand. I will always be bouncing and smiling for my fans. Someone asked me once, "Why are you so happy?” I laughed, because let’s be real: Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, but when I’m happy, I’m happy, and it’s because I know I’m giving 110% to the things that matter most to me.

Do you have any long-term goals you hope to achieve in adult entertainment?
I always have goals. I set goals every day and try to meet them. I want to be the best at what I do. I would love to win an award one day. I think there’s a bright future out there and I’m ready for whatever comes my way. 🙂 My main goal is to keep giving my fans what they want, the absolute best of me, no less than that. I wanna make everyone smile. I’m a people pleaser. My mom always told me I won’t please everyone and not everyone’s gonna like me, but I can sure as Hell try. 🙂 I hope to be recognized for who I am and my accomplishments, and to continue to be respected by the amazing people in this industry. 🙂

Are there any upcoming Tay Stevens projects that you would like to mention?
Well, there are always surprises up my sleeve or hiding between my boobies, lol. But really, there’s a LOT of stuff coming. A girl’s gotta have her secrets, but stay tuned to www.taystevens.com. There are big things coming. I’ve only just begun. 🙂 Definitely come see me live at www.playwithtay.com. You’ll be seeing a lot more of me.

In closing, is there anything you would like to say to fans and readers?
Absolutely!! First, I want to thank all my fans for everything they have given to me time and time again over the years – for their support, for their admiration, their respect. For always being there for me and putting a smile on MY face. For giving me the courage and the confidence to be who I am. For staying loyal to me through thick and thin – literally. 🙂 To the people who don’t know me or who are just hearing of me, I want to say thanks for taking the time to get to know a bit about me. I know that everyone will have a different perspective and take on things and me, but I value and appreciate your opinion. I’m really glad to get to know you. :)


Thank you for sharing your story, Taylor. We appreciate the time and congratulations on everything you have accomplished.
Thank you!! This was an honor to be interviewed for LIB. You’ve been great and it means so much that you took the time to really get to know me. 🙂 You guys are kick-ass!!