Asti Maree is a Female Sexual Empowerment Expert. She guides women who are feeling stuck and stagnant in their lives to reconnect with their pleasure and reclaim their feminine sparkle so they can manifest the type of sex, love, relationships and life that they truly desire.
We spoke to Asti Maree about the benefits of working for yourself and making your own rules, and the importance of having the right mindset when it comes to so-called ‘failures’.
What ignited the spark in you to start your business?
When I began working as a stripper nearly 10 years ago this was my first step in my empowerment journey. It gave me so much in terms of body confidence, freedom of expression, owning my sexuality etc. What really stood out to me was the way women responded to me being a stripper. I would be met with both amazement and women wanting to know more, and complete disgust, judgement and shutdown. The lightbulb moment was when I realised that women were just relating to me in the same way they do their own sexuality. I was merely being a mirror for them. It makes sense, we all want to feel sexually empowered but we’ve all been conditioned in one way or another to believe that it’s somehow wrong, dirty, shameful or unsafe in some way. I desired for other women to feel whole within themselves like I did after moving forward in my own empowerment journey, and so from there that became my mission.
Was there a significant turning point when you decided to become an entrepreneur?
Not as such, but once I had the taste of what stripping offered me – working for myself, by my own rules, having complete freedom to work where and when I wanted, doing something I loved (while making A LOT of money). I knew I could never have it any other way. And I still continue to work in this way, just in a completely different field. I always thought it was interesting hearing other dancers’ mindsets. I would overhear them say things like “we are never going to have it this good again, this is the most amount of money we’ll probably ever make” and I would say “NOT ME” and walk away. I strongly believe we are all powerful enough to create the lifestyles we desire.
Looking back is there a piece of advice you wish to pass onto someone starting out their entrepreneurial journey?
There is no such thing as failure. It is all a learning experience. If something doesn’t work out the way you hoped it would, the universe is just realigning you to a better path and even bigger opportunities. Also, enjoy the process, don’t wait to feel good once you’ve ticked all the boxes or achieved the goal. Pleasure isn’t a reward, it’s your birthright. Enjoy the process.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
The ability to catch yourself and pull yourself out of negative talk – imposter syndrome is real.
The ability to ask for help – you don’t have to do it alone.
Creativity and the ability to think outside the box – originality and authenticity is everything!
Who do you look up to in business? Who inspires you?
There are so many incredible women in my field that continue to inspire me daily.
I highly recommend following accounts like @its.brittney.biatch @monicayateshealth @thisisamyrushworth @juliamothereffingwells.
Brittney is my partner in crime. We coach pleasure-based business together and the other women mentioned here we have on as guest speakers. It’s full fire!
What was the best advice that you have been given?
Nobody who is doing more than you is ever going to criticise you because they know how hard it is to be in your position. Helps with the tik-tok and Youtube trolls haha
What do you think your key to success has been?
A combination of knowing I am capable of more while also being grateful for where I am.
How have you personally measured your success?
Pleasure and profit! And for me, they do go hand in hand. I believe (and tell myself daily) that the more fun I have, the more money I make and the more money I make, the more fun I can have.
I know the classic line is to say that it’s not all about money but let’s get this straight, money isn’t evil. It’s fun, it’s sexy, it’s empowering. It’s ok to want to earn and have a lot of money. I donate a percentage of my income each month to a few different charities so for me more money = more impact!
Outsource the skill or learn the skill?
If it brings you pleasure, learn.
If you can hand it over to someone who is going to enjoy it more than you, outsource.
We all get to get paid for doing the things we love. And trust me, there is someone out there who enjoys doing that thing that gives you nightmares.
How do you generate new ideas?
My ideas come from the feeling state, never from thinking. I never sit down and strategically plan out my next offer. It’s always when I’m activated in my pleasure, doing something I love, meditating, dancing, swimming under the moon with friends, you know those magic ‘pinch me’ moments that nearly bring you to tears of gratitude? I get a lot of those and that’s where the downloads hit. BOOM!
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Time abundance! I am a lady of leisure and I celebrate that! A side note is that in living my life this way, I am showing others that this is available to them too and giving them permission to step outside societies rigid way of living and existing. Margaritas and an ocean swim at lunch time on a Monday? Why not!
Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
This is so easy! Two companies come straight to mind. They are both personal friends of mine but I am being non-bias I promise.
My Moonbox – https://mymoonbox.com.au – Is a monthly subscription of incredible products and support women having healthier hormones and symptom-free periods. There is also an online community full of expert advice and support.
Fitcover Australia – https://fitcover.com – This stuff is genius! Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free sweat-proof makeup. I’m constantly going from the gym to client calls so this stuff to me is a dream. It’s also great when recording content with a ring light (those things can get hot) 10/10 recommend.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years?
In all honesty, I’m not sure. My life has been shaken up around me over the last year. I have come out of a relationship with the person I thought I was going to spend my life with, and lost my little brother to suicide at the beginning of this year. So, it’s really made me take a step back and truly just live in the moment. In my personal life, I really am just taking it one day at a time. I’m pretty spontaneous in my personal life so who knows what could happen. I have enough stability in my business that supports me to live this way. In my business, The Pleasure Treasures will be the number one sex toys on the market (everyone will know their name), I’ll continue to hold space for women to step into their power – but I see this moving to more in-person events and luxury retreats. As I mentioned, I don’t plan ahead with offers, I’m always learning, growing, changing so that reflects in what I’m putting out in the world. It’s impossible to say what I’ll be offering in 10 years, but also incredibly exciting.
Who are the women around you that allow you to thrive?
I really am blessed to be connected to such an incredible group of women. There are two that come to mind that allow me to thrive.
Britt @its.brittney.biatch – Ah where do I start! We support each other in such a fun way in business. We throw little celebration parties for each other whenever we hit a new benchmark in our income. It’s the ultimate permission, whenever she celebrates something huge in her biz for me it’s like ‘wow, she did that, that means I can too’, and then I go off inspired, lit up and ready to create magic. Then when I have a great week or launch I offer her inspo. It’s like a constant upward spiral we are on. Celebrating and talking about money is important, it shows others what’s available! It lifts that glass ceiling. Celebration energy is abundant energy, celebrate someone else’s wins and you open yourself up to your own. This is a huge reason we started our business mastermind The Turned On Ceo.
Victoria @victoria_bauman – Victoria holds me in the most delicious breathwork practices each month under the new moon. Each month she guides me into letting go of what is not serving me and moving into alignment with what I am calling in for the month ahead. Since starting with her I am lit up and thriving on a whole new level.
