She’s now known as Gia Milana…

There are many reasons why a person, especially a person working in the public eye, might want to reframe and rebrand their work or their image — heading in new directions, letting go of past endeavors (and baggage) and refining one’s overall focus are just a few.

We spoke to Gia Milana, formerly known as Shay Evans, about recent change-ups in her workplace game. What’s guiding this rising star — and where is she headed?

YNOT: What prompted you to begin your career in the adult industry? 

Gia Milana: I have a degree in interior design. Before I was in the industry, I used to design psychiatric and Alzheimer’s facilities. It’s not for the faint of heart. It was full of very proud and happy days but also very sad all around. I had begun swinging in my private life, so a life full of sex as a career seemed like a dream. Before long, here I was!

What are some general observations you have about working in the adult industry? 

I love being sexually free, and I love being surrounded by people that share that same desire. To me, that is one of the best things about being in the industry — having peers who understand me, who don’t slut shame or repress me.

One real challenge of being an adult entertainer and being so visible is that sometimes people don’t see or treat you like a human outside of our tiny little world. They see you performing in scenes and forget that I am a person too, that I have thoughts and feelings like anyone else and that this is a job. At times, that hurts.

You recently changed your name. What prompted that?

I really wanted to move forward with a name that I owned, including my website. Plus, my old name came with too much baggage, too many bad memories of broken promises and negativity.

I love being “Gia Milana.” The name truly reflects who I am and where I am going.

Ok, I’m fed up w/ u guys caring abt shit that doesn’t affect u. I changed my name bcuz I was screwed over & don’t own Shay Evans. Instead of fighting for it, I decided to take control of my own life & career and changed it. I am now Gia Milana. Can’t accept that? Get blocked. ? pic.twitter.com/uSLPIITdq9

— Gia Milana (@TheGiaMilana) February 15, 2019

I see this tweet you wrote – “I wish the porn industry worked how ppl that’s not in the porn industry thinks the porn industry works.”

It seems like people outside the industry think the porn biz is not a “real” business (to put it mildly). Like, we wouldn’t actually want it to run the way they think it does, right?

This was actually just copying a tweet from T-Pain referring to the music industry. What I meant by it is the majority of the population think we just wake up each morning and decide who we work for, with and what kind of scene it is. They also think we get royalties on our films.

I absolutely wish I could choose when and who I work for and how often, but that’s just not how it works for the majority of actors and actresses in this industry.

I wish the porn industry worked how ppl that’s not in the porn industry thinks the porn industry works. https://t.co/SLbk3ovuQR

— Gia Milana (@TheGiaMilana) December 17, 2018

Outside of your career, what are you most passionate about?

I am a bit of a homebody, spending plenty of nights with my puppy Teddy chilling in and watching Netflix. But I also love to travel and visit friends. I have made new friends literally all over the world since I started this career… I’m also a huge foodie. I’m obsessed with oysters and pretty much all seafood.

Last but not least I love to write. Especially really dirty erotica about getting fucked by lots of guys. I have a vivid imagination and a dirty mind. It is easy to get lost in bliss!

Speaking of writing, can you tell us more about your books?

Writing is a great creative outlet. I faced a number of challenges in the last year and being able to lose myself in erotic fantasies definitely helped me get through them. Before I signed with my new agent Nexxxt Level I had more time to write and could get through them quicker. The first two books came out of me in just over a month. Now I am slowing down and taking my time more, allowing myself to develop my voice.

I personally think they are well received by my fans. They have been very supportive, asking me about my writing and leaving positive reviews. They keep asking for book four — it’s coming!

You can find Milana’s books on Amazon. Search for titles authored under her former name, “Shay Evans.”

If you could change one thing about today’s world, what would it be and why? 

It would be amazing if we would all be more positive with one another. Could you imagine where we would be if we were constantly uplifting and encouraging one another? If we were all just nice the world would be so different.

Find Gia Milana on Twitter at @TheGiaMilana.