After learning that Andra Chirnogeanu was tapped to be the New Head of Business Communication for Stripchat, YNOT struck while the fire was hot, and was able to secure an exclusive interview with the multi-lingual, award-winning powerhouse behind many of the most successful adult campaigns. Scoring honors such as Best Company Ambassador, Best Company Representative, Best Marketing Campaign, and being featured in top publications like VICE, BBC UK, and The Economist, it’s no wonder Andra nabbed the coveted position at Stripchat.
But how did this green-eyed beauty get her start?
Andra says she owes her career to Larry Flynt.
The movie – People vs. Larry Flynt, that is.
Her dream since seeing the Oscar-nominated film was to fight for freedom of speech. And she’s done just that. Read on to find out how a woman who was told by her first boss: “you’re way too innocent for this industry” has gone on to be the Head of Stripchat, what her plans are for the company, and how she supports the industry.
What goals do you have with your new position at Stripchat?
Primarily, I’d like to fortify the existing relations and communication between Stripchat and our partners. That is studios, independent models, and business partners. Having someone to communicate with, who’s always responding and finding solutions on the spot, is vital for the business as well as for the partnerships we have.
One of my top goals is to be a promoter of Stripchat and an advocate for the industry since I’m very dedicated to fairness and freedom of speech.
What skills do you bring to your new position and why are you such a good fit?
I believe I have a natural ability to get my point across in an assertive way, and that’s important in a business environment. I started eight years ago working very close to models in a cam studio, so I know every aspect of how they work, what motivates them, what they need, how admins work, what the struggles are, etc.
I’m a polyglot fluent in Spanish, Romanian and English, which is of great help since most of the models we work with are from countries that speak these languages. Moreover, I’m learning Russian now.
How did you break into the industry?
I was fascinated with the adult industry since I was young, and I always saw it as a free environment for people to express themselves. This might sound cheesy, but I watched The People vs Larry Flynt and that was it for me. I was like “This is what I want to do, be a voice, protect the freedom of speech.”
I graduated with a Law Degree, but after seeing how corrupt and out of date most laws are, I couldn’t run away fast enough from that environment. I checked out the job opportunities available in the adult industry in Romania and found a post from a cam studio, for the position of Social Media Manager. I went for an interview and asked the owner to give me a shot. He took a look at me, said “You’re way too innocent for this industry,” and the rest is history.
What do you find most inspiring about your work?
I love my job, I’m in complete awe of the people that I meet all over the world and how similar we are despite our differences.
I’d say that the most inspiring part of the job is the instant gratification you get when you’ve helped someone, the fact that you’re somehow changing lives by offering performers a safe space to showcase their art, and helping like-minded people make their business better. In a nutshell, my answer would be that I’m inspired by the change and positive impact that we have on people’s lives.
What would you change about the adult industry if you could?
I’d create an Uber-rating type of system. Some people get into the industry with an open heart and passion, while others just do it for a quick buck, without any understanding or respect for the performers or the industry. I believe the latter is hurting us all on a global scale. The bad apples tend to smell first, and for an industry so demonized as this one, we can’t afford to have those among us, because it hurts us all.
What I mean by Uber-rating system is: your business/studio/site gets a rating from the people within the industry that you work with, based on the quality you bring, how well you play with people, how much you respect your peers, if you’ve screwed anyone over, etc. Once your rating goes down, you’re out. I’m still working on it.
What do you think has been the secret to your success?
The fact that I work well with others and my willingness to help regardless of whether I’ll get something out of it. I’m a networker, I like to connect people and help everyone.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Many of my accomplishments are not personal; they have to do with others. I’m proud that a lot of the people who worked with me or that I managed at a certain point, have gone on to set up their own businesses, did better for themselves, and became more confident.
I love seeing people succeed, either in their business or personal life.
What and who were the biggest influences in your life?
I can’t appoint someone to be my biggest influence, as everything I came into contact influenced me one way or another. From the books that I read as a child and developed the way I think, to my grandad who taught me how to play chess and think five moves ahead, to my parents and the way they loved me/taught me how to love, to the schools I went to and the people I met, everyone shaped me.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in life and how do you apply it to your work?
A quote from Epictetus says: “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” I apply this to my work, listening to everything I’m being told and processing it without haste. Sometimes if you listen carefully enough, people will also say what they truly mean. You just need to give them the opportunity.
Where do you hope to be in your career five years from now?
Wherever I might be, I hope to be in a position that helps people grow. I hope to be able to leave a legacy and create positive history in the adult entertainment industry.
Find and follow Andra on her Twitter: @andrakiru, Instagram @andraon.ig. For Stripchat head to their Twitter @stripchat and their Instagram @stripchatsquad.
