Voices of Experience: Ryan Conner

The May issue of AVN magazine turns the spotlight on 10 female stars over 35 who are at the top of their game in the adult industry. Interviewed here is Ryan Conner, who returned to the adult industry last year. Click here to see a copy of the digital edition. Photo of Ryan Conner in The Brother Load 8 (Jules Jordan Video) What was it like coming back after a ten-year hiatus? Any advice for other performers? Returning to the industry was a whirlwind! A year passed by and I was in L.A. more than my home in Vegas! Social media has changed the game immensely! And things are very different in the industry now. When I left, I was condom only and shot often. No one shoots condom scenes anymore but Wicked. Everyone is pushing the envelope so much these days. Double dipping is the norm. I have even had requests for a prolapse! =O My advice would be to pace yourself and know that you can say no. You can also choose to set your rates higher for something you may not enjoy doing but would consider. Don’t forget this is a business! And be thick-skinned because you WILL have criticism, even from industry people! Did you think you would be in the business long enough to make the transition from starlet to MILF? LOL, I was actually starting in the industry as a MILF! Hahaha! But no, I didn’t think I’d see a second go-around and certainly not at 45. But the saying these days is 40 is the new 30. I think regardless of your age, people want to see someone who is having fun. They want to see women who don’t care that their hair is out of place at that moment but are so lost in the pleasure that their hair is the last thing on their mind! Or at least that’s the way I see it! Do you have tips on how enjoy longevity in the biz? My tips: Take care of yourself. Eat right, drink infrequently, exercise. And have a strong work ethic. That means showing up on time, with a happy attitude, and do your part to make the day as smooth as possible! What are your favorite types of movies to perform in? I don’t have particular favorites as far as scenes but I do love when there is a theme and it’s unique. What skills are most important to making this career into a profitable business? As for professionalism, yes, I think age puts everything into perspective. Don’t party as much and don’t sweat the little stuff … and it’s all little stuff! I had a child when I first started shooting, so this was always a career for me and not some college dare or a lark! Having a 4-year-old at home depending on you for everything makes the decision as to career or party really a no-brainer! As for making this business into a profitable career: Never underestimate the power of a role model. Find someone who is successful in the way you want to be and model yourself after them. Having an assistant would probably be wise if you truly intend on doing this big. Having BTS footage, candid pics and sellable merch is what makes the difference between porn tube sites and you! How does motherhood affect your choice of roles or the way you approach your career? I can’t honestly say motherhood ever affected the roles I took. This is my career, and it’s my body. I did, however, decide to take my break due to my daughter and my feeling that she needed me at home more. I mistakenly thought that I might not be setting the best example by acting in the adult industry so I left to pursue other dreams. My daughter has since decided to shoot in the industry. I can’t say it’s a bad way of life. I have had an amazing time with a fun and lucrative career so why shouldn’t she??? I guess we’ll see how good my advice is over the course of her career. ;-)