What’s In A Name Change? The Ever-Evolving Gia Milana

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.