Story: Aniliyah Richardson
Photographer: Marlon Turner
Stylist: Melquan Ganzy (IG: @masterganzy)
Makeup Artists: Sade Amour Mirabal (IG: @thededream) Sinn (IG: @thesinncity)
Hair Stylist: Quran Bell (IG: @qur5n)
Fashion Assistant: Dior Sharpe (IG: @diorsharpe)
Once wanting a change of pace career-wise, Mistress Marley stumbled into the world of Dom. “Financial Domination” came up in a Google search while she was struggling to make ends meet at her job, and she entered a new world—the world of Domme.
“I was struggling to pay my bills and stay afloat in NYC. I was leaning on my parents for help with groceries and other things. I knew that that wasn’t the life I wanted for myself and that I was destined for much greater things. Sometimes our struggles can be our wake-up calls,” says Mistress Marley.
Having a solid social media following already, Marley introduced those eyes to the “behind closed doors” part of sex work that empowered and inspired, like “Sprinkle Sprinkle” on steroids. In a world slightly hesitant to discuss BDSM openly, Mistress Marley brought style and transparency to her dominatrix persona known as “The Chocolate Domme.”
Mistress Marley changed the landscape of financial domination (findom), where clients willingly surrender money to her as part of their submission. Marley saw her business take off after a viral moment on the internet. Soon, she was doing interviews with major outlets like The New York Times and Playboy. Her honest reflections on sex work, power dynamics, and self-love captivated millions. Once she was Insta famous, she said, “It was easy to adapt because I felt like I had found my people and my calling.”
“I think people are drawn to my love for myself and how I know I can have anything I want in this world through determination,” she says about her lore.
During the early stages of her career, Marley learned certain things that had helped elevate her. Leading with an authentic voice instead of trying to follow the trends helped her find her people, and she was able to collaborate with other Dominatrices rather than feel the need to compete. Mistress Marley’s work goes beyond mere transactions; she’s dedicated to educating others.
“I am very passionate about the journeys of black people and how important our voices are to speak up for ourselves and not to be afraid to dominate spaces that have otherwise been white,” she discerns.
Her evolution in her field and strong influence on Instagram and OnlyFans showcase the multitudes of the dominatrix. A businesswoman and educator determined to reshape society’s understanding of kink, race, and power dynamics, her “Sexcademy” trains aspiring dominatrices in the art of BDSM, emphasizing ethics, boundary-setting, and financial independence. Through workshops and social media, Marley discusses financial dominance as a means of empowerment, breaking stigmas, and encouraging Black women, to claim their power without shame.
Certain factors are required to become a Mistress; there is more to it than meets the eye. Like any other job, some requirements need to be met. Would she give advice to women who, too, are interested in pursuing this career?
“Actually, take the time to learn about BDSM and everything it entails. Learn from experienced Dommes with a track record of exceptional reviews from their students and peers. Ask yourself why you want to be a Domme…You must first be skilled in many things, but you must also have a sense of compassion. The submissives we work with are human, too – I think people forget that. Yes, they are there to serve us and cater to our needs, but they also need to be heard and their boundaries respected to align with mine. They must approach respectfully and understand that servitude goes beyond just telling me how beautiful I am – they need to work for their position.”
Mistress Marley is a trailblazer in the BDSM world advocating for both safe spaces and financial freedom in kink. For her, BDSM isn’t just about control; it’s about empowerment, consent, and, ultimately, a radical reclamation of one’s body and autonomy. Mistress Marley is an unapologetic force redefining what it means to embrace freedom and own her narrative. As a financial dominatrix, educator, and entrepreneur, she’s shattered stereotypes and unapologetically occupies a space where few Black women have been represented. Own your worth, take up space, and never apologize for being fully, fiercely yourself she advises me.
“To be able to do this as a dark-skinned black woman is monumental, and it opened the eyes of a lot of people who believed this world didn’t exist for those who looked like me. I wanted to bring discovery of self,” she muses.
The top five characteristics she looks for when being approached are comprehension, respect, attention to detail, patience, and education. Many individuals might aspire to be Mistress Marley’s submissive, but rest assured, there are guidelines for those in question.
“If an individual approaches me and wants me to be their Mistress, it is more than a request. They need to be screened, interviewed, and vetted, and their wants must align with mine. They must approach respectfully and understand that servitude goes beyond just telling me how beautiful I am – they need to work for their position.”
Styling credits: @yaqizhan @saintfra.ncis @pipencolorena @thirdcrown @khiryofficial @yugstudio_com @melcorchado @itathelabel @siristudios @tangrenworldwide @runtanduofficial @yingkongofficial
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