Story/ Aniliyah Richardson
Photographer/ Marlon Turner @marlonturner_
Stylist/Melquan Ganzy @masterganzy
Makeup Artists/ Sade Amour Mirabal @thededream + Sinn @thesinncity
Hair Stylist / Quran Bell @qur5n
Fashion Assistant/ Dior Sharpe @diorsharpe
Mistress Marley sort of stumbled into the world of Dom. A haphazard search for “Financial Domination” in her Google search engine suddenly listed thousands of new opportunities she had never thought about.
“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, Marley introduced her audience to a “behind closed doors” part of sex work that empowered and inspired. It was “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.”
The Dominatrix became a celebrity in the world of Findom (Financial domination), where clients willingly surrendered money to their masters as part of submission. Marley saw her business take off after a viral 2019 moment on the internet when she attended her college’s homecoming weekend in 2019 — with an older white male submissive on a leash. 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 captivating millions of new fans. Once she was Insta famous, she says, “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 goes on 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 could 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. So much so that she started a “Sexcademy,”a training platform for aspiring dominatrices; here, she teaches the ethical, financial, and boundary-setting skills required in BDSM. “It’s crucial to learn from experienced mentors and understand the depth of BDSM,” she explains. “The submissives we work with are human, too; they need to be heard, and we must respect that connection.” 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 advise women who, too, are interested in pursuing this career?
“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 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 and cater to our needs, but they also need to be heard.”
For her, BDSM isn’t just about control; it’s about empowerment, consent, and, ultimately, a radical reclamation of one’s body and autonomy. She’s advocating for both safe spaces and financial freedom in kink.
“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.
Mistress Marley’s trailblaze in the BDSM world has been an unapologetic force redefining what it means to embrace one’s prerogative. As a financial dominatrix, educator, and entrepreneur, she’s shattered stereotypes and unapologetically occupies a space where few Black women have been represented. She advises me to own my worth, take up space, and never apologize for being fully, fiercely yourself.
Aspiring subs hoping to earn her attention must follow strict guidelines. Respect, comprehension, attention to detail, patience, and education are essential.
“If an individual approaches me and wants me to be their Mistress, it is more than a request. They must be screened, interviewed, and vetted; 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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