Interview With Mistress Clarissa

by Cary

Mistress Clarissa explains it all in this interview. Sorry, I couldn't resist :)

How did you become interested in fetish/BDSM?

Always have been since childhood. I just didn't know what it was. I was influenced by both my Mum & Gran. Both were extremely strong-diy-don't need a man -ground breaking women. I grew up with the idea that women are not submissive by nature & people who are allowed in our domain must abide by our rules.

I also had fetishes from the begining. I blame Gran's German Fashion Mags from the 40's & all the old flicks I watched. High heels, stockings garter belts, bullet bras, and red lipstick, represented femininity as well as strength. I also used to crossdress the neighbor boy in my dresses and tie up other kids.

Besides, I'm just carrying on the family tradition. My groan had a personal for years. She named him Dinks. I didn't figure it out until I was much older. It doesn't surprise me considering it was Gran who told me about bdsm when I was 16.

And how did you transition from an interest to it being a profession?

The paraphernalia and outfits were costing me a small fortune. Bdsm/fetish can be quite expensive. After I moved back to NYC and I was looking for a job, I was looking at the help wanted in the Village Voice and noticed ads for Dommes. It was an epiphany. I could use my hobby and lifestyle to pay for my supplies. Why should I as the Dominant be the one taking the financial hit when playing with a sub? Especially when individuals want my time and expertise and they want my attention? It gives a sub an opportunity to serve and play with me when I normally wouldn't bother with them for one reason or Like those who don't seem to have great personalities or don't have the ability to commit to a D/s relationship and only want to partake in it once in a while. Those subs who I really click with, and have the ability, become personals. Those who are selfish and think that I offer a service and think of this as seeing a hooker are not welcome back.

Do you enjoy fetishism/BDSM play in your personal life, and if so what are you into?

Of course. Ah some chicks collect Hummel figurines, I collect fetishes and stilettos Oh yes, and fetwear. I am really big on service slaves, domestic slaves, and humiliation slaves. I also really enjoy sissy play, bondage corporal, cbt, etc just to name a few otherwise we would be here all day.

Are there any fetishes that you don't find appealing?

Absolutely. Brown, ruby, or Roman showers are tops on my list of not gonna happen. Along with any type of animal cruelty/bestiality, incest or pedophilia scene play, and anything that is too dangerous or could result in permanent damage. Infantalism is also not appealing. Tried it once and realized I loathe it. I refuse to change diapers on anyone. There is a reason I choose not to have children either real or pretend.

You make some of your own floggers and canes, how did you get started on DIY toys?

I make jewelry. Sterling and semiprecious beaded collars, necklaces, earrings, leashes, cuffs, bracelets etc. It started out vanilla but I noticed a huge dirth of jewelry for fetish. Everything was leather an chainmail. Nothing elegant or wearable in a non fetish domain so I decided I needed to fill that gap. As I worked on more and fetish oriented jewelry, I began to notice floggers and canes were kind of blah. They all looked the same and were quite expensive, especially canes. I couldn't see the justification of crap quality with an expensive price tag. I ended up applying my ability and eye to canes and floggers. Everything I make is handmade, one of a kind, and made by a real Domme.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the fetish scene?

Know who you are and what you are. If you think you are a sub but find yourself giving orders, then reconsider your designation. Also very important, find the right fit. Find someone who enjoys the same activities and has personality traits you like. Not to mention, be careful. Don't play with just anyone. This type of lifestyle and play has the potential to be dangerous so do research before engaging in more dynamic play. That is advice for top, bottom, or switch. And for those girls who want to be Pro Dommes just for the money, don't respect bdsm, are up for giving hj, bj, foot jobs and engaging in hooker behavior, they are not welcome.

Do you think fetish is becoming part of the mainstream culture?

Absolutely. Madonna made a career out of our aesthetic. Janet Jackson integrates bdsm in her performances. Jordache jeans ads display riding crops, Remy liquor has an ad that alludes to bisexual D/s play and Dolce and Gabbana incorporates it into their designs. Heck, just look at high end stiletto fashions lately. The irony is those who ACTUALLY live bdsm and actively play are still looked down upon, arrested, stigmatized,and thought of as deviant. Bdsm is still listed in the DSM-IV r.

What do you like to do for fun?

Go to parties, create, fine dining, learn new things, go to museums and work. My favorite saying is "do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life".

What do you like to do for fun?

Travel, cook healthy recipes, exercise, sexercise, sushi, wine taste, read, library, music, dance, film, tribal fusion belly dance, fetish play, shop on e-bay etc... As long as I can continue to be creative with all of my layers of intricacies, I can indulge and appreciate life and what I make of it. In retrospect, I'm like a child. I must be entertained as much as I love to entertain others.

See more of Mistress Clarissa at:

http://www.myspace.com/mistressclarissa

See more of Mistress Clarissa at:

http://www.myspace.com/mistressclarissa