AN INTERVIEW WITH "ELISE"
Beginning Life as an Escort…
“I had recently graduated with my Masters in Psychology and was working as a therapist intern when I first became an escort. I got into the field in part to pay my bills that were mounting after graduating while finishing my internship hours - there were also personal reasons, such as the adventure of the work. Needless to say I make more money now than I did as a therapist intern, or than many of the therapists that I know. But again, the money, while it is nice, is secondary. I currently continue to work as a life coach and workshop facilitator, as I have through most of the years of working as a courtesan.”
“Elise” on the time required to maintain her business...
“This business is very fluid and seasonal, and it is hard to give exact numbers here because it changes so frequently. On average, I would say I see 2 to 4 clients per month, for anywhere from 4 hours (most commonly) to several days at a time. Keep in mind that there are many hours of "work" that are involved in this business that have nothing to do with actually seeing clients. I spend a lot of time maintaining relationships with my current clients, screening possible new clientele, taking care of my appearance (this includes appointments for nails, hair, skin, working out 3-5 times per week with a trainer, chiropractic care, massage therapy, etc) taking new photos, advertising, website maintenance, keeping up on current events, ongoing education in wine, food and culture, etc. This is maintenance work that must be done regardless of how much business I have that week. I only get paid for the hours I spend with a client, but many more hours go into it behind the scenes, just as in many small, service oriented businesses.”
Her relationship with clients….
”90% of my business is made up of "regulars". Let me make clear that to me the main reason for this work is not the money. I have a 150+ IQ, I speak 4 languages and I have a Masters degree. I could go make just as much money in another field. I cherish the relationships I have with my clients, and I consider my spending time with them to be of benefit to them in their lives. In addition to that I have fun doing it. Therefore I focus my business on establishing long-term ongoing relationships with clients I enjoy spending time with. I am personal level, so I only see a handful of new clients per year.
Most new inquiries do not lead to a meeting.”
The Fee…
“My minimum is 4 hours for $2500 locally, $3500 plus travel expenses for appointments outside of San Francisco. When traveling, I charge a surplus for the time it takes me to travel, and ask to be reimbursed for travel expenses.”
“I had recently graduated with my Masters in Psychology and was working as a therapist intern when I first became an escort. I got into the field in part to pay my bills that were mounting after graduating while finishing my internship hours - there were also personal reasons, such as the adventure of the work. Needless to say I make more money now than I did as a therapist intern, or than many of the therapists that I know. But again, the money, while it is nice, is secondary. I currently continue to work as a life coach and workshop facilitator, as I have through most of the years of working as a courtesan.”
“Elise” on the time required to maintain her business...
“This business is very fluid and seasonal, and it is hard to give exact numbers here because it changes so frequently. On average, I would say I see 2 to 4 clients per month, for anywhere from 4 hours (most commonly) to several days at a time. Keep in mind that there are many hours of "work" that are involved in this business that have nothing to do with actually seeing clients. I spend a lot of time maintaining relationships with my current clients, screening possible new clientele, taking care of my appearance (this includes appointments for nails, hair, skin, working out 3-5 times per week with a trainer, chiropractic care, massage therapy, etc) taking new photos, advertising, website maintenance, keeping up on current events, ongoing education in wine, food and culture, etc. This is maintenance work that must be done regardless of how much business I have that week. I only get paid for the hours I spend with a client, but many more hours go into it behind the scenes, just as in many small, service oriented businesses.”
Her relationship with clients….
”90% of my business is made up of "regulars". Let me make clear that to me the main reason for this work is not the money. I have a 150+ IQ, I speak 4 languages and I have a Masters degree. I could go make just as much money in another field. I cherish the relationships I have with my clients, and I consider my spending time with them to be of benefit to them in their lives. In addition to that I have fun doing it. Therefore I focus my business on establishing long-term ongoing relationships with clients I enjoy spending time with. I am personal level, so I only see a handful of new clients per year.
Most new inquiries do not lead to a meeting.”
The Fee…
“My minimum is 4 hours for $2500 locally, $3500 plus travel expenses for appointments outside of San Francisco. When traveling, I charge a surplus for the time it takes me to travel, and ask to be reimbursed for travel expenses.”
SHOW TIMES
SHOW HOST
Melissa Francis
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