Our Pleasure Ambassadors
Our Host & Keynote Speaker
KASHA V JOHNSON
Kasha V Johnson, known as Your Sexologist Bestie, is a best-selling author, certified Clinical Sexologist, and Autism advocate dedicated to creating sex-positive spaces and empowering others. As a single mom and advocate for special needs, Kasha’s journey through personal challenges inspired her to blend education and empowerment in the world of intimacy and pleasure. She is the host of Bedroom Kandi by Kandi Burruss’s Business of Pleasure podcast and a social media influencer with over 880K followers, encouraging women and men to embrace their authentic selves. With over a decade in the industry, Kasha trains others to build inclusive spaces around sexuality and self-care, transforming lives one conversation at a time.
Our Special Guests
SIR DANIEL (HE/HIM)
Sir Daniel Harrison is the Head of House of Tender Strokes Toys and CEO of Tender Strokes Toys, LLC and Tender Strokes Toys Ent. He has been a part of the Leather and Kink communities for over 25 years. He has been an active Top and D Type in His local community in Maryland for over a decade. He is the producer of North East Conference of Kink and Fetish Ball. He believes in serving the community not only through volunteer work, but by way of bridging the gap between various Lifestyle communities.
His broad kink skill set and knowledge has allowed Him to be to able travel locally and internationally. In His travels, He has spent time educating and providing newcomers and experienced kinksters alike the chance to get a taste of various types of Kinky fun. Sir Daniel is determined to provide a safe, sane, and consensual Kinky fun filled space. He offers a perspective of sensual Sadistic creativity and good, Kinky, consensual fun. He can be reached through several sites including:
SLAVE SUNFLOWER
Slave sunflower has been a part of the Leather community for nine years now. Three in the shadows and six out in the public view. She is a slave, masochist, middle, babygirl, puppy, demo bottom, and can now add presenter to her list. One of her passions is community service work, whether in the Leather community or vanilla world. She has moderated and volunteered at several conferences.
FLAME, Thrive, SELF, Beyond Leather, MsC Worlwide, and Northeast Conference of Kink just to name a few. She has presented at N.E.C.K., Beyond Leather, and various munches both online and in person. She is a member of the Foundation class of LgOC(Leather girls Of Color), staff member for Southeast Leatherfest as a Volunteer Assistant, Director if Hospitality and Staff Support for Northeast Conference of Kink, and the Director of Diversity for Beyond Leather Conference. With all of that, she is still evolving and growing. While she is small in stature and fairly quiet, the love she has inside for the Leather community, community as a whole, and her passion for service, are enormous and speak loudly!
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Our Performers, Panelists & Workshop Leaders
WAYA KELLIE (HE/HIM/THEY/THEM)
Waya Kellie (he/him/They/Them) is a Two-Spirit, Trans Man—Actor, Social Media Personality, Model, Public speaker and Kink enthusiast.
With a strong presence both online and offline, Waya is committed to inspiring and empowering others. Through his social media platforms, he shares personal stories, motivational messages, and advocates for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities. As an actor and published model, Waya brings authenticity and confidence to every role and project, using his platform to elevate diverse voices and break barriers.
As a public speaker and community leader, Waya is dedicated to fostering inclusion, visibility, and self-empowerment for marginalized groups. His work as a creator and advocate has made a meaningful impact on the lives of many, and he continues to use his voice to inspire change and authenticity in all spaces.
TORAN MCGILL (SHE/HER/GODDESS)
The Pleasure Priestess
Pleasure Embodiment Coach
Trauma Informed and Pleasure Focused Certified Sex, Love & Relationships Coach Certified Men’s Sexuality Coach and Certified Tantric Sex Coach
Womanist Body Doula Luminary of Pleasure Daimyo Poet and Author I initiate people to their Sovereignity and Divinity through their bodies. I erect conscious cocks of GodKings. I awaken Sex Gods. I liberate potent pussies for GoddessQueens. I activate SexGoddess. I am an activist for sacred spaces. I attune SexGoddexx.I contribute to people who know or want to learn, lead and love by Pleasure as a resource not a reward Pleasure as an asset not an asterix
Pleasure as a tool not a token Pleasure as a power source not a phony Pleasure as a conduit not a cop out Pleasure as a portal to your purpose, your potency, and your prophecy Pleasure as your healer, expander and antidote.
VIBESWITHJERRAN
VibeswithJerran is a world renowned artist that brings good vibes high energy and amazing flow. Born in Fort worth Texas and raised in Cali. Vibes thrives to provide good music.Vibes had his own clothing brand called HighVib3s. He also has a podcast channel on Spotify The Vibes With Jerran And he is a chef and has and meal prep company called Prepped By Vibes
NICOLE WALDRON (SHE/HER)
Nicole Waldron is a Certified Sex Coach, Bedroom Kandi Consultant and Founder of Melanated Vixxen LLC. She strives to provide you with the skills and resources to help guide and transform your intimate life. Her classes and events will encourage you to explore different areas of your sex life and help to heighten your pleasure.
KARMEL POET (THEY/THEM)
Karmel Poet is a queer storyteller and erotic spoken word artist from Houston, TX. Their kink specialties include knife play and voyeurism. They’re available for booking as a performance poet, kink demonstrator, or workshop facilitator.
KIVA SIANI (ALL THE SHE)
Kiva Siani is a passionate movement artist, teacher, performer, and advocate for self-love and authenticity. With years of experience in sensual dance, burlesque, and embodied expression, she creates a safe, supportive space for humans to explore themselves, rediscover their power, and embrace their full, radiant selves using sensuality as a guiding light. Known for her warm, sassy teaching style, Kiva is dedicated to helping others connect with their bodies, heal through movement, and step into their confidence—on and off the dance floor.
CHRISTINA KAFALAS (SHE/HER)
Christina Kafalas is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, licensed therapist, and artist dedicated to fostering inclusivity and compassion. Through her therapy practice, Compassion Corner Counseling, she specializes in supporting individuals and families navigating polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, self-esteem, identity exploration, and LGBTQ+ experiences. A self-taught artist, she is best known for her vibrant fluid art and an eclectic collection of acrylic paintings, which she creates through her business, CKA Art Designs, to inspire reflection and emotional connections. Christina’s work across all her endeavors is driven by a passion for helping others and a mission to foster connection, understanding, and personal growth.
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IT'S LIKE CANDY
It’s Like Candy is an “Old Pueblo” local performer. W/ roots in NYC, she has been a lover and practitioner of the art and expression of dance since birth. Her inspiration found in the cultural dance forms of genres of music such as hip hop, R&B, pop, salsa, and reggae.
It’s Like Candy has been a contributor to various productions within the live entertainment community of Tucson, AZ since 2021. Known as Old Pueblo’s “Sweet Heat”, giving you all the Suga you can handle. Fire and desire, fully dipped in rich velvety smooth coco” It’s Like Candy!🍭 “Including co producing Arizona first and only all black burlesque production “Chocolate Box Burlesque”
JASMINE BROWN (SHE/HER)
Jasmine Brown Ceo of Alluring Interventions Inc. Jasmine Brown is visionary CEO behind Alluring Interventions Inc., a digital wellness platform empowering individuals to take charge of their sexual well being. With a professional background and mental health counseling and Servicing as a mental health consultant for affluent and accomplished families. Jasmine has dedicated her career to creating safe transformative for personal growth and healing.
LA'VISTA JONES (SHE/HER)
La’Vista Jones is a dynamic speaker who unapologetically champions the connections between ambition, wellness, and pleasure. As a corporate dropout turned seasoned entrepreneur, she specializes in empowering audiences to integrate systems and self-care—including the often-overlooked dimension of sexual wellness—into their daily lives.
With her refreshingly bold and authentic approach, La’Vista encourages individuals to reclaim their bodies, desires, and boundaries, framing sex as a sacred self-care ritual that supports both personal and professional success. Adept at blending storytelling, actionable strategies, and an audience-centric delivery make her a sought-after voice for those ready to embrace a more pleasurable way of living.
Through her keynotes, workshops, and interviews, La’Vista challenges societal norms and empowers audiences to shift from mere survival to thriving. Whether helping women decolonize narratives around their sexuality or guiding leaders toward sustainable productivity, she delivers life-changing insights that resonate deeply and inspire action.
NESHA HIGGINS (SHE/HER)
Nesha Higgins is the Founder and CEO of Melabiz Community Hub, a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and families. With over 15 years of experience in youth advocacy and family support, Nesha has positively impacted the lives of thousands of youth and parents. Under her leadership, Melabiz Community Hub has become a cornerstone in Maricopa County, offering programs that include mentorship, therapeutic counseling, job readiness support, crucial conversations and conflict resolution.
Specializing in sexual health education, Nesha has spent the past six years creating open and informed conversations with youth and families. She recently launched the initiative "Beyond the Birds and the Bees," designed to break stigmas around discussing sexual health and equip parents with tools to guide their children responsibly. This program fosters intimate and honest discussions, helping youth and families navigate relationships, boundaries, and health with confidence and understanding.
The Melabiz Community Hub also supports underserved populations through workshops offered in schools, jails, and community-based organizations, emphasizing health equity and resource accessibility.
GODDESS AYA
Goddess Aya is a Tantric Priestess; sacred sex goddess, sensuality life coach, plant medicine woman, retreat and workshop facilitator and the owner of The Goddesses House, LLC, a lifestyle/kink party house and retreat space for the sexually liberated soul.
NARADA JAY
-A musician from Columbia,South Carolina (R&b/Rap)
-I’m an Aquarius
- I have been making music consistently for 6 years
- fav artist: Tank, Usher,Jon B, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, J.Cole
CHINA BACKSHOTS (SHE/HER)
China is a Chicana based in Tucson, AZ, and an aerial performer. She is a member of Lilith Tucson, a group that showcases dark erotic arts led by The Vamp Natalia. China teaches flying pole at Pole Impact, a non-profit studio, and performs with Cirque Collective, a local fire and aerial group. Her primary form of expression is pole dancing, and she is dedicated to de-stigmatizing this art form. Beyond her performances, China is involved in her community by working with Splinter Collective. A non-profit art and community fund supporting people from various marginalized identities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, neurodivergent individuals, and those with lived experiences of sex work, housing insecurity, incarceration and more.
TYE LACHELLE (SHE/HER)
Sex Advocate | Sensual Wellness Expert | Sensual Massage Therapist
Tye LaChelle is a passionate sex advocate and sensual wellness expert dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their authentic selves. As the co-host of the urban radio show “Love, Sex, and All That Other Ish,” she boldly tackles taboo topics, fostering open conversations about love, intimacy, and sexual exploration.
With a background in massage therapy, Tye specializes in sensual touch techniques that enhance intimacy and deepen personal connections. Her work is rooted in creating safe, judgment-free spaces where clients can rediscover their bodies and explore the synergy between physical and emotional pleasure.
At The Melanated Sex Expo, Tye brings her expertise and vibrant energy to the forefront, advocating for sexual liberation, education, and self-care tailored to diverse communities. Her mission is simple: to inspire confidence, ignite passion, and help others prioritize their sensual wellness.
DAKOTA RAMPPEN (SHE/THEY)
Dakota Ramppen is a tough-love relationship coach and sexuality educator with a passion for helping people diminish relationship anxiety, set boundaries that work, and enhance intimacy and pleasure. Drawing from personal experiences and professional expertise, Dakota creates engaging workshops that empower participants to cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Whether addressing emotional connection, intimacy skills, or stigma-free sex education, Dakota’s approach is both practical and transformative.
COURTNEY BRAME (HE/HIM)
Courtney Warren Brame is the founder of Something Positive for Positive People (SPFPP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to minimizing STI stigma through education, storytelling, and advocacy. Diagnosed with herpes in 2013, Courtney has since become a leading voice in the sexual health space, hosting a podcast that amplifies diverse perspectives and fosters open conversations about intimacy and wellness. As a certified yoga instructor and yoga therapist-in-training, he integrates mindfulness and movement into his work, offering a holistic approach to navigating stigma and reclaiming self-confidence. Courtney’s advocacy focuses on bridging the gaps between mental health, sexual health, and empowerment, particularly within the Black/BIPOC community.
KIRRA BLAZE
Kinky Kirra is a highly skilled fire performer, entertainer, and model, known for captivating audiences with dynamic performances and striking visuals. With years of experience in the art of fire performance, Kirra combines technical precision with artistic expression, creating breathtaking displays that mesmerize viewers. In addition to performing, Kirra has established a successful career in modeling, working with renowned brands and photographers to create compelling and innovative visuals. Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of performance and creativity, She continues to inspire and entertain through both their artistry and professionalism.
NIA ELISE
Nia Elise is a singer-songwriter originally from North Carolina and now based in Tucson, Arizona. She is celebrated for her powerful vocals, engaging lyrics, and dynamic stage presence. Her music explores themes of love, resilience, and empowerment. She launched her debut EP “Melanin Dreams” in 2023, and her most recent project, “Liberated”, January 2025. She has received radio play across several states, and her music is available on all major streaming platforms.
STEPH ZAPATA (THEY/SHE)
Transformative Sex Educator
Somatic Impact Explorer
Steph Zapata is a nationally recognized, award-winning, transformative sexuality educator, pro dirty talker and somatic impact explorer.
As a pleasure professional, they guide individuals and couples toward finding pleasure and connection beyond societal restraints, making room for everyone—especially those disenfranchised by colonial, sex-negative, kink-shaming society. Their approach is both rigorous and compassionate, recognizing that liberation begins with radical self-acceptance and the reclaiming of one’s whole self.
They prioritize pleasure as a radical tool for healing and self-reclamation, viewing it as a pathway to understanding our most genuine selves. Through practices like impact, rope, dirty talk, Building a Daddy, and Domming, Steph emphasizes that pleasure can help heal the scars of colonial shame, offer a consensual space to reclaim agency, explore identity, and cultivate a life grounded in fulfillment and joy.
Steph champion’s pleasure as a tool for understanding, loving and fulfilling our most authentic selves—exploring who we are without the burden of imposed narratives and societal guilt. Through talk, touch, and toys- Steph’s work supports learners in experiencing pleasure as a guilt-free radical act of reawakening ones self.
JORDAN D'NELLE (SHE/HER)
Jordan D’Nelle inspires women to find power in their sexuality and create a pleasure filled life in and out of the bedroom. She is a Pleasure Positive Intimacy Coach, Physician Associate, Sexual Health Educator, speaker and the Founder of the Vaginas, Vulvas, and Vibrators Podcast. An award nominated and top 50 Podcast. Her goal is to have taboo conversations about sexuality, sexual intimacy, women’s health and relationships that specifically affect women. She wants to help normalize women’s sexual health and create a safe space for women to feel validated. She has been featured in Cosmopolitan magazine, Women’s Health Magazine, and featured in numerous other podcasts. In her 13 years of experience, she has helped many woman overcome shame and have better intimacy with themselves and their partners.
PHEONYX AZULA
Pheonyx Azula is a Shamanic Tantrika, through AkhuRa Temple, where she was ordained as a minister in practices that take “Tantra Beyond the Table”.
With her ministry Blue Flame INsight, her mission is dissolution; burning away the mindsets and masks that keep us from our authentic expression, so that we can fully embody the highest and best version of ourselves. This multidimensional medicine womban is a paradigm shifter & initiatrix. Her work is that of transmutation, inspiration, and activation.
As a Tantric Belly Dancer, sensual movement is an aspect of Pheonyx Azula's medicine. Her path as an energy alchemist is rooted in the mantra “Make Love to Life”. Priestess Pheonyx sees the body as a gateway to the Divine & that perspective is the foundation of all of her offerings. She is grateful to serve from her DeeP well of passion.
SOPHIA ST JAMES
Sophia St James is a sassy and playful Femme from the Pacific Northwest. She has traveled around the nation sharing her joy and love of burlesque and sex education. She is also an award-winning performer and has been nominated for AVN and Urban X Awards for her work as a Femdom and BBW adult star. She is a published model and sex education author having been seen in Essence Magazine. She currently is the director of the Phoenix chapter of SWOP (Sex Workers Outreach Project) and runs several small businesses. She is your Consent Coach, helping you explore the art of consent in a safe, sexy, and empowering way. She will also be performing a sexy, sultry burlesque number for you on Saturday.