The “reality” of reality TV is this… It's a hard decision to make; to put yourself in the public eye and live a time in your life under a microscope. It opens you up to judgment that, at times, you find yourself ill-prepared for. And although seeing some of the negative comments can be hard, it’s all part of the process. I am happy to discover that there are those that would go out of their way to show kindness and support… avoiding the judgments and stereotypes… formulating their own opinions and be willing to base them on a bigger picture… a picture that is not always shown in its entirety. It speaks volumes about their character! My most heartfelt thanks go out to those who’ve done just that. John Mayer said it best. "Say what you need to say."
I've been receiving tons of emails and messages from my fans addressing some of the "myths" that are out there on the wonderful world-wide web. I appreciate everyone's support. I know my defenders are out in full force! I wanted to post a blog to address some of the common ones they are defending. So, here it is… straight from the source. For those that are willing, this blog may be an eye-opener and a revelation that sets some of the records straight. For others, they will attack my words and attempt to twist them. For the latter, I am convinced that it wouldn’t matter what I had to say anyways. Some people formulate opinions and will often stick by and defend them despite new facts. This blog has not been written for them. I am writing it for the ones that are willing to be open-minded; that they may have a better understanding.
1) Myth: I look down on and talk bad about “strippers.”
Fact: I don’t look down on or think I’m better than anyone. That doesn’t mean that I agree or approve of the actions of everyone around me. I don’t expect everyone to agree or approve of all of my actions either. I have never said anything bad about ANY person that works in a Gentlemen’s Club (strip club). You will NOT hear anything of the sort come from my mouth. Please formulate your own opinions. Remember, just because someone says something about another person, doesn’t make it a fact. A wise quote I once read: "Believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see."
It is my belief that this misunderstanding has come about due to editing. On several occasions, I was asked about my occupation. In attempts to explain it, I had to also explain how being a “stripper” is different than what my job is (since it was regularly being compared to that). Explaining that there is a difference does not mean that I believe myself to be better… just different.
2) Myth: I am on “Rock of Love Bus” to promote “PENTHOUSE.” That’s why I always wear a “PENTHOUSE” shirt in interviews.
Fact: I am on “Rock of Love Bus” because I auditioned and was cast on the show. I accomplished getting cast for the show like every other cast member. “PENTHOUSE” did not put me on the show or have anything to do with me being cast for it. After I was cast, “PENTHOUSE” and the “Rock of Love Bus” producers agreed to cooperate. The “PENTHOUSE” affiliated merchandise I wear on the show is called “product placement.” There are many other approved products you see on the show: “Pepsi,” “Beautiful Disaster” clothing, “Ed Hardy” clothing, “Affliction” clothing, alcohol brands, hotel names, bar names, etc. “PENTHOUSE” is just another approved company.
As for my interview “PENTHOUSE” tank top, all the cast members were asked to attend our first interview segment upon arrival to the set. Afterwards, our outfits were collected and we were informed that we would be wearing that same outfit for EVERY interview for the course of the show. That is so they can place your interview segments anywhere they want throughout the show. It’s called continuity. Every girl is wearing the same outfit. Mine just happens to be a “PENTHOUSE” tank top.
3) Myth: I won “PENTHOUSE Pet of the Year” because I went on “Rock of Love Bus.”
Fact: I knew I was “Pet of the Year” before I was even cast for the show. The producers of “Rock of Love Bus” wanted to reveal the news on the show. My “Pet of the Year” issue was January 2009. It was on stands in December 2008. “Rock of Love Bus” began airing January 4, 2009.
4) Myth: Bret doesn’t have as strong of a connection with the girls on this season of “Rock of Love.”
Fact: This season was filmed on the road during a live tour. Due to this, we did not have as much access to Bret as in past seasons. I believe that is the basis for the viewers’ misunderstanding. I can speak for myself in saying that there are several one-on-one conversations I’ve had with Bret that never made it on the show. Drama and trauma make better TV than good conversation. So, that is what you see. Remember, days of filming are edited down to a 40-45 minute episode. You only see fragments of the big picture. When Bret references a “connection” with a particular girl, you can rest assured that he has developed one. The viewer just hasn’t always seen those connections being built.
5) Myth: "Strippers" and "Burlesque Feature Entertainers" are the same thing.
Fact: A "stripper" or a "house" "entertainer," as I like to refer to them, is a lady who is affiliated with a specific Gentlemen's Club or "strip club." I am a national touring Las Vegas-style Showgirl. My list of credentials and accolades is what makes me marketable to venues throughout the country. I have choreographed theme shows. I have high end, elaborate, custom-made costumes and props. I employ stage assistants, djs, and mc's to execute my shows. I perform at some of the top clubs in the country, including mainstream venues like "The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino" in Las Vegas. I am paid for each stage performance. After each stage performance, I autograph and sell merchandise for my fans. My income is not based on tips and lap dances, like you'd see with "strippers" at a strip club. Although removing clothing is in both job descriptions, this is where the similarities end. Some would say that I do what "strippers" do, but "strippers" don't do what I do.
6) Myth: I am there to promote myself and am not interested in Bret.
Fact: I have nothing to promote. I am already established in my field to the highest level. I have an established fan base, website, and career. I went on the show because I have a lot of the same problems and issues dating I believed that Bret may have. I always have to question motives and intentions when someone is interested in dating me. Bret and I have a lot in common. We both are established in our fields, we both have children that are the center of our lives, music is in our lives and part of our upbringings and backgrounds… My intentions towards Bret are not something I believe I need to defend. In this area, his opinion is the only one that matters. I just wanted to let everyone know that what you see is not what you get when it comes to reality TV. There is always more than meets the eye.
If there are any other questions you have regarding my appearance on “Rock of Love Bus,” please leave them as a comment on this blog. I’ll be happy to answer them.
QUESTIONS:
1) "Nee" complimented my makeup on the show and asked what products I use:
Nee... thanks for complimenting my makeup. I'm a little spoiled in this area, since I've been lucky enough to work with some of the industry's best makeup artists. I pick up tidbits everywhere! I use "Smashbox Healthy FX High Definition Foundation." I also use a lot of "MAC" products. Their "Studio Fix" compacts are wonderful, especially if you like a powder foundation. "MAC" lip liner color "Subculture" is a great neutral lip liner I use every day. Good luck on the makeup hunt sweetie!
2) "Sage" asked what hair products I use.
You're a doll Sage! I use "Paul Mitchell" Strength Shampoo and Conditioner. As a conditioning treatment, "Fekkai" Protein Rx is wonderful! I use it at least 2 times a week. For extra shine after styling use "Big Sexy Hair" Big Shine spray.
3) Tina Prewitt McMahon asks: "Can you be a Penthouse Pet of the Year and still be able to pose in Playboy? Even though they are both competitors in the same market."
No, you cannot. I actually worked for "Playboy" first. I did many shoots/layouts and "Playboy TV" projects with the company. "PENTHOUSE" recruits models from multiple experience levels and backgrounds. They review submissions regardless of past affiliations with their competitors. Many "Playboy" models, like me, have gone on to have amazing careers with "PENTHOUSE." However, with "Playboy," that is not the case. They like to recruit amateur models who have not posed nude prior to shooting with them. There are several "Playmates" that are also "PENTHOUSE Pets," but they shot with "Playboy" first.
4) "Kitty Kat" asks: "I would like to know how you keep your body in such good shape? Any tips or advice you can spare?"
You're actually going to hate me for my answer, but I'm being honest. I don't have to do much. I am blessed with good genetics and a high metabolism. Mindy and I drank TONS of wheat grass on the show, that helped a lot! I do Pilates for my core strength and flexibility exercises (yoga and stretching). My work, in general, is very physical. So, I get a workout from that alone several times a week. I have established a moderate cardio routine. It's tough. Especially when you're on the road a lot, like I am. But, consistency is key! If you aren't consistent, it doesn't matter how much you do or how hard you try, you won't see results. I advise starting slow. Get up every day and do SOMETHING. Walk around the block, stretch out, regulate your meals and calories, and drink TONS of water... the more you do every day, the easier it will be. Good Luck Girl!
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Hope everyone is enjoying the show! It’s been a wild ride! I am now in the top 3 on the show, and we are ALL BRUNETTES!! Keep watching “Rock of Love Bus” on VH1. New episodes premiere every Sunday at 9pm!
Proud to have my fans on “TEAM TAYA!!!”
Xoxo, Taya ....