Akynos Shekera
What do you get when you cross a firecracker with a nuclear bomb? The answer would be in the form of Akynos Shekera – the 24-year-old New Yorker with the sass and spunk of a young starlet in the making. This woman is not your traditional men’s magazine staple. Truly an original, Ms. Akynos, has been hitting up the New York burlesque scene since the early part of this year. And ever vigil on setting herself apart from the rest of the pack, this holder of an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science has taken her sexually intuitive and open mind to the next level. With this future sexologist ready to take over the scene, it’s safe to say that Akynos Shekera is truly one in a million.
Starting up her own site – Akynos.com and tying it into her MySpace page – has allowed Ms. Shekera to promote sex in a uniquely educational way. With personally written articles and “toy” reviews – her page provides an edutaining experience. The wild woman with the wild hair [and some would say ways, too…] sits down with Beauty & Brains as she talks about the differences between burlesque and stripping, breaks down the soundtrack to her sex life and the burgeoning sexologist explains who her ideal study partner would be!
B&B: You’re actively trying to get your name out there in the New York burlesque scene. How’s that coming along?
AS: I have been doing burlesque [at the time of the interview] for about… three/four months, now. I’ve been to a couple of places, so far, but I am not out there, yet. But maybe… maybe by next year, I’ll be the shit, hopefully!
B&B: What made you take that route as opposed to being in the urban modeling scene like a Melyssa Ford or a Buffie the Body?
AS: There are too many bitches modeling. I like to dance and create stuff. There aren’t enough Black girls in the burlesque scene. So, I’m trying to get that slot that’s open for the Black girl. There are a few of us out there, but I’m trying to be the one. It’s a little bit easier to get there.
B&B: What’s the difference between burlesque dancers versus strippers?
AS: In burlesque, you can do anything; you can take any background that you’re experienced in and make it into a concert. Whether it’s acting, ballet, whatever – you can make that into an entertaining show. Stripping is a little less formal. You’re trying to entice the people with that. I’m trying to find a way to explain it, but with burlesque you can put on a crazy show and stripping is not that. With stripping, it’s like you’re taking off your clothes for money, in front of men and that’s it.
B&B: With everyone saying that the kiddies are being influenced by all things sex – do you think that your site, Akynos.com, is more informative and educational? Or do you think it’s just a place for the horny guys to go to?
AS: My website is for the thinking person. It’s not just about sex. I do the sex articles to try to educate people on sex and relationships. Then, there are pictures of me half naked, so you can get your rocks off, but if you want to get educated a little bit, too, then come to my site. It’s not all about the sex.
B&B: Sex talk aside – what is one frequent misconception that people have about you?
AS: Every time I see this question asked in interviews, I read all these girls answering it the same, stupid-ass way, “That I’m not a slut and that I’m not smart.” [Laughs] People are going to think that regardless of who you are. But a misconception about me – I’m trying to think back to my days on the message board and the problems I had with guys on there – but it may sound vain, but, wait… let me come back to that one…
B&B: …Okay. While people are probably going to call you all sorts of derogatory names due to the work you do – you also have a degree in Computer Science. When faced with adversity or opposition – how do you handle it?
AS: I looked at the site very briefly, but I’m familiar with people online calling people names. I don’t care, I’ll cuss anyone out. I have no problem saying to anyone, “Kiss my ass!” What?! Just because I have a website, it doesn’t mean that I can’t cuss you out? No! I mean if I don’t think that I’m the shit, who will? I just handle it. I really don’t get into too many situations – the things that I should be doing, I haven’t done them, yet. For instance, I try to get into a magazine and they shut me down, then I’m going to stalk them until I get into it. I just keep trying. I don’t give a damn [laughs]!
B&B: Now, you also want to get a degree in Sexology. What type of classes would you have to take to get it?
AS: I don’t even know what the hell they offer. I looked at this school in California, to see what classes were offered and all them were based on human behavior. I have books on the phallus and I read different people’s books like Osho – the Indian guru – and these psychology classes.
B&B: What would be your ideal study partner?
AS: Somebody who’s open-minded. He cannot be religious. If you want me to get blunt… he has to know what he’s doing in the bedroom. He doesn’t have to be an atheist, but he can’t be on no, “I’m a God-fearing man,” type. I think that pretty much sums it up. He has to be working; he can’t be flipping burgers at McDonald’s. He has to have his own place and I like guys that don’t have regular jobs. I’d deal with a guy who was probably a supervisor of a company, but I would like it if he has his own unique gig – kind of like you, Kev. You’re asking me questions that I would ask myself during my mock interviews and I can’t even answer them [laughs].
B&B: I also read that you’re working on becoming a vegetarian. But when so much beef is offered to you – how can you resist [laughs]?
AS: …nah, I changed my mind. [Laughs] I know what you mean, you’re funny. No, I have no problem with meat anymore. I think that people are eating too much food and just not exercising.
B&B: You’re very free with your sexuality, but with others it may come off as crude or ho-ish. How do you balance those negative comments within your own personal life?
AS: There aren’t any… people who I know speaking to me negatively, can’t because I let them know how I feel. I don’t think that anyone is better than I am. When it comes to sex, people have it all twisted. In my personal life, people support me. I don’t go onto the message boards anymore because those guys are vicious. Those guys hate women – that’s first. Other than that people have a problem with a woman and her sexuality.
B&B: Be honest – how many men wouldn’t want their woman to be sexually liberated and aggressive?
AS: I’d say about 90% [laughs]. They’ve been born to be afraid of sex. That religious thing is built into their head. You don’t even have to grow up in a household that’s like that, but it’s out there in the air. There are some guys who don’t want their woman doing that crazy stuff. There’s a genuine sex fear. A man doesn’t want to see a woman doing whatever she wants with her body. Sex can be good for you, you know? Sex is just sex; it can be good, but it doesn’t mean that I’m going to disrespect anyone.
B&B: You said that you were single by choice. Did the man you used to be with exhibit any regrets knowing the type of woman he was giving up?
AS: These guys out here are stupid. In general, he did, because I was a good girl. I am still loyal, but before, I was really loyal and he was cheating on me. He’d always come around talking about he’s going to marry me, but he was a dog. He regretted it because I was a slut for him in the bedroom and I could cook a little bit. I am down for whatever for my man. When it comes to a guy that I’m with, I am doing anything for him.
B&B: Wow… [laughs]!
AS: I can speak like this because I’m the sex woman, right?! [laughs].
B&B: You’re right… If you were to have a daughter could you be as open with her as you are with your fans on your site?
AS: I have to be and I wouldn’t want any children that I have to not be afraid of sex. I’d want them to understand that that’s where they came from. I wouldn’t tell a nine-year-old about a dildo… I’d have to tell her, umm, the whole point of teaching of them isn’t about experimenting and all that.
B&B: How has creating Akynos.com and embarking on this interesting career benefited your life?
AS: I’m just a little more popular now. I may make a few extra dollars, here and there, but that’s about it.
B&B: If you could choose a few songs that would be the soundtrack to your sex life – what would they be and why?
AS: Damn, that’s a good question. I love music, too [laughs]. It would be “Just Another Sad Love Song,” by Toni Braxton. There’s a Macy Gray, “Why Didn’t You Call Me,” but most of them would be about heartbreak. Dealing with a guy, didn’t know that he had a girl. That’s my soundtrack. Elton John, “This Is Why It’s Called The Blues.” It’s a rough game out here.
B&B: Last question – if a man wasn’t ready for you, would you send him back to the bleachers? Or would you coach him to get him ready for the next game?
AS: Bye! Buh-bye! I’m not coaching shit. I just want him to be ready to deal with me. I’m not coaching anyone in the sex. I want him to know what to do with me. If he needs a little help, then I’ll do that, but I don’t like coaching. I just want it to be on point, right then, right there!
Does Akynos got you sweating bullets? Got you quivering in your knees? Well, check her out at Akynos.com and http://www.myspace.com/akynosdotcom!
Starting up her own site – Akynos.com and tying it into her MySpace page – has allowed Ms. Shekera to promote sex in a uniquely educational way. With personally written articles and “toy” reviews – her page provides an edutaining experience. The wild woman with the wild hair [and some would say ways, too…] sits down with Beauty & Brains as she talks about the differences between burlesque and stripping, breaks down the soundtrack to her sex life and the burgeoning sexologist explains who her ideal study partner would be!
B&B: You’re actively trying to get your name out there in the New York burlesque scene. How’s that coming along?
AS: I have been doing burlesque [at the time of the interview] for about… three/four months, now. I’ve been to a couple of places, so far, but I am not out there, yet. But maybe… maybe by next year, I’ll be the shit, hopefully!
B&B: What made you take that route as opposed to being in the urban modeling scene like a Melyssa Ford or a Buffie the Body?
AS: There are too many bitches modeling. I like to dance and create stuff. There aren’t enough Black girls in the burlesque scene. So, I’m trying to get that slot that’s open for the Black girl. There are a few of us out there, but I’m trying to be the one. It’s a little bit easier to get there.
B&B: What’s the difference between burlesque dancers versus strippers?
AS: In burlesque, you can do anything; you can take any background that you’re experienced in and make it into a concert. Whether it’s acting, ballet, whatever – you can make that into an entertaining show. Stripping is a little less formal. You’re trying to entice the people with that. I’m trying to find a way to explain it, but with burlesque you can put on a crazy show and stripping is not that. With stripping, it’s like you’re taking off your clothes for money, in front of men and that’s it.
B&B: With everyone saying that the kiddies are being influenced by all things sex – do you think that your site, Akynos.com, is more informative and educational? Or do you think it’s just a place for the horny guys to go to?
AS: My website is for the thinking person. It’s not just about sex. I do the sex articles to try to educate people on sex and relationships. Then, there are pictures of me half naked, so you can get your rocks off, but if you want to get educated a little bit, too, then come to my site. It’s not all about the sex.
B&B: Sex talk aside – what is one frequent misconception that people have about you?
AS: Every time I see this question asked in interviews, I read all these girls answering it the same, stupid-ass way, “That I’m not a slut and that I’m not smart.” [Laughs] People are going to think that regardless of who you are. But a misconception about me – I’m trying to think back to my days on the message board and the problems I had with guys on there – but it may sound vain, but, wait… let me come back to that one…
B&B: …Okay. While people are probably going to call you all sorts of derogatory names due to the work you do – you also have a degree in Computer Science. When faced with adversity or opposition – how do you handle it?
AS: I looked at the site very briefly, but I’m familiar with people online calling people names. I don’t care, I’ll cuss anyone out. I have no problem saying to anyone, “Kiss my ass!” What?! Just because I have a website, it doesn’t mean that I can’t cuss you out? No! I mean if I don’t think that I’m the shit, who will? I just handle it. I really don’t get into too many situations – the things that I should be doing, I haven’t done them, yet. For instance, I try to get into a magazine and they shut me down, then I’m going to stalk them until I get into it. I just keep trying. I don’t give a damn [laughs]!
B&B: Now, you also want to get a degree in Sexology. What type of classes would you have to take to get it?
AS: I don’t even know what the hell they offer. I looked at this school in California, to see what classes were offered and all them were based on human behavior. I have books on the phallus and I read different people’s books like Osho – the Indian guru – and these psychology classes.
B&B: What would be your ideal study partner?
AS: Somebody who’s open-minded. He cannot be religious. If you want me to get blunt… he has to know what he’s doing in the bedroom. He doesn’t have to be an atheist, but he can’t be on no, “I’m a God-fearing man,” type. I think that pretty much sums it up. He has to be working; he can’t be flipping burgers at McDonald’s. He has to have his own place and I like guys that don’t have regular jobs. I’d deal with a guy who was probably a supervisor of a company, but I would like it if he has his own unique gig – kind of like you, Kev. You’re asking me questions that I would ask myself during my mock interviews and I can’t even answer them [laughs].
B&B: I also read that you’re working on becoming a vegetarian. But when so much beef is offered to you – how can you resist [laughs]?
AS: …nah, I changed my mind. [Laughs] I know what you mean, you’re funny. No, I have no problem with meat anymore. I think that people are eating too much food and just not exercising.
B&B: You’re very free with your sexuality, but with others it may come off as crude or ho-ish. How do you balance those negative comments within your own personal life?
AS: There aren’t any… people who I know speaking to me negatively, can’t because I let them know how I feel. I don’t think that anyone is better than I am. When it comes to sex, people have it all twisted. In my personal life, people support me. I don’t go onto the message boards anymore because those guys are vicious. Those guys hate women – that’s first. Other than that people have a problem with a woman and her sexuality.
B&B: Be honest – how many men wouldn’t want their woman to be sexually liberated and aggressive?
AS: I’d say about 90% [laughs]. They’ve been born to be afraid of sex. That religious thing is built into their head. You don’t even have to grow up in a household that’s like that, but it’s out there in the air. There are some guys who don’t want their woman doing that crazy stuff. There’s a genuine sex fear. A man doesn’t want to see a woman doing whatever she wants with her body. Sex can be good for you, you know? Sex is just sex; it can be good, but it doesn’t mean that I’m going to disrespect anyone.
B&B: You said that you were single by choice. Did the man you used to be with exhibit any regrets knowing the type of woman he was giving up?
AS: These guys out here are stupid. In general, he did, because I was a good girl. I am still loyal, but before, I was really loyal and he was cheating on me. He’d always come around talking about he’s going to marry me, but he was a dog. He regretted it because I was a slut for him in the bedroom and I could cook a little bit. I am down for whatever for my man. When it comes to a guy that I’m with, I am doing anything for him.
B&B: Wow… [laughs]!
AS: I can speak like this because I’m the sex woman, right?! [laughs].
B&B: You’re right… If you were to have a daughter could you be as open with her as you are with your fans on your site?
AS: I have to be and I wouldn’t want any children that I have to not be afraid of sex. I’d want them to understand that that’s where they came from. I wouldn’t tell a nine-year-old about a dildo… I’d have to tell her, umm, the whole point of teaching of them isn’t about experimenting and all that.
B&B: How has creating Akynos.com and embarking on this interesting career benefited your life?
AS: I’m just a little more popular now. I may make a few extra dollars, here and there, but that’s about it.
B&B: If you could choose a few songs that would be the soundtrack to your sex life – what would they be and why?
AS: Damn, that’s a good question. I love music, too [laughs]. It would be “Just Another Sad Love Song,” by Toni Braxton. There’s a Macy Gray, “Why Didn’t You Call Me,” but most of them would be about heartbreak. Dealing with a guy, didn’t know that he had a girl. That’s my soundtrack. Elton John, “This Is Why It’s Called The Blues.” It’s a rough game out here.
B&B: Last question – if a man wasn’t ready for you, would you send him back to the bleachers? Or would you coach him to get him ready for the next game?
AS: Bye! Buh-bye! I’m not coaching shit. I just want him to be ready to deal with me. I’m not coaching anyone in the sex. I want him to know what to do with me. If he needs a little help, then I’ll do that, but I don’t like coaching. I just want it to be on point, right then, right there!
Does Akynos got you sweating bullets? Got you quivering in your knees? Well, check her out at Akynos.com and http://www.myspace.com/akynosdotcom!
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