Kiki T. was a self-professed "horny teenybopping teenager." And it was in these days that a prepubescent crush on Simon LeBon of Duran Duran actually led Kiki to her dream job. (Tell that to the mom who says reading "Bop" and "Tiger Beat" will get you nowhere fast.) Both Simon and Kiki were Scorpios, and this sparked a desire in Kiki to investigate further. Astrology quickly confirmed the compatibility of the two, and Kiki says she was hooked from that day forward.
Kiki attended college as a creative writing major. After graduation Kiki paid the bills by bartending as she worked whenever she could to write a novel. It was a regular at the bar who suggested Kiki take her love of astrology further and pitch an astrology column to the magazine where the bar-goer was interning. While that opportunity didn't turn into the gig Kiki was hoping for, it did leave her with a sample (and a clue) on how to pitch herself and her skills moving forward.
Kiki coined and trademarked the phrase "astrosexologist" so she could be the only one (Smart woman.) It developed after she landed a job at Playgirl as the magazine's astrological columnist. She wanted to set her self apart from other astrologers, and since she had a specialty of love and sex, her phrase — and her job — was hers for the taking.
Kiki's creativity extends beyond her creative writing degree and knack for words. When she can she enjoys photography, creating mixed media collage notebook covers for her journals and traveling.
Do what makes you happy, as that is the best contribution you can make to the world.
What is your typical day like, and what types of things do you do in your job?
I get up, check email, troll around the Web and then just get to writing. I have an ephemeris, a book that tells me where all the planets are and at what position in the sky, and I know how to make a chart and read it, and voila, cast my predictions. Lately I have also been doing readings. So if I have them, I go to a nearby café to meet clients, which is usually super fun. If it goes well, it’s like having a mini slumber party!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part is being able to help people grasp tough situations they are in and help them feel they can overcome them. I also can warn them in advance or tell them something awesome to look forward to. I’m like a hope pusher for the horny and perverted.
What challenges keep you awake at night?
If I know a tough astrological aspect is coming, I worry how it will affect me. I can be really dramatic, so jumping to the worst case scenarios for no reason sometimes can bite me in the ass.
What is the biggest personal sacrifice you have to make because of your job?
I don’t feel I have any. I love all aspects of my job. I feel I have custom made my life to be what I want it to be and that this is the exact thing I should be doing. Plus, it can go in any direction, too! I’ve even done two TV pilots! It’s a job that can take me anywhere! Plus, it never gets boring.
What is one lesson you've learned in your job that sticks with you?
It really reinforces my belief that you have to do what you love and all else will fall into place. Courage does get rewarded!
What do you feel is the biggest challenge for women today, particularly those in your industry?
Well, in my field, women dominate. I’m lucky in that way.
Who are your role models?
I don’t really have role models. I have tons of people I admire for a variety of reasons, but I always just did things as they came, like the blind leading the blind, but it’s just me doing me. This is so my Gemini rising speaking ...
What are some of the rules you live by?
Do what makes you happy, as that is the best contribution you can make to the world. Being happy within yourself and promoting good energy is what will save the world, and everyone is responsible for making that contribution.
What advice do you have for women who want to be in your industry?
Be true to who you are. Authenticity counts for a lot. People aren’t stupid; they know if you’re bullshit.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I hope to be doing exactly what I am doing in a bigger and bolder way! I’d love to do more TV and expand into different parts of media. I’d love to write more books and keep following whatever creative sparks happen!