XCritic Interview: April 2018 Penthouse Pet of the Month Shyla Jennings

Since 2010, Shyla Jennings has risen through the adult industry ranks to become an immensely popular and considerably decorated performer with two AVN All-Girl Performer of the Year victories to her credit. This month, the German-born starlet was featured as cover girl and Pet of the Month for Penthouse’ April 2018 issue.

Shyla kindly granted XCritic an interview to discuss her Pet of the Month designation, co-starring in Girlsway’s 2017 hit feature Vampires and more.

You can visit Shyla online at her official website, ShylaJ.com, follow her on Twitter under the handle @ShylaJDotCom and check out her FreeOnes page here. Booking inquiries may be directed to ATMLA.

(Interview conducted by Cass Ashlen)

First off, congratulations on being named Penthouse Pet of the Month for April 2018. How does it feel to have been selected for the title?

Thank you! I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the Penthouse family! It’s something I’ve been working towards a long time and now that it’s here, I’m just so grateful.

Can you tell us about your shoot for the magazine in regards to theme?

I shot for The Art Issue: A Tribute to Bob Guccione, so everything had a very pin-up feel. I even got to play in paint for my last set. You can tell by the smile on my face I’m having way too much fun.

Let’s go back to the beginning if you don’t mind: Can you tell us how you initially became interested - and later involved - in the adult industry?

I had a girlfriend who was a nude model. When she saw how comfortable I was in front of the camera, she asked if I would want to consider doing it. I never thought I would, but when I got to set that day, my clothes couldn’t of come off faster. Hustler ended up picking up those shots we took that day and put them on the cover of Barely Legal. I guess it was meant to be.

You have obviously enjoyed a very successful career in the business thus far with a résumé that includes winning Girlsway’s 2016 Girl of the Year contest, in addition to being a two-time AVN All-Girl Performer of the Year. Having accomplished so much, do you still have goals relating to your career that you wish to achieve?

Absolutely! Yes, I’ve definitely worked my little ass off to get where I’m at today, but I believe everyone should always have goals. My next ones include getting involved more in the production side of porn: producing my own content and becoming super self-reliant.

You acquired a starring role in last year’s blockbuster Girlsway feature Vampires. I spoke extensively about the project a few months ago with your co-star, Abigail Mac, and she had glowing words about filming the movie, as well as the finished product. Can you tell us about working on the Vampires set and your role in the film?

Vampires was one of my most favorite roles. I play a blind girl who is basically conquering evil with my sister, Abigail Mac’s character. We shot over a span of six days with special effects, badass makeup and very intense dialogue scenes. Alan Egan wrote a great feature that I couldn’t have been more honored to be a part of.

Is there one misconception about the adult industry from those outside of it that you wish you could dispel?

Too many. Most just assume we don’t have any integrity, morals and lack any kind of respect. I’m not going to try to change anyone’s mind at this point in my life. People will always have their opinions of you no matter how perfect or good you are. If they are ready to have an open heart, though, and spark up a conversation with me to see that us porn stars are just regular people, I’m all ears and ready to chat.

Let’s learn a little bit about Shyla Jennings, the person. Can you tell us where you were raised and how you would describe yourself growing up?

I was raised in Helotes, a town in the hill country of Texas. I grew up playing outdoors a lot. You could always find me playing in the mud, causing trouble at my friends’ houses or swimming at our neighborhood pool. But on those rainy days we do have a lot of in Texas, I would watch movies. I always wanted to be an actress like Julie Andrews in Sound of Music or Olivia Newton-John in Grease.

What are some of your interests and hobbies?

I enjoy watching movies and my shows, dancing around my kitchen while cooking pasta, hiking through the forest with my girlfriends and having lots and lots of sex in between. But my most fondest interest is rescuing animals and hanging out with my own pets. I have three dogs, one African Grey parrot, a salt water tank and too many cats!

How about favorites - favorite movies, television shows and musical artists?

I’m obsessed with anything Tim Burton. I especially love Edward Scissorhands, Big Fish and Beetlejuice. Some of my favorite shows include Vikings, Sex and the City, Shameless and Mr. Robot. Music-wise, I listen to everything from classical and jazz to country or rap. I’m really all over the place. But I’ll forever be in love with Stevie Nicks.

Is there one thing about yourself that you feel would surprise a lot of people?

I’m a super vivid and lucid dreamer. I can make myself even orgasm in dreams. I’m not sure if that’s very surprising, but it’s definitely something not many know about me.

Are there any upcoming projects in the works that you would like to mention?

PureTaboo.com will be shooting their first lesbian series, so I’m very excited to be apart of it! Something new for my acting juices to get flowing for.

In closing, is there anything else you wish to say to readers?

Visit my site, ShylaJ.com, and follow me on my social media Instagram and Twitter: ShylaJDotCom.

Thanks for taking time out to interview with me, Shyla. Congrats again on your Penthouse Pet honor and best wishes in the future.

Thank you for having me!