Marquis America is pleased to bring you this personal insight into one of North America’s premiere Dominas, Ms. Marina Black of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

She is, amongst her peers, regarded as the consummate professional. She is also a true SM lifestyle practitioner – and those fortunate enough to be invited into her presence are quick to note that in her world – there is simply “no nonsense”. She is discerning … articulate to a fault … experienced beyond measure … and thorough in all aspects (from initial introduction to eventual encounter) in all things fetish and sadomasochistic. When she walks into a room, whether adorned in the finest, custom-designed latex couture or comfortably ensconced in a pair of “sensible” leather boots, black jeans and classic silken blouse, there can be no doubt that she is forever and always in complete … control.

The lady has been an integral and visible part of Canada’s SM scene for a number of years, as a facilitator, educator, occasional film subject and, of course, as one of the most respected practising Dominas in the country. She is Ms. Marina Black, fetishist, visual artist and epitome of female power – and empowerment. This Montreal-born one-of-a-kind beauty has made Toronto, Ontario, her chosen home since an early age: but she is known as one of the premier latex enthusiasts throughout North America.

She grew up in Toronto, and describes her formative years as “living in a typically strict Portuguese household” (she speaks the language fluently), where expectations to excel were placed on her from both family and school teachers alike. “I never really fit in, though, with any identifiable group. Excelling at school was frowned upon by my peers”, she said. “I would have to say that High School was my ‘coming out’ party. Up until that point, my best friends were books.” She poured over text after text, for all intents and purposes teaching herself how to read, write and speak perfect English. She had a special interest and passion for Greek mythology and Egyptian history, and many a night was spent in fascination and appreciation of the ancient tales and lessons.  By the age of seven, she was deeply attracted to the aesthetic of the woman of power (Hatshepsut, the only female Pharaoh, for instance) she was learning about, and equally realized her proficiency and ability to absorb and maintain knowledge was far beyond those of an equal age. By the time she reached her teenage years, she knew she had to embark on a path set of her own choosing. Her parents chastised her for her chosen attire while attending school (she was drawn to the “punk” and Goth” alternative fashion culture), and she did extremely well in school despite what others may have thought of her “trappings”.

The attraction to being empowered as a woman began to manifest itself during this “teenage rebellious” time. After experimenting with both submissive and dominant roles with boyfriends, she quickly realized that “bottoming was not (my) thing”. She was fortunate enough to have a long-term boyfriend whon was quite fine always taking the submissive role – and her education and experience as a Domina started to increase exponentially. She started to educate herself in everything to do with SM with the same passion and drive in which she lovingly worshipped the Greek goddesses of her literary childhood. She recalls with a smile the first time someone ever approached her, asking her ”if she was a Dominatrix.” She knew then exactly what path she wanted to take in this life.

“By the time I reached my 20′s, I was beyond experimenting,” she said. “I learned very early on that being an ‘evil bitch’ and a ‘girly-girl’ were not mutually exclusive. To this day I can proudly say I remain extremely wicked but exquisitely soft and feminine.”

She had already started boldly into the professional SM world by the time she entered University - during that era, a most uncertain but incredibly courageous step for most to take at such a formative age – but not for her. She has, therefore, been a recognizable force within the Toronto and Eastern Canadian SM communities for well over two decades.

Her chosen style of Dominance is not for everyone and certainly not for the faint of heart: she offers a complete and totally immersive experience in all forms of the art of female domination – but she does not open her doors (or even a dialogue) with just anyone or everyone that approaches her. She has an extensive and intensive screening process for potential supplicants and makes no apologies for being so selective. “I’m not the most ‘popular’ professional by choice,” she said. “I am quite specific in what I do.” She points out with crystal clarity that she is “not a menu item Domina” and the clientele that is fortunate enough to pass through the initial screening process can be assured of a very heavy, exacting and completely enveloping scene.

“I was a leather girl when I started, growing up in a leather town,” she said. “At one time, Northbound Leather was the only supplier in town and, naturally, everyone involved in the scene relied on them for their clothes and toys – me included.” Latex was not on her radar – and was extremely limited in supply, and even then what was available was not quite of the standard one would find in large European centers. By the early 1990′s, though, she started noticing and taking a great interest in “some really beautiful latex pieces” she would see in various magazines and online. She describes herself as a “very physical Domina” and realized very quickly that latex wear allowed her to move more freely and expertly when involved in a session. Latex didn’t curb her range of motion: “Latex loves your body when you’re engaged in a physical and heavy scene. What’s more, my own collared pet further exposed me to a fresh perspective on latex used in tandem with heavy and sensual play. He has most definitely been my muse.”

She has been a featured participant in several of the largest latex-focused fetish events (the annual Northbound Leather event in Toronto, for instance, and most recently turned heads and gained a new following from the younger fetish crowd for her performance at the famous New York-based Rubber Ball as an invited participant). There are few in North America with the dedication and knowledge of the latex aesthetic – and few can wear it with such a combination of femininity and sensuality combined with absolute power and control.

In addition to being recognized as one of the latex world’s primary champions (especially in Toronto), Ms. Black is passionate about her art. “I’m totally addicted to bondage,” she said. “Everything to do with it, from rope work to fully inflatable body bags and sleep sacks, I’m in love with it!” She admits metal restraints are employed as a part of her repertoire – but she prefers the ambiance, anticipation and even delicious apprehension that occurs when engaging in wrapping a submissive up completely in ropes. “By the time they’re completely immobilized, I’ve taken the time to make sure they are comfortable with what is about to happen to them, building up the suspense and the sensuality of it all. They know they’re safe in my hands – even though they’re not going anywhere until I decide to release them and let them know they’re allowed to leave.” She loves being able to create what she describes as a “sensation overload” in her play – each client that comes for an SM experience in her chambers (Note: she is one of the very few professionals to boast both access to one of the most infamous establishments in the world, the Patricia Marsh House of Domination, as well as her own extremely well-equipped private studios) is guaranteed to appreciate her efforts, her time, and attention to detail. She is truly a “throwback”: she has a good base of dedicated clients and followers whom she considers to be “good friends” as well as exceptional devotees. This is rare: she isn’t seduced necessarily by the power of the almighty dollar, but by ensuring that each person that spends quality time with her will wish to be welcome back because of her insistence on a high degree of realism – and dedication to providing that authentic atmosphere and experience.

To that end, she describes herself as “much more of a physical Domina than a psychological one”. The implication is obvious: the bondage and discipline experience is far more tenable; far less fantasy; and easily more memorable. Her clients never leave her presence with the notion (or confusion) that she is “simply a professional doing her job.” This attention to detail and the care that she takes to treat each client with a high degree of genuine respect and authenticity, indeed, separates her from most of her peers. “It doesn’t matter what vocation you decide to practice,” she said. “To be exceptional at what you do, you have to love what you do – and I only do what I love.“

Ms. Marina Black also has a vocation outside of her professional domination practice. Since the year 1992, she has been trained in and is a much sought-after practitioner as a professional piercing artist. She also is proficient and popular as an Aromatherapist, and has even developed some of her own mixtures and cremes that have helped a myriad of people with a myriad of maladies. Both of these talents and skills blend well and help to compliment her as a Domina – and she is quite capable of combining all of her worlds, when needed, for those individuals who can appreciate her attentions.

Whether she is delivering an expert whipping or caning, planning and executing an extended bondage situation or delivering an abject lesson using one of her beloved electro-stimulation devices, there are none whom are permitted within her inner circle who would disagree that she definitely ranks among the world’s best as a direct, stern and dedicated Domina. “Just because someone chooses to spend quality time with a professional, it doesn’t make the experience any less real,” she said. “That is simply the way it has to be: Real!“

Those interested in knowing more about Ms. Marina Black are invited to peruse her website: Serve Marina Black.

(All photos of Ms. Marina Black  are supplied courtesy of NTB Creative)