From Interior Design to Fitness to the World of Entertainment: Zak Anderson’s Journey into Self-Discovery and Empowerment

At Friend of Dorothy, we believe in celebrating stories that challenge conventions and redefine what it means to live authentically. In our latest podcast, we sit down with adult entertainer and creative force Zak Anderson to explore his journey of transformation—from interior design to fitness, circus school, and ultimately, the world of adult entertainment. His story is one of courage, curiosity, and radical self-acceptance.

Sweden to Soho: A Creative Begins Anew

Twelve years ago, Zak left Sweden behind and moved to London for what many might consider a dream job: designing a luxury hotel. While it seemed like a career-defining moment, the move sparked something deeper—a desire to explore beyond design and reconnect with a lifelong passion for movement, performance, and self-expression.

Fitness as a Lifeline

From the age of 16, Zak balanced creative ambition with a love for fitness and dance. As a certified Level 4 personal trainer, his dedication to the craft wasn’t just professional—it was deeply personal. Fitness became his anchor during turbulent times, a space where he could both find control and push boundaries.

Reinventing Through Circus

Hungry for reinvention, Zak took a bold leap and enrolled in circus school. Acrobatics—trapeze, silks, and hoops—became his new language of expression. Though he faced rejection along the way, his persistence and passion carried him through. The experience taught him resilience and the liberating thrill of learning something new, no matter how intimidating.

Pivoting in a Pandemic

When the pandemic hit, Zak did what so many creatives had to do—adapt. Moving his fitness practice online, he began hosting live sessions on Instagram, creating accessible and engaging workouts that reached far beyond his usual clientele. What started as a lockdown necessity blossomed into a new way of connecting with people—and himself.

Body Image, Dysmorphia, and the Path to Self-Acceptance

Zak’s story also dives into more personal terrain. Like many queer people navigating both mainstream beauty ideals and LGBTQ+ subculture pressures, he’s wrestled with body dysmorphia and acceptance. Through years of self-work and candid reflection, Zak has reclaimed his relationship with his body—not as an object of perfection, but as a source of power and joy.

From the Dancefloor to the Camera

Along the way, Zak’s career morphed once again. Dancing in queer nightlife spaces and DJing introduced him to a new realm of performance. But it was an iconic photography session that marked the turning point. What began as an artistic collaboration soon opened the door to the adult entertainment world—a decision he once thought impossible, but ultimately embraced.

Reclaiming Sexuality Through Adult Entertainment

Joining the adult entertainment industry wasn’t about provocation—it was about empowerment. What Zak found was a professional, respectful environment where he could celebrate his sexuality, challenge old insecurities, and explore a new dimension of performance. Far from what stereotypes might suggest, this chapter of his journey became one of healing, agency, and artistic freedom.

A Story of Fluidity, Fearlessness, and Finding Your Voice

Zak’s path defies linear career narratives. It’s about experimenting, evolving, and embracing the full spectrum of what it means to be human—and queer. His willingness to start over, to push through fear, and to turn self-doubt into confidence is what makes his story resonate so deeply.

Final Thoughts

At Friend of Dorothy, we’re here for the wild detours, the reinventions, the honest conversations. Zak Anderson’s journey reminds us that empowerment doesn’t come from fitting into a box—it comes from smashing it open. Whether through fitness, art, or adult entertainment, his story is one of reclaiming joy, one bold step at a time.