“I entered the kink collectives online mentorship program because I was unsure of my place in the leather community. I had been making harmful choices and I needed help figuring out if I was kinky, just needy, or to understand if kink was my only way to find connection and to clarify my role as a submissive. I've learned so much about Dominant/submissive roles, power exchange relationships, and what I want and need from a Dominant. This program has also helped me recognize the errors I made as a sub and understand why things were not working. Although I'm happy with my progress, I am eager to learn even more.”

“I decided to join the kink collective's mentorship program because I resonated deeply with the co-founders approach to engagement, which spoke to my spirit and essence. Their program felt like a natural progression in my ongoing inner work. Initially, I didn't believe I had a specific issue, but through the program, I've gained the vocabulary and understanding needed to recognize my self-worth. It's been instrumental in building my confidence while maintaining humility and gratitude. I'm learning to articulate and confidently speak about what I always knew but didn't know the words for. In progress, I've noticed a significant change in how I interact with others and myself, allowing for more grace. I've become more confident and no longer feel like the 'odd one out.' Cat and Joshua's support and celebration of our victories have been invaluable. Our group is merging in spirit, creating a more profound and vital community foundation. I eagerly anticipate our future together.”

“I joined the mentorship program because I was drawn to the idea of 'people before kink' that I saw in other workshops and intensives. I wanted the time dedicated to exploring how these tools for connection apply to various aspects of my life. Coming from the fringes of the community, the topics of dominance, submission, and personal vetting truly intrigued me. Before the mentorship program, I struggled with trusting myself, especially in sexual situations. The mentorship program has allowed me to explore these issues both sexually and non-sexually. I've made progress in trusting myself more and blending that trust into other areas of my life. I began to trust my dominance more, realizing that my fear of hurting others was unfounded and rooted in misunderstanding my instincts. Furthermore, the program has created a space for me to work on my insecurities regarding submission, a topic I had previously avoided discussing.”

“I joined the mentorship program because I trusted Cat and Joshua and knew I needed to learn more about BDSM and leather. After hearing them speak about it, I was sure I needed this. They make me feel safe, and the people they engage with make me feel safe. I wanted to address a knowledge gap and find my place in BDSM and leather, seeking genuine connection rather than random intimacy. Walking into the program, I aimed to gain self-knowledge and confidence, but I also found a much-needed connection I didn't know I was missing. This program has taught me about self-knowledge, confidence, and people-pleasing and helped me tackle difficult questions in a supportive environment. In terms of progress, it's like a logarithmic scale. Building trust and laying foundational knowledge was essential, and delving into D/s dynamics opened up complex issues that needed addressing. Discussing these questions in scheduled sessions with trusted people provides the support I need. Although I'm still processing a lot, having multiple trusted people to talk to is significant progress. Now, I'm figuring out the questions I want to ask and continuing my journey.”

“I decided to join the mentorship program because, as someone early in their kink journey and venturing solo into unfamiliar territory, I believed the experience would be richer, safer, and more illuminating with trusted guidance from people who had already provided excellent education and avenues for discovery. I sought trusted guidance to explore facets of myself that were crystallizing into a more authentic self, aspects of which were previously unknown to me. Additionally, as a neurodivergent person struggling with connecting with others and reading social cues, I aimed to mature my capacity to make connections, find community among peers, and become more comfortable with communication. Through the mentorship program, I now feel much more informed and confident in navigating kink spaces and expressing my desires, interests, and concerns. I've also gained assurance in fostering connections and socializing, both within and outside the scene.”