Sarah Vandella isn’t disappearing — she’s rewriting the script.

After years as one of adult entertainment’s most recognizable performers, she’s stepping back from the persona that defined her and into something far more personal. While slowly transitioning the “Vandella” moniker in favor of “Moon,” the stunning beauty is turning her focus toward online platforms, wellness, and a more intentional way of living.

The shift comes after a career that thrived both on-camera and within the world of legal sex work. But this isn’t a story about walking away. It’s about taking control.

On her own terms, Sarah is carving out a life that prioritizes autonomy, sustainability, and growth, while still finding ways to channel the same creative energy that once fueled her work in front of the camera in the adult industry. But she’s not saying goodbye, she’s simply moving in a new direction.

I spoke with Sarah about stepping back from on-camera work and in-person sex work, what she’s building now, and why this next chapter might be her most defining yet.

You’re scaled back a lot in your career- what was the catalyst?

I always said from the beginning that I’d keep doing it until it stopped being fun. It’s not that it suddenly wasn’t fun anymore — it was more that the world just stopped feeling as safe. There wasn’t one specific moment or event that triggered it. It was something that built up over time, just watching things shift and change. I’d spent so much time building my brand, but the legal side of sex work, and the back-and-forth to Reno, started to wear on me.

Was there a particular moment that stood out in coming to the decision?

I think I really knew something was off when I noticed my routine changing. On my way to the ranch, I used to stop overnight just to ground myself before going into that environment. Eventually, I started feeling depressed and my body was telling me not to go anymore. I sat with that feeling for a few months and that’s when I knew it was time. The decision was met with a lot of support and love, and I’m incredibly grateful for my time there. It’s a part of my story, and I’ll always be thankful for the Mustang Ranch. I still have friends there and I care about them deeply.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned about yourself — and about the industry — over the course of your career?

A few things, honestly. First, no matter what’s legal or how much security is in place, you’re never completely safe. Despite the trajectory of adult work, there’s always some level of risk when it comes to safety. That was a hard truth to accept, especially given how the industry has evolved. I also came to understand just how deeply the structure of porn is rooted in patriarchy. It was never really built for female performers to truly thrive or have longevity. There’s this unspoken “expiration date” for female performers — people say it’s around thirty-six — which is frighteningly sad. In some ways, I found myself circling back to that idea more than I expected.

At the same time, I did learn that I was able to carve out moments that were genuinely mine — times where I was having fun on my own terms. Those are the things I hold onto. Little pieces of that were real, and mine.

What were some of your biggest highlights in the adult industry?

The contract years, the traveling and the signings was a really fun chapter. I got to experience a lot, especially before Covid. I had a strong run where I was working consistently, doing photo shoots, shooting movies, and just staying busy in a way that felt exciting. There were a lot of genuinely good moments in that stretch. I also loved doing the conventions and signing with Reality Kings, which really set the tone for where my career could go. Those experiences stick with me. There were a lot of grateful moments.

What would you say was the most challenging?

For me, it was a lot more about my internal struggles than anything else. The hardest stretch was the period right before I got sober. There was a time when I was basically unshootable — my agent couldn’t book me, and I wasn’t showing up in the way I needed to. That forced me to really look at myself and do the work. I had to dig deep and completely reinvent who I was, both personally and professionally. Changing how I lived off camera ended up changing everything. It brought me back to a more grounded, authentic version of myself, and that shift allowed me to come back stronger.

Is there a bit of advice you can give for those wanting to start a career in adult entertainment?

The industry is such a broad term now — it doesn’t even necessarily mean you have to work with studios anymore to create content. But if you do want to shoot with studios then do your research on agents, find someone you genuinely connect with, and make sure you feel comfortable with them. Don’t sign anything right away. Sit with it, ask questions, and have someone you trust go through the legal jargon with you. Protecting yourself is everything.

Most importantly, don’t say yes to anything you’re not fully comfortable with doing. You might grow into certain things over time, but that should happen on your own terms. If you agree to something and it ends up going in a direction that feels wrong or even traumatic, that can set you back in a real way. It’s not worth putting yourself through that.

What new projects are you currently working on?

I’m always working and doing my online work managing my OnlyFans and other platforms. I’m also certified in sound healing and taking coaching classes. For now, I’m formatting my foundation for where I want to go next in the healing arts and wellness industry. I want these next few years to be different in terms of energy. I’ve always been working on myself, even while I was doing sex work and porn. I believe in the kindness and hope of humans. We can hold space for the joy and the resistance. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Whatever we do, we have to just keep living the best that we can.

Follow Sarah on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sarahlivesfreely/