Photos by Art Villain
This interview/pictorial was featured in issue 2 of subspace Magazine.
The Vault is an elaborately equipped dungeon that is conveniently located on the East side of downtown Houston (EaDo), by Minute Maid Park.
The Vault’s massive collection of hand-crafted BDSM toys and custom-designed bondage furniture are of the highest quality available, many of which have been hand-crafted by local artisans.
The chambers are suited for almost any type of play you can imagine so that no fantasy goes unfulfilled!
subspace Magazine: When did you first realize you were into kink?
Domina Shannon: I started exploring and experimenting with BDSM when I was about 14 years old. I was introduced to bondage first. I had a couple of lady friends who were just a little bit older than me that would suspend me from the ceiling and just admire me. We would do performances with a local band where they would suspend me while the band performed. Eventually my curiosity got the best of me and I started exploring things other than just bondage.
When I was about 15 years old Mistress Genevieve (of New Orleans) and I would go out and lure boys back to my parents house and do terrible things to them. In those days we would play with crude but effective bondage, impact play, sensory deprivation, sensation play and energy exchange.
subspace Magazine: When did you realize you were Dominant?
Domina Shannon: In the beginning it was all exploratory. I did not necessarily even really consider myself dominant, rather I felt a need for exploration. I had a never ending curiosity for all things kinky! That kind of lead into me always being “on top”. Over the years it was a position that I found very easy and natural to be in.
subspace Magazine: How did you get into professional Domination?
Domina Shannon: Well, by 17 years old I had already had a good deal of exposure to BDSM. I was in a band and ran a record label with my band members at the time. There was a new band member for one of the bands on our label, after getting to know her for a bit she mentioned a local dungeon she just started working at and spoke of a position that they were looking to fill. She encouraged me to go the next day to see about filling the position. I felt like it was a long shot but I had just acquired my first real corset which was a beautiful Stormy Leather piece that made me feel absolutely incredible, so I thought what the hell…why not?! I went the next day and was given the position immediately. That dungeon only stayed open for about six months after that.
Luckily for me, my long time friend Mistress Genevieve who had also been taking sessions at that facility was gearing up to open her first dungeon in 1998. When The Imperium closed down a short while after bringing me on I was able to continue taking appointments at Ms. Genevieve’s studio. That was when I knew I would be doing this for the long hall.
subspace Magazine: Do any of your first sessions stand out to you?
Domina Shannon: Absolutely! Many, and for different reasons. The first one that comes to mind is the very first tickling client I ever had. I was intriqued by his interests. We would do a role play where I would dress up in gym clothes, bind him and tickle him relentlessly. I loved the idea of tickle torture especially in combination with bondage. I could never fully get on board with the gym clothes…I loved the traditional Dominatrix wardrobe, but we enjoyed many scenes together until I eventually moved away. I moved back to Houston about 10 years later and he found me again. I was delighted at the idea of tickling him again. I had evolved so much and I was excited to see him again. Interestingly enough he was no longer asking for me to tickle him…turns out he became a well known “tickle guy” and established a well respected tickle site. This time it was the two of us tying and tickling a very beautiful young woman.
I often reflect fondly memories of the early days. I still to this day have a few clients left that I met back in those early days.
subspace Magazine: What are some of your specialties?
Domina Shannon: While I do excel at many types of play there are a few things that just really get me excited…like electricity! I love electro stimulation and I am very knowledgable about it. One of my clients from the early days ( speaking of ) was an older gentleman who loved to play with electricity! He had a great deal of his own toys and taught me how to use them on him. Over they years I amassed a pretty impressive collection of electro toys myself.
All these years later I still enjoy sitting back and allowing my machines to make my subjects squirm and dance for me!
I also still derive a great deal of enjoyment out of bondage and I tend to be pretty good at it too. I love to render my subjects helpless and arrange them in the most vulnerable positions I can come up with. Whether it be leather, metal or rope binds, securing my play thing in trying positions sets the stage for my play. That’s what really gets my juices flowing!
subspace Magazine: Do you have any favorite BDSM toys or devices?
Domina Shannon: I do, of course but just because something may be a favorite toy or implement does not mean it is appropriate for every situation. I absolutely love the way my 6ft single tail feels as I am throwing it but that piece is certainly not for everyone.
I find that I may grow to favor specific toys according to who I am playing with. I get into a wide range of play so sometimes it is my crooked handle canes, exotic wood paddles or single tail whips with spankers or heavy masochists or maybe it is restrictive bondage with hoods, gas masks and heavy leather/rubber body bags with bondage enthusiasts, maybe it is my ErosTek 312 along with all of its accoutrements for the electro junkies… It really just depends on who I am playing and how I am feeling that day.
subspace Magazine: What does the term “subspace” mean to you?
Domina Shannon: Subspace is a very personal thing, one of the rewards my partner receives by relinquishing all control to me.
To experience subspace one must let go and allow them self to achieve this altered state of awareness, it will be different for each person who experiences it.
I love to use a combination of techniques to get my subjects endorphins and adrenaline pumping. It is not an exact science and different people can get there by different means.
subspace Magazine: Can you tell our readers about The Vault Dungeon?
Domina Shannon: The Vault is a decadent playground where you can find freedom in surrender… A place where you can indulge fantasies you only previously dared to dream about.
With elaborate decor and custom made bondage furniture you will find it easy to loose yourself within our chambers! Our studio is packed to the brim with beautifully crafted BDSM toys and implements. No matter what your style of play, at The Vault you can bring all of your fantasies a reality!
We offer one on one sessions for people of all genders, we offer a variety of couples sessions and you can also rent the studio if you are ready to have a hand at toying with your partner yourself.
subspace Magazine: Who are some of the other Mistresses that work at The Vault?
Domina Shannon: The Vault is home to a number of Dominas. Some are local independent Dommes that utilize the space for their professional sessions, we have a decent amount of Mistresses that come through as they are traveling about and then there are the Ladies of The Vault.
The Ladies of The Vault are in a sense resident Dommes and can be compared to a sisterhood. We spend a good deal of time and energy getting together to research and perfect new techniques. These gatherings ensure that we stay close and allows us to share ideas and scheme for the future.
Mistress Devore is my partner and literally my right hand when it comes to The Vault…I am lucky to have her on my team. She came into the world of professional domination in 2015, but she was no stranger to being treated like a Goddess and having her way with men. Even though she is still relatively new to this world she is a natural. Mistress Devore is a rubber fetishist and will knock you off of your feet if you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her fully dressed. She has a wide skill set and enjoys a number of activities within the dungeon. While there are many ways for her to toy with her subjects, Mistress Devore has a natural propensity for rope bondage, humiliation, role play and impact play.
Mz Lilly is a long time dominatrix who has been perfecting her craft for more than 10 years now. She enjoys the more physical side of BDSM play vs. psychological play. Sensory deprivation and bondage along with percussive play are some of her favorite ways to use subjects that submit to her, but her absolute favorite is developing rituals and protocols for her personal slaves. These service slaves get maximum enjoyment out of precise and elegant service, that is also when she feels the most despotic and authoritative.
Domina Luxx has been with me for the longest, since before The Vault was actually established in 2012. She has also been making fantasies come true and twisting submissives to her will for more than 15 years now. Domina Luxx has a very versatile play style and is capable of enjoying a wide rands of BDSM activities.
Mistress Genevieve is a lifelong friend of mine and while she is actually located in New Orleans,LA she often visits Houston for sessions and other personal adventures. Mistress Genevieve is a recognized and renowned dominatrix who is wildly versatile and fully capable of commanding what ever she desires of her subjects. She has been perfecting her craft for well over 20 years and that will be very clear to you once you are at her feet.
Mistress Q is our newest addition to The Vault. While it has only been three years she has been taking professional sessions Mistress Q has been playing in her private life for well over 10 years now. She is an experienced rope-top, disciplinarian, and a sadist who craves submission from slaves at any experience level and in all forms. She is best known for her bold, creative and intimate style of play which allows for each session to be custom and unique.
subspace Magazine: Do you have any upcoming events or projects you would like to mention?
Domina Shannon: We always have something going on around the studio! My most recent focus is building out a medical room in our current location. I have always enjoyed a good deal of medical play but I have never had a dedicated medical room so this is pretty exciting for me!
In 2018 The Vault will be looking into relocating. We will stay in Houston, as it is our home but we are looking to expand!! With a new location and more space who knows what types of new additions will be included! Stay tuned! |