Former reality star Trace Lehnhoff has found an “empowering” new career on OnlyFans since leaving the Bravo series Flipping Out in 2011.

Lehnhoff, who has continued working in interior design while making exclusive NSFW content for subscribers on OnlyFans, opened up about his new career and had a frank response to critics when answering questions from his followers on Instagram Stories.

Calling the new career move “exciting and empowering,” Lehnhoff said, “I didn’t anticipate the community there. Walls come down and people tend to speak more freely. I chat directly with all of my ‘fans.’ I’ve learned so much from so many.”

He also explained that the money he earns doing OnlyFans allows him to be more selective when choosing other projects to work on, explaining that it allows him to “compromise less.”

“I may turn down a project more easily that doesn’t excite me whereas I might’ve felt pressure to do it before OF,” he said. “And I do what I’m comfortable with on OF – and lately feel inspired to push it further because I’m ready on my terms.”

A follower later asked if Lehnhoff ever feels judged by his colleagues working in design.

“If someone judges it I just don’t think they really get it. It’s one thing if it isn’t for them. But to judge it seems closed minded,” he wrote.

He continued, “I’d say most of us all do it, I’m just sharing some of my experiences and from my POV. I know wayyyy too many colleagues who I respect that like and support it and that easily outweighs those who judge.”

Lehnhoff also addressed his time starring on Bravo series Flipping Out in 2009, which followed house flipper Jeff Lewis. But the OnlyFans star only had good things to say about his short-lived stint on the show.

“Very grateful and learned things that I still apply to my life today,” he said regarding the show.

Lehnhoff stopped appearing on the series in 2011.