Ashlin Hadden, founder of Essence Protection, has been nominated for the WIA Woman of the Year award at the 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards. Essence Protection is a specialized division of Ashlin Hadden Insurance, focusing on insurance solutions for the U.S. adult industry.

XBIZ Exec Awards Nomination

The nomination for the WIA Woman of the Year award at the 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards was announced on November 3, 2026. The annual XBIZ Exec Awards recognize individuals from the adult business community for their creativity, leadership, and career achievements across various industry roles. Nominees are selected based on factors including business acumen, community standing, and overall leadership.

The pleasure product and retail industry edition of the 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards is scheduled for January 9. Voting for the 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards commenced on XBIZ.net and is open through Friday, November 6. The awards are presented by Svakom and Kaotik Labs.

In addition to the nominated categories, five special awards will be presented at the ceremony without nominees: the Brave Voice Award, Pulse of the People Award, Trusted Confidant Award, Heart of Gold Award, and Shining Spirit Award.

Essence Protection's Focus and Operations

Essence Protection was launched less than a year ago and operates as a team of insurance brokers. The company specializes in coverage plans for adult retailers, adult content creators, and businesses in the sexual wellness space. It is a dedicated division of Ashlin Hadden Insurance, established to serve adult businesses throughout the United States.

Essence Protection's work involves developing insurance solutions tailored to the specific requirements of the adult industry. The agency collaborates with insurance carriers that possess an understanding of the adult industry's products, business models, and regulatory environment. The team provides comprehensive commercial insurance services and emphasizes education to help clients identify and understand potential policy gaps and risks.

Ashlin Hadden serves as founder and CEO of Ashlin Hadden Insurance and created Essence Protection. She is licensed across 48 states and has developed a reputation for assisting businesses in securing coverage in areas where traditional insurance options may be insufficient. Essence Protection is based in Pattaya, Thailand.

Industry Recognition and Educational Contributions

Ashlin Hadden has been recognized for her work as a speaker, educator, and advocate for specialty insurance. She has become a nationally recognized educator and speaker over the past decade, simplifying complex insurance topics for business owners. Hadden has spoken at industry events and contributed to publications and podcasts focused on entrepreneurship, specialty insurance, and risk management. She frequently addresses conferences globally, translating technical insurance concepts into practical guidance for business owners.

Essence Protection has received recognition within the adult industry. The company was featured in AVN Press in June 2026 and August 2026, Storerotica Magazine in June 2026, XBIZ Premier Magazine in April 2026, and XBIZ Press in August 2026. Essence Protection was also highlighted in the Stimulate Newsletter.

On August 18, 2026, Ashlin Hadden of Essence Protection appeared as a guest on the "Adult Site Broker Talk" podcast. The episode, available for streaming on AdultSiteBroker, focused on insurance for the adult space. Bruce, CEO of Adult Site Broker and host of the podcast, described the discussion as a "masterclass on insurance for the adult space."

Key Facts

  • Ashlin Hadden, founder of Essence Protection, has been nominated for the WIA Woman of the Year award at the 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards.
  • Essence Protection is a specialized division of Ashlin Hadden Insurance, providing insurance solutions for the U.S. adult industry.
  • The 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards, honoring the pleasure product and retail industry, are set for January 9.
  • Voting for the 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards began on XBIZ.net and concludes on November 6.
  • Essence Protection offers coverage plans for adult retailers, adult content creators, and businesses in the sexual wellness space.
  • Ashlin Hadden appeared on the "Adult Site Broker Talk" podcast on August 18, 2026, to discuss adult industry insurance.