Kendra Bates' Surprising Turn From Onlyfans To Amish Life

Kendra Bates' Bold New Chapter

Kendra Bates, once a dancer and model thriving in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, is now embracing a life that couldn't be more different. At 33, she's stepping into the serene and traditional world of an Amish community in rural Pennsylvania. This intriguing shift is part of TLC's new series, Suddenly Amish, which premiered on January 13. The show takes viewers on a journey as six non-Amish individuals, known as 'English', are welcomed by an Amish bishop to experience a way of life centered on simplicity and community.

A Career That No Longer Felt Right

In the series' opening episode, Bates candidly shares her reasons for leaving her past behind. After embracing Christianity and getting baptized just over a year ago, she realized her previous career no longer aligned with her values. "I don't necessarily align anymore with being a dancer," she confessed. "I really have to be picky with which jobs I morally feel comfortable doing, and that's none."

"When this opportunity came to me, I was like, 'This could be the out that I was looking for,'" Bates shared with People magazine.

Her emotional journey also includes a reflective look at her time on OnlyFans, a decision made during what she describes as her "lowest point." Bates tearfully admits to struggling with self-forgiveness over her past decisions, citing a lack of self-love as a driving factor.

Leaving Los Angeles Behind

Faith wasn't the only factor pulling Bates away from Los Angeles; her discomfort with the city's culture played a significant role. After nine years, she found herself disenchanted with the "me, me, me" attitude she encountered. "Everybody is so, 'Me, me, me – what can you do for me?' And that bothers me to no end," she remarked, yearning for a community-focused, humble lifestyle that the Amish offer.

Family Ties to Traditional Living

Though Bates' transition might seem drastic, she isn't a stranger to traditional religious communities. Her family has roots in the Mennonite church, which shares many beliefs with the Amish. Bates' fascination with Amish life began years ago during her time at Kent State University, where she attended a Rumspringa gathering and even fell in love with an Amish man.

Reflecting on her past, Bates recalled conversations about converting if marriage were on the cards. However, her ambition to dance in Los Angeles ultimately took precedence. Now, open to new experiences, Bates is ready to explore love and connection within the Amish community. "The same way that I put myself out there for different experiences is the same way that I put myself out there for love and connection," she said. "And I mean, I date in LA all the time. There's so many relationships that fall through all the time anyways, so is it different with an Amish guy that could fall through?"