opinion

So, what's a nice girl like you doing in a business like this?

Oh the wonderful world of sex toys!  I have been in this crazy business formally since 1993 but as a consumer since 1987, when I met the Smut Hound - someone that opened my world to all things sex. 

Having been in a relatively boring, non-child-producing marriage for 7 1/2 years, I was ready for some action.  I met the Smut Hound after dating a Swede for a year who was my first introduction to the "Hey!  Sex toys are fun!" world by buying me my first vibrator. 

I wasn't quite sure what to do with it and then, as so many women do on a frisky night, I dropped the 2 C batteries in the aqua plastic cylinder (there certainly weren't as many options for toys back in 1986), twisted the base on the hard shaft, spun the variable speed control, and the rest is history!!!  No turning back after that!

So the Smut Hound and I got together after the Swede moved away and it took me no time to embrace ALL THINGS SEX.  He opened the doors for porno, sextoys, public sex, crazy fucking, pornstars, Polaroids and everything else.  I found my home.

Until I went to buy my toys at the porno store in the world famous Combat Zone of Boston.  I'd go in and thoroughly entertain myself by checking out the variety of all the stuff on the walls - the packages, the names of the products (especially the porno videos!), what they looked like, what they did.  I would often accompany a nervous girlfriend when she wanted to buy a vibrator and I would describe the products to her as they were hanging in the boxes on the walls.  She would loudly whisper "Let's just get one and LEAVE!"  I'd bark back "Wait!  You're getting something for yourself!" and often she would just point to one and that was that.  I proudly walked up to the raised counter where the cigar smoking clerk was perched and he'd always ask "Ya gonna use this together?"  I'd always reply with a flat "Noooo" as I raised my middle finger in silent protest.  Just let me pay for my goddamn toy.

I decided I had enough of that and had the light bulb moment hit me while attending a G Spot workshop in New York City with the goddess known as Deborah Sundahl, a G Spot teacher since the early 90's and founder of the fantastic (and missed) hot REAL lesbian publication On Our Backs.  She mentioned the only place that would host her for a G Spot chat was the gay men's bookstore in Boston; not the two feminist bookstores - god forbid a woman talk about SEX in a feminist bookstore!  I clearly said "We could use a women's sextoy store in Boston!  I could do that.  I COULD DO THAT!"  History starts again.

I opened Grand Opening! a year later in 1993 after leaving my high ranking administrative position at Harvard University (where many of those sextoy buying girlfriends worked).  I loved owning Grand Opening! for over 12 years and decided my true passion was with teaching and learning and promoting all good things about sex - especially sex toys which is why I'm here.

So, join me on this endless journey all about sex toys... reviewing them, trying them out, sharing insights and hysterical information about this great sextoy industry, learning about things you can do with them and the related products like lubes, oils, related products and plenty of other things.  You'll learn lots of tidbits, be entertained, learn a joke or two, and best of all, become the sextoy person you'll ever want to be.  C'mon, let's go!

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

Rebranding Sexual Wellness Through a Self-Care Approach

As most of us in the industry already know, sexual wellness remains the black sheep of self-care. Discussions about wellness glorify meditation apps, skincare routines and workout regimens — but mention masturbation or using a sex toy, and most people shy away from the topic.

Hail Groo ·
opinion

Why Sex Toy Innovation Isn't What Shoppers Want Right Now

During my first year in the industry, the luxury vibrator on shelves was LELO’s Gigi, priced at $109. It was made with high-quality silicone, boasted an ergonomic design, a travel lock and a warranty. Soon after, Je Joue released its first product, SaSi, which employed “rolling ball” movements to simulate oral sex.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
opinion

How Adult Retailers Can Enhance Sales With Supplements

The supplement industry is big business. In 2024, Future Market Insights estimated it to be valued at $74.3 billion, and other market research firms anticipate that number will grow to upwards of $170 billion in just 10 years.

Rick Magana ·
opinion

Why It's Time the Pleasure Industry Got Serious About IPX Waterproof Ratings

As someone who regularly communicates with manufacturers, retailers and consumers, I’ve seen how this ambiguity can do a disservice to both the customers who use these products and the businesses that sell them.

Alicia Sinclair Rosen ·
opinion

Tips for Sexual Wellness Brands to Win Over Gen Z This Summer

As summer rolls around, the excitement in the air is palpable, especially for one particular demographic: Gen Z. College and university classes are over, vacations are booked and it’s time to let loose.

Naima Karp ·
opinion

Celebrating the LGBTQ+ Community With Inclusive Packaging Design

Pride Month is a time of visibility, joy and self-expression. In the pleasure industry, projecting that energy can start with something as simple as a box. Market research shows that 72% of U.S. consumers say product packaging influences their purchasing decisions.

Matthew Spindler ·
profile

WIA Profile: Pettus Ashley

Pettus Ashley brings her A game to the world of authentic adult branding, flitting between airports as the American face of U.K. brand Bathmate. As a company brand ambassador, Ashley personifies Bathmate’s dedication to the retail world, showering staff with equal amounts of appreciation and sales education.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Good Relations Fosters Sex Wellness, Positivity for 40+ Years

Melinda Myers, the founder and owner of Good Relations in Eureka, California, was still in college when she got invited to attend her first pleasure products home party.

Quinton Bellamie ·
opinion

Why It's Time for Pleasure Brands to Stop Ignoring B2C Marketing

For many B2B adult brands, marketing to consumers feels like a waste of time. I’ve heard it so many times: “We sell to retailers, not consumers. Why should we invest in B2C marketing?”

Hail Groo ·
opinion

The Midlife Movement Is Exploding; Is the Pleasure Industry Ready?

In marketing, there tends to be an emphasis on the younger generation — the trendsetters. The assumption is that appealing to the younger market has a halo effect on older consumers, who look to younger folks for what is on trend.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
Show More