profile

WIA Profile: Ariana Rodriguez

Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives.

Ariana Rodriguez currently serves as editor of XBIZ Sensuals, the leading quarterly publication for the intimacy products market. With managing editor duties for XBIZ’s monthly Premiere magazine, Rodriguez oversees all pleasure products and retail news while reporting the latest developments and issues affecting the marketplace. With the industry’s leading news organization XBIZ since 2008, this month marks her fifth year in the industry with XBIZ.

Every month I’m setting new goals to be the best reporter that I can be; I’m looking for the next major story and hoping that every issue of XBIZ Premiere and XBIZ Sensuals is an improvement upon the last month.

Rodriguez previously served as a mainstream retail copy writer and freelance local newspaper reporter in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley while earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism from California State University, Northridge. In this month’s WIA Woman of the Month spotlight, Rodriguez discusses her motivation and accomplishments so far with XBIZ.

What is your role and responsibility at XBIZ?

I am the associate managing editor for XBIZ. I also serve as the editor of XBIZ Sensuals, our quarterly publication that’s geared toward the lingerie industry. Every month I write and assign features, edit and proofread about a dozen original pieces, in addition to writing/editing daily news articles. I specifically focus on the pleasure products and adult retail segments. In the months of our events, I assist in producing marketing content, trade show announcements and participate in the organizing panels and seminars that pertain to the industry I cover. I also attend all of the trade shows and networking events that I’m able to attend and report on them and do my best to stay on top of all the latest news.

What is a typical day at the office like for you?

My days definitely vary from one day to the next! The one thing that’s typical is that I’m busy. I’m constantly writing, which I love. When I’m not working on something for XBIZ.com every day, I’m interviewing somebody for a feature. Our monthly publications put us on a production cycle that makes us busier at certain times in the month, but even when we’re not actively working on an issue, we’re preparing for the next. Then there’s all the planning for our January XBIZ 360 and awards show extravaganza which looms over us several months in advance. There’s never a dull moment, which is one of the perks of working as a journalist.

How (and when) did you get into the pleasure products business?

In 2008, fresh out of college, I started scouring JournalismJobs.com on a daily basis until one day I saw a post seeking a tech reporter for the adult industry. At that point I hadn’t really thought about the parallels between technology and adult, but I was intrigued. I was hired as an editorial assistant five years ago and worked my way up. Having previously worked as a copy writer for a furniture store, the retail and pleasure products side of the business really resonated with me and have been become really fascinated by the all of the innovation within the industry, the changing attitude toward sex toys and doing my part to bolster the two.

What challenges have you confronted in your career and how have you overcome them?

I’m pretty sure I’ve been the biggest challenge to myself! In the beginning I was very soft-spoken and perhaps somewhat of a pushover, but over time I’ve developed more confidence in myself and feel more empowered to make my ideas known. Thanks to XBIZ, I’ve developed a tougher skin and have been humbled. I enjoy putting the spotlight on others but I’m also not afraid to bask in it myself. I’m constantly learning new things about myself and general professionalism that I’m always looking to improve upon.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is that I’m able to support everyone’s professional endeavors. I’m inspired daily by the accomplishments and dedication of the people and companies that I write about. I had no idea how deep the roots of this industry were when I first started covering it; and now I’m grateful to be a part of its continued growth and acceptance.

What is your personal motto or mantra that you live by?

“Don’t take anything personal.” I’ve spent way too much time over-analyzing the things that I’ve done wrong and obsessing over the approval of others that I’ve come to realize how much of a waste of time that is. To internalize all of the criticism of others is a heavy burden and I’ve finally come to the realization that you don’t have to carry it around with you; and it’s made me less fearful to step outside of my comfort zone.

What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

The fact that I have a career as a writer — which is all I’ve ever wanted to be — is a major accomplishment in and of itself. Seeing how much XBIZ Premiere has grown — specifically, our pleasure products coverage — makes me very proud to be a part of that success. In January of this year, I also did the unthinkable when I moderated a panel during the XBIZ 360 Pleasure Products conference. I’ve always been beyond scared of public speaking but for the first time I really wanted to do it, and I think I did okay … I’m looking forward to getting more practice in the future.

What are your professional goals for the remainder of 2013?

My goal-setting almost falls in line with our production cycles. Every month I’m setting new goals to be the best reporter that I can be; I’m looking for the next major story and hoping that every issue of XBIZ Premiere and XBIZ Sensuals is an improvement upon the last month. For the remainder of 2013 I will be concentrating on our biggest events of the year: XBIZ 360 and the XBIZ Awards, and my goal is to be able handle it all — plus whatever is thrown my way — in stride.

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 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

Why BDSM Furniture and Sex Machines Make an Ideal Match

For BDSM enthusiasts and curious newbies alike, a big part of the fun is discovering and exploring exciting new sensations and scenarios. One way to level up is by combining or layering pleasures you already enjoy, and one surefire way to do that is with BDSM furniture.

Rebecca Weinberg ·
opinion

Tips for Boosting Ecommerce Revenue With Behavioral Insights

At our marketing agency, we focus on using real data to make better decisions for our clients. We believe every action a visitor takes on a website can tell us something important. This helps us shape our strategies and assist our clients in turning casual website visitors into loyal customers.

Lauren Bailey ·
opinion

A Look at the Do's and Don'ts of Gift-With-Purchase Promos

Imagine you’re at a store, deciding between two products with similar packaging, features and pricing. You’re not predisposed toward either brand and you haven’t seen any reviews — but one of them offers, “Free gift with purchase!” Does that win you over?

Vanessa Rose ·
opinion

Tips for Navigating a Completely Remote Job in Sexual Wellness

Anyone working in the sexual wellness and pleasure sector has at some point had to deal with issues like bias against the industry, as well as limited marketing and advertising options.

Bryony Lees ·
trends

Meet the 2024 Class of Up-and-Coming Pleasure Brands to Watch

With each new year that rolls in, new pleasure brands emerge, and 2024 is no exception. Already this year, a slew of new entrants are rapidly gaining traction and recognition via social media, among retailers and distributors — and most importantly, end consumers.

profile

WIA Profile: Sarah Franson

When you do what you love, they say, you’ll never work a day in your life — and when your job involves educating the masses about sex toys, it’s hard not to love what you do.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Popsi Lingerie CEO Sam Golshan Discusses Brand's Growth, Mission

Lingerie: a sexy French word for an alluring little something to spark things up in the bedroom, teasingly wear out to clubs, dress up in to celebrate a special occasion or just wear under everyday clothes to feel excited and desirable.

Kim Airs ·
profile

Honey Play Box's Joreail Armstrong Reflects on Company's Growth

Today, Armstrong serves as business development manager for boutique sex toy brand Honey Play Box, but he began his role there as a one-man marketing department, assisting CEO Shirley Wang with nearly every aspect of launching the brand.

Sofia Barrett-Ibarria ·
opinion

How Awareness Revolutionized Materials Used in Pleasure Products

Today’s manufacturers and consumers are material-savvy, giving rise to pleasure products that are safe to use, beautiful to look at, high-quality and even environmentally responsible.

Eric Lee ·
opinion

How Sex-Ed Lays the Groundwork for Well-Informed Shopping

We often do some research before making purchases, whether by delving into a company’s background, exploring specific products or simply making sure we understand how to use something before we buy it.

Nathan Hammerle ·
Show More