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.
Though heavily supported by leading distributor East Coast News’ dedicated staff, OVO has only one representative covering the U.S. and Canada — and that sole ambassador is Dana DiValli. As her introductory role into the pleasure products industry, DiValli has already made an impression on her colleagues.
I hope to put the brand’s “money where its mouth is,” so to speak, and show that OVO lives up to the “new standard” it sets for the luxury pleasure products industry.
In this exclusive interview with XBIZ Premiere, Women in Adult spotlights OVO North America account executive Dana DiValli as she divulges about her experience in the biz so far.
What is your role and responsibility at OVO?
I am the account executive and manufacturer representative for OVO North America in the United States and Canada.
What is a typical day at the office like for you?
You mean when I’m not on the road? When I am in the office, I answer product inquiries and work with retailers to get them whatever it is they need to create an optimal experience.
This largely entails direct communication with both the retailer and ECN account representatives. OVO North America is unique in this regard. The retail customer gets a comprehensive, “concierge” experience, if you will, with both myself and the ECN reps at their disposal.
How (and when) did you get into the pleasure products business?
This is actually my first professional foray into the pleasure products segment, though I had certainly been around it. When I found out that ECN would be distributing OVO in North America, I knew that it would be a perfect fit for me. That was in March of 2013!
What challenges have you confronted in your career and how have you overcome them?
Being a new face in the industry was certainly a challenge at first. Staying professional and salesoriented, while navigating the language and culture of the business, was new to me, but I found that adapting to the situation, while staying true to my sales knowledge, did well for me.
For example, I once had a visitor at one of our show booths jokingly “propose” to me with one of OVO’s pleasure rings; I turned what could have been an awkward situation into a sale.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Overcoming being new to the business (I’ve been in this position about seven months) and having the opportunity to represent an excellent product line like OVO is exponentially rewarding.
What is your personal motto or mantra that you live by?
If you are passionate about something, give it your all. No halfassing; you might as well not do it.
What career accomplishment are you most proud off?
People with 15-plus years of experience in this industry, people that I know and respect, have expressed how impressed they are with my performance, considering how little time I’ve spent in this business thus far. This recognition is what I am most proud of.
What are you professional goals for the remainder of 2013?
I hope to put the brand’s “money where its mouth is,” so to speak, and show that OVO lives up to the “new standard” it sets for the luxury pleasure products industry. OVO is an amazing brand with an amazing message, and we certainly have something to prove.
