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. Women like Cassie Pendleton, who is the marketing director for Wicked Sensual Care.
XBIZ: What is your role and responsibility at Wicked Sensual Care?
I think the most significant challenge I’ve had in my career is to balance my commitment to the work I do with a home life. My job comes with it a fair amount of time on the road.
Cassie Pendleton: My role at Wicked Sensual Care is two-fold. I’m the marketing director here, but I also "dabble" in domestic and international sales for the company. I love both aspects of my job since marketing and sales are such integral parts of each other. To be able to develop a marketing initiative and then be a part of the sales it generates is super rewarding.
XBIZ: How (and when) did you get into the pleasure products industry?
Pendleton: I, like most people in our industry I imagine, have a “who woulda thunk it” sort of story about how I became a part of this great industry. In early 2011, I was working for Fuji Film Medical systems, selling service contracts on imaging equipment. The office was located in an industrial center that just so happened to have a new occupant move in right across the way who was hiring. I applied for a position and it turned out to be a manufacturer of personal lubricants. And my career “in lube” began. The stars aligned that day and I am so grateful they did. I’ve now been with Wicked Sensual Care one year already this January, I could not be happier to work with a team and brand that makes work seem everything but.
XBIZ: What challenges have you confronted in your career and how have you overcome them?
Pendleton: I think the most significant challenge I’ve had in my career is to balance my commitment to the work I do with a home life. My job comes with it a fair amount of time on the road. Traveling has its’ amazing and unmatched perks, but is also a necessity and sometimes my travel takes me to the other side of the world for long stretches of time. It’s a good thing I don’t have the puppy I’ve always wanted because that poor thing wouldn’t know its’ momma! To overcome this takes strategic planning and utilizing the technology available in today’s world. I would never even want to replace the face to face I get with our customers, but being more keen on ways to stay in touch and accomplish goals remotely via skype or other mediums is definitely helpful.
XBIZ: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Pendleton: There really are so many rewarding aspects of what I do! It’s really hard to choose. If I have to pick one, I’d say it’s being a part of Wicked Sensual Care’s growth and success in the market in the two short years we’ve been around. The energy that springs from such growth is so motivating and infectious. It’s been so gratifying to join in on the fun this past year. We’re looking into 2015 with the same energy and commitment to quality that launched our brand of lubricants two years ago. It’s rewarding for me to play a part in our success.
XBIZ: What is your personal motto or mantra that you live by?
Pendleton: I believe in doing what you’re passionate about. My dad always told me as a kid growing up that if you find your passion, the career will follow. When I thought about this through and after college, I had a hard time telling my dad that my passions were people and fun. It didn’t sound like a very collegiate answer, but it was definitely true. My job allows me to work with some of the best people I’ve ever met and all over the world! I don’t think I’m alone when I say that our industry is blessed with an amazing group of sweet-souled people. It’s incredible!
We become like a family and I’m grateful that I have a long list of customers, colleagues, and even competitors who have become close friends of mine. And really, I can not think of a more fun industry! To be able to sell a product like Wicked Sensual Care that is all about sensual enhancement and well being is a gift!
Both of my parents also taught me that that you’re only as good as your word and your integrity is your strongest asset. These two things are non-negotiable for me.
XBIZ: What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
Pendleton: So far in my career, I would say I am most proud of the work I did at a previous employer to turn around a brand that was struggling in the market into a successful re-branding and relaunch. Heading up the product development for that line was a rewarding experience, one that I will be forever grateful for and proud of.
It is a huge point of pride for me to be profiled in this Woman in Adult column. To be recognized in this way is truly an honor! I’ve read every other WIA article, so to now be amongst these amazing women is mind blowing. It means a lot to me. A career highlight for sure!
XBIZ: What are your professional goals for 2015?
Pendleton: 2015, for me, is all about global domination! Just kidding! But really, I’m looking to do my part in expanding Wicked Sensual Care into a globally recognized brand. My focus will definitely be international growth. We obtained our CE certification earlier this year and have already reaped some of the many benefits this certification brings. Bringing our brand of luxurious intimate lubricants to Europe and beyond is the goal. We have had amazing genuine growth here in the U.S. as well and the aim domestically will be to solidify our presence in the market, while also introducing some exciting new additions come 2015 which complement our core products and the Wicked Sensual Care brand extremely well. I could not be more excited and ready!
