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.
What is your role and responsibility at Eau Zone Oils and Fragrances Ltd.?
The only issue I have seen is when I network with people outside our business. As soon as I talk about the industry I get “the looks.”
I am responsible for the over-all management of the company’s business development organization. I am also the key member of the executive team that sets the company’s strategic direction. I am also in charge of sales and I deal directly with all our clients and negotiate the terms and conditions of new contracts. I actively seek new sales opportunities, personally follow up on leads and, of course, spend a lot of time cultivating our relationship with our existing client base. I also work closely with my partner in our Marketing department to seek new opportunities and trends by being the eyes and ears of Shunga on the road. We work on developing tools that will help grow the company and support sales goals.
Describe a typical Monday at your desk.
On a typical Monday morning I go over my to-do list from the previous week and set the week’s priorities. I review my Outlook calendar for upcoming meetings, deadlines and important follow-up calls that need to be made. I always strive to structure my week so I get a balance of following up on new leads, taking care of my clients and keeping on top of my mounting paperwork. Basically, it’s all about being pro-active.
What is the biggest challenge of being a woman in the adult business?
Personally, I think business is business. If you come across as competent professional, then you are going to be treated as such. The only issue I have seen is when I network with people outside our business. As soon as I talk about the industry I get “the looks.” It doesn’t matter how much experience or education I have. So far this industry has been good to me and I see a lot of opportunity for growth and personal development.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Self-satisfaction and success. I think seeing the growth of the company since I started here is very gratifying.
How do you maintain balance in your life?
My family and friends are very important to me so I always spend quality time with them and of course my boyfriend. I enjoy hosting dinner parties where I have time to enjoy life with them. That brings back all the balance in my life I need and the energy to conduct my work properly, seize business opportunities and development. I also work out as often as I can and pay attention to what I eat to make sure I’m healthy to stay on top of everything.
