California Exotics Owner Colvin Profiled in UNM Paper

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — California Exotic Novelties owner Susan Colvin was profiled in the University of New Mexico's Daily Lobo newspaper today, in an article titled "UNM Alumna Owns Largest Adult Store."

California Exotic Novelties is an adult novelty wholesale distributor, not a retail outlet.

The article tells of Colvin's history at UNM and her work history before she was asked to step in as operations manager for an adult-products distribution company, which became Cal Exotics. In the article, Colvin speaks of the changes in the adult business that she initiated. "[14 years ago], the toys were in boring packaging," Colvin said. "They were not very interesting - there were no colorful colors. It seemed that there was a lot that could be done, and that they should be female-oriented. At that time, all the companies that existed were owned and operated by men. "At first, people were like, 'Nobody's going to buy pink and purple,'" she said. "Even a dong, they were like, 'We don't want pink and purple. You've got to be kidding.' I said, 'It's pretty. I think a lot of women will like this. I know the men don't care, but the women will.' And you know what? They sold." Colvin also points out the challenges of selling adult products in an international market. "We came out with a cute little item with a koala bear on it," Colvin told the Lobo. "It was very popular in the United States and Europe, but in Australia it did not sell, because they said, 'Koalas are not cute and cuddly. Koalas are vicious.'" The article can be viewed here

Copyright © 2026 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 News

Tennessee Governor Signs Bill Requiring Warnings on Adult Stores

Governor Bill Lee on Tuesday signed into law a bill requiring adult stores, theaters and other establishments in Tennessee to post warning signs cautioning patrons that they “may be contributing” to sexual assault and human trafficking.

Kickstarter Revokes New Rules Banning Fundraising for Adult Content, Products

Crowdfunding platform Kickstarter announced Tuesday that it has reversed its recent decision to impose new “Mature Content” rules banning projects that involve adult content and sextech.

Magic Silk Expands 'Exposed' Line With 'Sinful' Collection

Magic Silk has expanded its Exposed line of lingerie with the Sinful collection.

Inside the Impact of New AV Laws on Sex Toy Ecommerce

Over the past few years, age verification (AV) has gone from a niche policy discussion to a very real, very immediate concern for anyone operating in the adult space.

Orion Debuts New Styles From 'Svenjoyment' Line

Orion Wholesale has released three new styles from its Svenjoyment undergarment line.

New Kickstarter Rules Ban Fundraising for Adult Content, Products

Crowdfunding platform Kickstarter has posted new “Mature Content” rules banning projects that involve adult content and sextech.

Full Circle Expands Enhancements Collection

Full Circle has expanded its collection of performance enhancers.

Screaming O Debuts New 'Rechargeable Rings' Collection

Screaming O has introduced its new collection of rechargeable, vibrating cock rings.

Orion Debuts 'Panthera Double' Dildo From 'Beastly Cocks' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the new Panthera Double dildo from its Beastly Cocks line.

Xgen Debuts 'Bare by Baci' Wellness Collection

Xgen Products has introduced its Bare by Baci line of wellness products.

Show More