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

Blush Introduces 2 New Vibrating Wands

Blush has debuted two new vibrating wands.

XBIZ Retreat Miami Set for May 4-8

The summer edition of XBIZ Retreat Miami will take place May 4-8, welcoming attendees back to the Grand Miami Beach Hotel’s oceanfront setting and marking the latest installment of the all-inclusive, invitation-only B2B retail event.

Orion Expands 'Beau Coeur' Collection

Orion Wholesale has introduced five new pleasure products from its Beau Coeur collection.

Orion Debuts 'Masturbator 11'

Orion Wholesale has introduced Masturbator 11 from its What You Never Expected (WYNE) line.

Tenga Debuts 2 New Vibrating Cock Rings

Pleasure brand Tenga has introduced its new paiRING and paiRING+ vibrating cock rings.

Calvista Now Shipping 'Romp' Line From WOW Tech

Calvista has reintroduced WOW Tech’s Romp line of pleasure products to the Australian and New Zealand markets.

OTouch Debuts 'Inscup 4' Stroker

OTouch has introduced its Inscup 4 masturbator.

Full Circle Introduces 2 New Display Planograms

Full Circle has debuted new display planograms for its jewelry line and its bullet vibe collection.

Creative Conceptions Debuts 'Skins' Non-Latex Condoms

Creative Conceptions has introduced the new Skins line of non-latex condoms.

Rouge Group Taps Sean Macauley for Global Sales Manager

U.K. pleasure brand Rouge Group has appointed Sean Macauley as its new global sales manager.

Show More