Come COVID, hell or high water, nothing can stop industry-famous Lulu Batista from kicking career booty.
Throughout 2020 and beyond, Batista has etched herself into the ongoing history of the sex toy and sexual wellness industry. From social media to major media, she's diligently worked to create a name that's synonymous with sex positivity.
The joy for me is knowing [my clients] feel comfortable coming to me with their questions on different things they may want to try — what a wonderful feeling.
A certified master sexpert via Loveology University and massage therapist, Batista's talents were tapped by erotic jewelry brand Subsensuals last November. She joined the boutique pleasure design house as a sales representative and brand ambassador. Subsensuals CEO Helaine B. Oliner-Katz calls Batista “a natural leader” as well as a “stellar PTA mother, wife and friend.”
Batista also edged up her game with the XBIZ team on multiple fronts. Every new issue of XBIZ Premiere is now graced with Batista's candid takes on the latest sex toys in the ever-popular Reviews section.
She also scored two nominations — one in the 2021 XBIZ Exec Awards category of Community Figure of the Year and an XBIZ Award nomination for Home Party Company of the Year for her retail, sex-ed and home party business, OohLuluCherryBox.com.
This March, we're wishing Lulu Batista a happy birthday and a big congratulations as this month’s Woman in Adult.
XBIZ: When did you realize that working in the pleasure space was the career for you? What was your “ah-ha moment” like (if you had one, that is)?
Batista: I think I have always known that in some way or another, I would be working in the pleasure space. I would sneak and watch [the late-night documentary series] “Real Sex” on HBO and be so amazed at how people in NYC were able to teach classes and learn all about the body and what they may or may not like. I said from then I can’t wait to be 18 to go to 42nd Street and sit in on one of those classes. That was my ah-ha moment. I could not wait to get on the road to learn and grow.
XBIZ: If you weren't in the sex toy industry, where do you think your career would have led you? What's kept you in the pleasure trade for the long-term?
Batista: If I were not the owner of OohLuluCherryBox, I would still be Lulu the Massage Therapist that I am now. I try very hard to keep these two businesses separate. The reason I am still in and will stay in the pleasure trade is because I love the amazing work that I’m doing building my brand [and] meeting other amazing people within the industry. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
XBIZ: We all know the monthly and yearly rewards of working in an industry we love, but what about the day-to-day? What aspects of the daily grind are the most rewarding for you?
Batista: Yes, the monthly and yearly rewards are great, but the day-to-day ones melt my heart, being that I’m also a home party planner. When my regular clients or new ones come to me with special orders, like my SexSnackBags, the joy on their faces and in their voices is unreal, always so thankful for my attention to detail, including things not only for them, but also for their partner. The joy for me is knowing they feel comfortable coming to me with their questions on different things they may want to try. What a wonderful feeling.
XBIZ: Where did you get your start in the sex toy industry, and how did that lead to where you are now?
Batista: I first got my start in the sex toy industry by working for a home party company back in Florida in 2009. I was happy for the first two weeks, then [felt that] no way, this company was not a good fit for me. The expectations they had were not what I had in mind. I stayed for six months, then I was done with the company. I took time off to have my second child while still thinking about how I would get back into the sex toy industry, but I wanted more than that. I researched for several years for places to become a sexpert. After some time, I finally started at Loveology University in February 2018 to take the Certified Master Sexpert certification course. I was so happy to get started that I finished the course in two weeks. I have been building OohLuluCherryBox from that day on.
XBIZ: Elaborate on your most recent, big career moves. What new job responsibilities and goals are you looking forward to achieving?
Batista: Well, I would say a lot of new and amazing things have happened from the time COVID-19 started. I made sure if I could not do parties and events, I would make sure that anything that was happening in the adult industry online, I was there, and it worked. I have been to all the trade shows virtually. I’m now a product reviewer for XBIZ, which is so much fun. I have also become the sales rep for Subsensuals erotic body jewelry, and an active member of HPPPA. To top it off, I was nominated for two XBIZ Awards. What an honor this is — as well as still building my brand and doing YouTube product reviews with my husband and partner, Mario. Everyone knows him as Mr. Lulu now, [and] bringing the reviews in English and Spanish has been really great.
XBIZ: What keeps you excited for the future of the sex toy industry? How do you foresee the industry and the market growing to further benefit the missions of inclusivity, sex positivity and self-love?
Batista: What keeps me excited about the future of the sex toy industry is seeing all the amazing new app toys coming out and being able to use them far from your partner, [and] all the wonderful, eye-catching packaging; also, the change in packaging with different shades of people on them. I’m also looking forward to seeing more variety in skin tone names and colors to come. I’m incredibly excited to see this. I now see so many amazing toys that are so sex-positive and great ones for wonderful self-love. I just can’t wait to see what’s coming next.
XBIZ: What are your plans for the New Year? How are you planning on staying enthusiastic and engaged as the industry is still heavily affected by COVID?
Batista: My plan for the new year is to kick into gear with my position as sales rep for Subsensuals and help to get these amazing products to all in the adult industry. [I also want to] make sure my company OohLuluCherryBox keeps growing and making people know how amazing getting back to foreplay is — something that I am deeply passionate about. I will continue to do virtual events, keep[ing] my CherryBox home parties on Zoom [and] making them fun and interactive for my guest. I’m looking forward to all the amazing stuff to come this year.
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.
