profile

WIA Profile: Cathy Ziegler

WIA Profile: Cathy Ziegler

What retains excitement longer than a sex toy, doesn't require batteries, and provides a unique experience each time you play with it? An adult game! And who could possibly be better at selling tongue-in-cheek, adults-only laughs than the woman who could arguably be crowned the pleasure industry's happiest person?

Cathy Ziegler is the vice president of sales at Kheper Games, a company she's called home since setting foot in the pleasure arena over two decades ago. She's been a Kheper sales representative in some form for nearly 25 years, having worked there part-time for a few years before her undeniable talent in sales landed her a full-time spot in 2000.

This is a fantastic time to be in the adult industry, as it’s gaining new technology, insight and growth.

Ziegler was born with a knack for selling, and it's no wonder. She is rarely seen without a genuine smile that lights up the room wherever she goes. Far from the fake salesperson stereotype, Ziegler reveals that her honest love of human interaction, a well-curated career, family and love life make it easy to find joy every day.

After 25 years as one of the pleasure industry's most personable women, we're immortalizing Cathy Ziegler as this month's WIA Woman of the Month.

XBIZ: Where did you get your start in the pleasure industry?

Ziegler: Within the adult industry, I’ve only worked for Kheper Games. I was working as a sales rep for a toys and gift-ware agency, and Kheper was one of the lines we represented. It was such a departure from the plush bunnies, dancing hamsters, singing fish, crayons and hula hoops. It was new and exciting, and more than a little taboo.

XBIZ: Looking back on the wildly unpredictable year of COVID, how did the adult games niche fare? Was there anything that surprised your team about last year’s sales or trends?

Ziegler: Games and activities of any kind that served to distract from the horror of the pandemic and to help relieve us of our misery fared well. These fun adult party games were instrumental in bringing instant interactive communication with a heavy dose of laughter, prompted by intellectual foreplay. We have so many games that can be played socially distant and online!

XBIZ: How has the adult games sector evolved over the last few years? What are consumers demanding lately from this niche?

Ziegler: We’ve been in business for 26 years and it has been a very interesting ride. We work within a few different industries, both mainstream and adult, and in brick-and-mortar as well as ecommerce. Adult games have become more accepted by the mainstream within the past seven or so years and are being carried currently by more prominent retailers. They are entertaining for adults and provide comic relief — a healthy belly laugh is always welcome.

XBIZ: One thing that’s unmistakable about you is that no matter where you go, and whether it’s in person or a photo, you are always smiling the most genuine smile. Can you tell us your secret for that seemingly never-ending happiness?

Ziegler: I have a genuine affection for humans, and I love people. I adore my job, and I have the love of a great man and family. Nothing gets better than that, and I wake up every morning with the thought that I am lucky to be alive with new adventures to always look forward to.

XBIZ: Are there any other women in the pleasure space that have really helped you along the way in your career, or maybe just other professional women you look up to?

Ziegler: [Pleasure products industry vet] Mara Epstein. She showed me around the arena. I absolutely love her, and she’s one of the industry greats!

XBIZ: How has Kheper Games kept up with the latest trends and fresh product launches? Has the team made any exciting new changes to the business?

Ziegler: We gave a lot of attention to gender-fluid products. We have two, which have exceeded our expectations in terms of sales and consumer satisfaction. Mind, Body and Soul was our first gender-fluid product released in 2018, and it won the Best Adult Game at the XBIZ Awards in 2019. It’s focused on how to get to know your significant other and how to heal your chakras with your lover, and surprisingly, this game doesn't feature any sex acts. A fabulous feature is that it can be played by any couple, be it same-sex or a hetero couple. We are very proud of this game and are thrilled at how well the adult community has embraced this product. It sells almost immediately wherever we put it. This game is available in both English and Spanish.

We serve several markets, as most of our romance- and sex-orientated games and accessories are geared towards foreplay and how to get the sex going. We offer a very diversified range of products to fit many preferences.

We are the premier light-kink resource for beginners with our kits. Our Bondage, Fetish, Chocolate, and Massage Seductions kits contain a generous amount of accessories to accompany each foray into these genres for beginners, along with 20-24 cards detailing what couples can experiment with. The cards help couples get to know how to engage in these types of romance if they are curious. We offer many categories of romance and sex games that provide how-tos, from hard to soft. We also have a few romance games that are G-rated, like Mind,Body and Soul, as well as our bestselling Date Nights.

XBIZ: How will Kheper be participating in the B2B sector this year, considering we still aren’t fully free from COVID yet?

Ziegler: We will continue to offer both funny, comic relief games and hot new romantic games. When you think adult fun, remember Kheper as the premier source for fun candy, party games, romance games, and accessories to use at parties!

XBIZ: In conclusion, what advice would you give to other young women who hope to have a successful career in the pleasure space?

Ziegler: Be yourself. This industry is so endearing, and your peers will appreciate meeting the real you. This is a fantastic time to be in the adult industry, as it’s gaining new technology, insight and growth.

Each month, 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.

Copyright © 2025 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 Articles

opinion

Kraig McGee Blends Family Biz Experience, Creative Background at TAF Distributing

Walk into any Adam & Eve store in the Mountain West region of the U.S. and you’ve likely stumbled into a TAF Distributing outfit. Owned by industry veteran Kraig McGee Jr. and staffed by his closest family members, McGee’s 35 TAF-operated stores span 13 states, from woodsy Idaho to scenic Utah and well beyond.

Colleen Godwin ·
opinion

How Pleasure Brands Can Ethically Market to LGBTQ+ Communities

Every June, the rainbow floodgates open. Suddenly, pleasure products are “Pride-themed,” companies change their logos and brands rush to show just how inclusive they are — at least for 30 days. But as a queer, nonbinary marketing strategist who works with adult brands year-round, I’m here to say: Rainbow dildos alone are not progress. They’re often just noise.

Hail Groo ·
opinion

A Retailer's Road Map for First-Timers' Anal August

Anal August offers a prime opportunity for brands and stores to capture new customers and drive growth in a category that’s gaining mainstream momentum. As consumer interest in anal play continues to rise, now is the time to meet first-time buyers where they are, with approachable products, trusted education and a clear path to pleasure.

Matthew Spindler ·
opinion

Optimizing Your Leadership Through Wellness Practices

For many of us, 2025 has proved intensely stressful — and we’re still only halfway through the year. In times like these, it may seem counterintuitive or even irresponsible to talk about seeking pleasure. Yet pleasure, presence, joy and connection can help you return to a mental and physical state that allows you to face and handle stressors.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
opinion

Chastity Play Is Trending: Why It Should Be in Your Marketing Strategy

From chastity fetishes to power play, erotic control — once considered an esoteric niche within the world of BDSM — is now entering the mainstream. Google searches for “chastity cages,” “chastity fetish” and “orgasm denial” have exploded over the past year, with interest especially high for beginner-friendly models.

Naima Karp ·
opinion

A Look at Adult Retail's Role in Community Care

In the adult retail industry, we focus on empowerment, exploration and connection. We connect people with products that can transform their relationships with their bodies, with their partners and with themselves.

Rin Musick ·
trends

A Deep Dive Into Key Trends Shaping Pleasure Products

In 2025, the pleasure industry is evolving in intentional ways. Rather than racing toward newness for novelty’s sake, brands are reassessing everything from shape and function to what price intended shoppers can afford.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

WIA Profile: Jia Jeng

Modern branding is all about storytelling — and Jia Jeng certainly knows how to tell an authentic, perspective-shifting tale. As brand manager for ID Lubricants, Jeng applies her creative talent to shaping the long-established company’s public image in a way that aligns with her own vision for an ethical future.

Women in Adult ·
profile

Spicerack Market Offers Indie Brands a Launching Pad

Spicerack Market is an ecommerce platform with the heart of an artisan crafter and the soul of a kinkster. On the website, independent sex toy makers, lingerie seamstresses and kink gear craftspeople can set up a personalized shop to sell their handmade wares, unhindered by censorship or bans on adult products.

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

Strategies to Bring Pleasure Brands into the Spotlight

Every brand dreams about landing a feature in The New York Times or Men’s Health — and pleasure brands are no exception. After all, mainstream media coverage isn’t just a vanity milestone. It builds trust, attracts new audiences and opens doors to connecting with retailers, partnerships, and investors.

Hail Groo ·
Show More