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.
No other industry can keep professionals engaged, motivated and passionate about their careers, year after year, quite like the sex toy space. Vibrator sales veteran Nancy Cosimini is living proof that when you do what you love for a living, the whole world will eventually catch your enthusiasm.
In her role as sales manager at Blush, Cosimini pulls from her experiences in marketing, product development and both B2C and B2B relations to create a winning strategy for her team. Cosimini says that first and foremost, her success secret is a rock-solid foundation in sex-education- based selling.
Throughout the coming year, Cosimini plans to put her hard-earned skills to work as Blush gets ready to unveil higher-quality product materials, new retailer resources and advanced sex toy technology.
But what keeps Cosimini excited and on her toes — and makes her indisputably worthy of a Women in Adult profile — is her undying passion for making a difference in the world. This month, we’re honoring well-loved industry veteran Nancy Cosimini for her drive to help all humans, whether on the sales floor or in conversation about sexual health.
XBIZ: Before landing with Blush, where did you develop your pleasure products career? Have you always been in the sales department throughout your time in this industry?
Nancy Cosimini: I started my career in the “romance industry” when I took a job for a lingerie home party company. I came from the fashion world and thought I wanted to be a buyer in big-box retail. The turn I took was a total surprise to me, but thinking back, I’m so happy I took the road I did.
Through some networking, I stumbled across a unique opportunity in the lingerie home party industry. Intrigued, I took a job to be part of the sales and marketing team. We sold sleepwear, lingerie, some fashion and mild, little bedroom accessories. At that time, wearing garter belts and telling people to “take a feather to start at the tip of his nose and make your way down to his toes, and be sure to stop somewhere in the middle” was the extent of our spicing it up.
But 20 years ago, the adult toy home parties were starting to become the new kind of “romance party” everyone wanted, so we took the jump and expanded our accessory line. We brought in vibrators. This was one of the best decisions we made. This is when I became so very passionate about what we do and how valuable the discussion of our bodies, sexuality and intimacy products can be for a healthy lifestyle.
It was not easy back then. I was “that woman” that the other moms at the schools used to talk about. “Do you know what she sells?!” But a few years down the road, lots of those women now seek me out to ask advice and look for products. We are definitely getting there.
During those years, I held many roles in sales, marketing and training. I developed lines for our company and developed the training programs to aid our sales force in the right communication. We sold through education, and I always stayed in the field. Even when I was vice president, I would always go out and “do parties.” I wanted to know firsthand what was going on. Being in the living room one-on-one with people was the greatest experience. It is where I learned the need for what we do. We sold through education and soft content to create comfort and conversation, and that led to sales.
XBIZ: What led you to join the Blush team? What did this partnership with Blush add to your career repertoire?
Cosimini: About six years ago, an opportunity came up to switch gears and be an account manager for a brand, and that sounded exciting, as I wanted to bring my vast experience working so closely with consumers to our retailers as a sales rep, introducing products and training.
Then, three years ago, I was so excited when the sales manager opportunity became available at Blush. I loved the line, quality and the messaging. I am a person who works from the heart, and I have to love and believe in what I do. The topic of sex has become more serious through the years. People don’t just look for products today because they want more adventure. Intimacy and sexual wellness products are quickly becoming recognized as important products for total body health. I love to have conversations with people starting their business and sharing the benefits of our many products, like how they can be a positive in people’s lives. Bottom line, I love helping people at all levels, and I have such confidence in the products that I offer.
XBIZ: What are you looking forward to in 2022 with the Blush team? Will you be returning to travel and trade show appearances this year, or will COVID concerns keep you behind the Skype/Zoom screen?
Cosimini: Team Blush is of course very eager to get back out there and participate in everything live and in person! We miss it. The sales team can’t wait to spend time in stores and with our customers. So yes, our game plan includes in-person as it is allowed with events and customers. But I think we will be utilizing a combination of virtual, video and live events. The one thing the last two years have taught us is that Zoom/Skype and other virtual platforms are great tools. These will continue to be part of our communication efforts.
XBIZ: Overall, what are some of the most significant changes you’ve experienced within the industry during the course of your career?
Cosimini: Being involved over 15 years, I have seen so much change. Of course, we have seen amazing things within product development, like materials and technology. But I think the change that means the most to me is the growth in conversation and awareness about the value of what our industry products offer.
I sat and spoke with people 15 years ago and had them share stories of dysfunction. I’ve had people cry in front of me and tell me I was the first person they could talk to about the challenges at hand, and they were grateful for the products presented. The fact that these conversations are happening more freely and more often, the fact people spark up conversation in stores and the fact it is easier to get product — I think this is very exciting and shows we are heading in the right direction.
XBIZ: Who are some of your favorite female role models in the sex toys and sexual wellness space? Why are they so inspirational to you?
Cosimini: There are so many women, and I salute every one of you out there that has been part of the growth and has helped to break down barriers and been part of the education process. But one woman I must give a shout out to is someone that helped my company enter the market and guided us way back when. She and I have been friends ever since, and that woman is Autumn O’Bryan of Global Novelties. Her passion, knowledge and clever marketing always wow me.
XBIZ: What can sex toy makers and marketers do to really change the world with vibrators, without being held back by societal taboos?
Cosimini: I think we are getting there, and it takes time, but we are making strides. I believe it is going to take work on both sides to find the ongoing balance with product, packaging, wording and education. Blush is launching our sexual wellness program, merchandising kits and new products for 2022. This is one of the steps we are taking to help retailers continue to evolve and capture more market share in this ever-changing world.
XBIZ: What are your plans for the future of your career and Blush? What exciting things can you reveal to your industry clients and colleagues for 2022?
Cosimini: I want to continue to make a difference in the world, and I want Blush to be the product line that helps me to do that. Blush owner and product developer Eric Lee is leading a fantastic team right now. We will be launching many new items that reflect that, like better materials and softer TPEs, and vibes that have stronger, deeper and more rumbly motors. We are standardizing packaging to make wall merchandising easier. Our planograms will help our customers easily build their Blush selections with bestselling collections. Blush is made up of a passionate and knowledgeable team committed to bringing more positive attention to sexual wellness and its impact on a healthy lifestyle. I could not be more thrilled to be part of this.
When I first started doing this and someone asked what I did, and I told them, I got the look of shock; the bug-eye giggle, I used to call it. Now, when my profession comes up with people who do not know me, I more often get the response, “Oh, really? Hey, are you familiar with this product?” Then they ask me questions and we get into a healthy discussion. It appears the shock and awe is dwindling. That means we are all doing a great job and reaching our industry’s goal.
