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.
As senior business development manager at LELO, Louise Wong juggles multiple brands, nurtures her team, and taps new markets daily. She sees her main goal, however, as paving the way for the next generation of Asian youth to thrive in their sexuality.
I am proud to be an Asian woman in this industry because I know I am a part of the movement to hopefully one day normalize conversations around sex, for women and for the Asian community.
After beginning her career in the fashion and beauty industry, Wong joined LELO as her first job in the pleasure business and never looked back. Today, she has the chance to contribute holistically to everything under the LELO umbrella.
Taking pride in her dedication to the sexual wellness industry and in spreading sex education, Wong is calling upon the pleasure space to evolve by adding superior talent from all cultural backgrounds. In this edition of Woman in Adult, we spotlight Louise Wong for her drive, her work ethic and her willingness to blaze a trail on behalf of the Asian community.
XBIZ: Tell us a bit about your role as a senior business development manager. Where are you based, and what daily duties are you responsible for tackling?
Louise Wong: My office is in San Jose, California, but I am currently working remotely. As a senior business development manager at LELO, I wear many different hats. Some of my responsibilities include managing relationships with clients across all channels of trade, creating new opportunities for existing and new markets, and actively developing top talent within our organization. I also spend a lot of time providing training on our products. If your team ever needs LELO product knowledge, I’m your girl!
XBIZ: Where did you begin your career, and how have you developed it at LELO?
Wong: Prior to my five years at LELO, I held roles in the fashion and beauty industry as a district sales manager and buyer. LELO is the first pleasure products company that I’ve had the pleasure of working for. I started my career at LELO as an account executive for LELO’s sister brand, Intimina. Shortly after my start, and partly because of my newly discovered penchant for all areas of wellness, I agreed to take on a hybrid role, managing all brands within the LELO portfolio. I love what I do and I'm excited for the continued growth of the sexual wellness industry.
XBIZ: What do you particularly appreciate about working there? How does LELO’s approach to adult products complement your own values?
Wong: There are many things I appreciate about working for LELO. If I had to name one thing, it would have to be the support that I have received in achieving my personal and career goals. LELO is currently sponsoring my courses at Loveology University, so that I can reach my short-term goal of becoming a love coach. It feels amazing to know that the company you work for cares enough to invest in you. LELO prides itself on offering only the best and most innovative products to the world, along with providing the best service to our end customers. In that sense, I share the same values. I always strive to be my best self so that I can be the best partner to my customers.
XBIZ: What brings you the most pride in your career in the pleasure products industry?
Wong: Sex is everywhere. It’s in song lyrics, illustrated in steamy movie scenes and featured in provocative social media ads. Yet, particularly among the Asian American community and Asian women, it is rarely discussed, and talking about it is a taboo. Asians, bound by our cultural norms, don’t promote sexual expression or behavior. Because of this, there is a lack of education around sexual awareness and self-pleasure, and a shortage of discussions around STIs and STD prevention. I believe it is critical to have more Asian representation and role models in the adult industry so that Asians have someone to look to for answers and advice. I am proud to be an Asian woman in this industry because I know I am a part of the movement to hopefully one day normalize conversations around sex, for women and for the Asian community.
XBIZ: Are there any other pleasure industry women who have inspired you to continue working toward your goals?
Wong: My colleagues at LELO, bloggers, sex therapists and sex educators that are leading the movement to living a more sexually-fulfilled life through education and breaking taboos. They are supporting women in the adult industry, paving the way for more acceptance, and even creating career aspirations for women who have never considered roles in adult in the past.
XBIZ: As we close out 2022, what does the future look like for you? What are you excited to see come to fruition with your LELO team?
Wong: That’s an easy question. I am looking forward to continued growth with a bigger team, better products and bringing even more innovations to the industry — one of which is LELO Dot, a new game-changer that we are launching this fall. And of course, furthering my career at LELO.
