Denver's Only Female-Owned Independent Sex Shop Opens Its Doors

Denver's Only Female-Owned Independent Sex Shop Opens Its Doors

DENVER — Two childhood friends have partnered up to open Denver's only female-owned independent sex shop.

Awakening Boutique, started up by Colorado natives Tory Johnson and Rose Kalasz, launched three weeks ago at the Modern Nomad design collective, offering an array of high-end, nontoxic, eco-friendly sex toys, along with handmade lingerie, apparel, books and home goods.

The store also plans on hosting educational speakers, dramatic readings of romance novels and workshops in the future. It also will be available for bachelorette and birthday party pop-ups.

The Mile High City once had other female-owned sex toy stores, including Hysteria and Smitten Kitten, but both outlets closed their doors years ago.

Johnson and Kalasz told Westword that they simply were looking to create a sex-positive “space for people to learn and explore their sexuality” while also selling body-safe sex toys.

“We feel like even though a lot of toys are made for female pleasure, it’s all about the male gaze, Johnson said. “Like the little French maid costume. If a woman feels empowered by that, that’s great, but I feel like a lot of these are stereotypes of what a woman is to be for the male gaze; she’s a vessel for male pleasure and not an entity of her own.”

“I talked to so many women my age who said they’ve never been to a sex store, who were like, ‘I’ve always felt intimidated ... and that’s really surprising to me. Denver’s a super-progressive and modern city,” Johnson said

While starting up the brick-and-mortar business, Johnson and Kalasz found that mainstream America has not completely opened its financial doors to businesses like theirs. In fact, some shame businesses selling sex toys and related items. Both Paypal and Square barred them from processing charges.

“We got turned down immediately for a bank account because of what we sell,” Johnson said. “Even though a lot of the products we sell are T-shirts and candles and home goods ... just because we have adult toys and things that are of a sexual nature, we got turned down.”

Johnson said that she’s learned that going into a sex shop might be a new thing for some customers. But once through the threshold, many like what they see and are curious.

"I think a lot of people think you have to be a little bit kinky to go into sex shops, and I think all of those are absolute misconceptions."

Awakening Boutique is located at the Modern Nomad collective at 2936 Larimer St. in Denver.

Related:  

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 News

The Dungeon Store Debuts 'Thing Noir' Violet Wand Attachment

The Dungeon Store has released the Thing Noir violet wand conductive e-stim accessory.

Pjur, Magasin du Nord Partner for 'Flex Area' Campaign

Pjur and retail brand Magasin du Nord have partnered for the wellness brand’s Flex Area campaign.

Kheper Releases New 'Think Like a Slut' Party Game

Kheper Games has released the new "Think Like a Slut" party game.

Honey Play Box, Creative Conceptions Ink European Distro Deal

Honey Play Box has signed a deal with Creative Conceptions for distribution in the U.K. and Europe.

Motorbunny Debuts 'Fluffer Rock Hard Power' Cock Ring Vibe

Motorbunny has introduced its Fluffer Rock Hard Power vibrating cock ring.

EQOM Appoints Anneke Kamphuis Interim CEO

EQOM Group, the company behind ONE-DC and EasyToys, has appointed Anneke Kamphuis as its interim CEO.

Viben Debuts 'Dreamii' Collection

Viben has unveiled its new Dreamii line of pleasure products.

Onahole Debuts New 'Brain Hacker DX' Stroker

Pleasure brand Onahole has introduced its new Brain Hacker DX stroker.

Fanreal Debuts 'Real Skin Texture' Love Doll

Pleasure brand Fanreal has introduced its proprietary silicone Real Skin Texture love doll.

Full Circle Expands 'Savage Me Dream Girl Doll' Line

Full Circle has introduced Alyssa, Carla, and Nadia from its Savage Me Dream Girl Doll collection.

Show More