LOS ANGELES — Wicked Sensual Care (WSC) has crowned Heather Kitty McAnally of Woodstock, Georgia’s Galaxy Trading as its newest "Retail Superstar" honoree.
For McAnally, noted a rep, a life in academia was the catalyst for a successful career in adult retail.
"When I was in school, I studied economic anthropology with an emphasis on the industries that are sex-adjacent. Industries that support sexual health, for instance, are a big part of that. And I noticed in my studies that sexual health is often treated as some big secret across a lot of cultures and time periods," McAnally said. "After I graduated from the University of West Georgia, I found that Starship/Galaxy Trading was a shopping environment that demystified those secrets for people."
Soon after beginning her retail career at Galaxy Trading in Woodstock, McAnally had "an inspiring encounter" with WSC brand strategist and resident sex educator, Jessica Drake.
"In my first year of working at Galaxy, Jessica met with us for education, and she pointed out that just by working where we work, we become sex therapists for some people," McAnally recalled. "At Starship, what we’re doing is bigger than simply adult retail. It’s providing people with information that has been kept secret historically: how to be happy and healthy and comfortable with who you are."
"Kink is my specialty, and just like sexual health, consent and communication are so important, yet some people don’t really get the proper education or good advice about it," she continued. "My favorite question is, “‘I’m not sure my partner will be into the same thing I’m into. How do I talk to them about it?'"
For those considering a career in adult retail, McAnally has cogent advice.
"Decide who you want to be, and be that person on purpose,” she said. “The older you get, the more you’ll realize no one seems to care about appearances or proclivities as long as you’re open and honest. If you’re a person who’s safe to talk to without judgment, people will treat you the same way."
She added that her favorite part of the job is "learning new things, which luckily happens every day. There’s always something to research, another new toy to try, or new gels and creams."
WSC Sales Director Jennifer Brice noted that people like McAnally "excel because they know the most valuable resource you can give customers is your time and expertise."
"We see and appreciate all you do, Heather," Brice added. "Thank you so much for contributing in such a positive way to our industry.”
A superstar may be nominated by sending their name, store name, location/city, store social media handles and a brief paragraph — a photograph is optional — about why they deserve to be a superstar to team@wickedsensualcare.com. Superstars may also self-nominate.
Visit WSC's B2B portal and follow the company on Twitter.
