A typical day
As the founder, I have to be involved in everything, from merchandising to store sales to e-commerce planning to marketing…so there’s really no typical day for me. The only routine I have is that I have to walk my dog twice a day so that he gets some fun time.

The most significant influence in my working career was/is
My first job after grad school was in consulting, so I’ve seen a lot in terms of how companies work, how very talented people work. So I’ve had quite a lot of influences, and it’s hard to pinpoint only one or two significant one(s). I’d say that the most Inspiring lesson I’ve learned is: set a lofty goal, and then do anything and everything you can to find a way to get there. Don’t ever say something’s impossible.

I’m most proud of
My parents. They are old school Chinese academics, and they have been so supportive of me throughout my journey, despite how conservative the culture here is. My mom, in particular has been a great source of encouragement. When I told her I wanted to open a sex toy shop, she said to me: “Ying, that’s a great idea. Most women in my generation had no idea what orgasm is. Help them.” I take that as my mandate.

One of the most memorable moments was
When a customer sent me a message telling me that she wished there was a store like the V Spot when she was growing up.

Last book I read
Between a dog and a new store, I have had no time to read! But the book that I’ve been struggling to finish off (struggling as in trying to find time) is Midnight’s Children.

Favourite movie/TV show
Ghost in the Shell, Game of Thrones…hard to name them all

What I wanted to be when I was growing up
A novelist

What would most people not know about me
That I’m an introvert?

My favourite place
My bed!

When I’m not working I’d rather be doing
Reading, dancing, snowboarding, hiking, drinking…

What I like best about my job
Everything! I love my job. I love that there are so many possibilities and directions that we can go. The future is endless.

If I could change one thing
I wish I could have more hours in the day?

The most significant influence in my working career is
To show people it’s OK to be who you really are and to be vulnerable. To be the friend that would listen to what they want to say. To tell them that it’s their own body and they own their pleasure.

I’m most proud of
I’m most proud of my whole team, my chosen family. My team leaders’ probity and integrity. My team mates’ nimbleness, adaptability and their unstoppable energy.

One of the most memorable moments was
A female customer came with her then boy-friend, looking for a toy for herself and maybe even a couples play toy. Her boy-friend wasn’t interested at the toys or what could potentially pleasure her at all. He just played with his phone the whole time. When she asked for his opinions, (I couldn’t hear what he said), he looked a bit bored. The female customer was a little disappointed but her mood improved when we started to chat about we should do, what’s good and healthy for our body and our mind and we should own our pleasure. I helped her picked a toy and she left happily. She came back a couple of months later, gave me a hug and told me the conversation we had made her realise that it’s perfectly OK for ladies to be sexual. She had broken up with her boyfriend and was actively dating people again. She was so happy and glowing. She told me she felt alive. She came by with her new boyfriend not so long after. They looked so happy and in love. A shop like Sally Coco gives people, especially ladies the courage they need to become who they really are.

Last book I read
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a changing world by Tenzin Gyatso, Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu

Favourite movie/ TV show
The Big Band Theory and This is US

What I wanted to be when I was growing up
A teacher. Guess I am one, when I have two little boys at home and they never stop asking the most difficult questions.

My favourite place
Anywhere with my two boys.

When I’m not working I’d rather be doing
Hiking, baking, reading and cuddling with my loved ones.

What I like best about my job
Working with my diverse and talented team. Having the same beliefs. Chasing the same dream. It’s so rewarding to grow, not just individually, but also together as a team.

If I could change one thing
Haha. I want to become the voice inside people’s head. Sometimes, the voice inside people’s head is too loud and they couldn’t even hear when others tell them they are beautiful and worthy. If I could change that, we could live a fuller and much satisfying life. Nothing is going to hold you back from becoming who you are.
www.sallycoco.com

A typical day
It totally depends! No day is typical. We always start our weeks with a good amount of routine check ins and meetings. We go over our numbers, communicate about logistics and make sure we set our week’s priorities and have cross team communication.

Besides that, it’s really hard to say! I might spend two hours on product development, an hour on emails, interviews, sales, trainings – it entirely depends on the day and the circumstances! I do a little bit of everything.

The most significant influence in my working career was/is
Oh man – I’m really not sure what my most significant influence has been. I really enjoyed the book How to Win Friends and Influence People — so I suppose I took a lot from that. I guess my Dad is the biggest influence on my working career. Unlike a book, he was much more constant and ran the family business along with his brother – so I took a lot away from watching him work.

I’m most proud of
I’m most proud of getting Kickstarter to allow sex toys on their platform.
Aside from that, it’s worth saying that I’m incredibly proud of our team here at Dame Products. We all work incredibly hard, and it’s so rewarding to be a part of such a talented, motivated group.

One of the most memorable moments was
When Janet and I first met, we purchased a double up Dennis (a molded penis attached to a torso) for testing purposes. It came, and we immediately realized that it was not at all atomically correct (the torso is child sized and the penis is…well, not). It lead to a lot of office laughs.

Last book I read
I usually tend to be reading more than one book at once. Generally, I’m reading a book and listening to a book at the same time. Right now I’m reading Atlas Shrugged and listening to Playing to Win. Cutting through spiritual materialism is next on the docket.

Favourite movie/TV show
I absolutely don’t have 1 favorite movie or TV show. I don’t know right now, but I’m pretty jazzed about Game of Thrones – I read all the books too!

What I wanted to be when I was growing up
I wanted to be an actress.

What would most people not know about me
I was my high school mascot for a few games!

My favourite place
My favorite place in the world?? Wow – I have no idea. I suppose I’d have to say my happy place, which is entirely mental.

When I’m not working I’d rather be doing
I love camping, hiking, dancing…. I really love dancing!

What I like best about my job
The best thing about my job is getting to be myself everyday. We are creating our own community here at Dame Products! We are actively trying to be the change we want to see in the world, and that’s an incredibly mission to be a part of.

If I could change one thing
I would make batteries weightless! Or fix global warming. Easy things..

A typical day
I live in the UK – in the South of England, Bournemouth which is near the sea. It’s fantastic to live so close to the sea. It’s a bit of a way from Lovehoney HQ, but due to the nature of what I do I can work remotely.

I manage my day by working around the different time zones I’m in. I tend to start at 7am which is a good time for me to catch up on communication from Australia and New Zealand. Then, as the day progresses I like to get a head start on Europe. I speak to Netherlands, France and Italy. I’ll catch up with my team and then check in with PR and Marketing to see how they can help me and my clients – what promotions do we have coming up, what advertising do we have planned, that kind of thing.

My clients are very creative and enthusiastic about our products so I’m often in conversation with them till late in the day as to what we can do with them in terms of promoting the range. At the moment, everyone is keen to look into displays and POS solutions so I’ll work with our creative teams on bespoke designs too. I’ll catch up with everyone about new product development. I travel to Lovehoney HQ twice a week which is in Bath, another beautiful city. I’ll often check my emails to make sure everything is covered before winding down for the evening.

The most significant influence in my working career was/is
Kate Hodgson-Egan – I knew Kate at ABS. She was a great role model and taught me the ins and outs of this incredibly fast-moving and professional industry.

I’m most proud of
My rapidly expanding French vocabulary. I started to learn at the end of October, which was great timing as last month I was asked to go to Paris for the opening of Passage du Désir on rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie. Passage du Désir is the exclusive stockist in France for our Coco de Mer pleasure products.

One of the most memorable moments was
There are too many to mention. Every trade show I’ve been too has been amazing. But what goes on tour stays on tour.

Last book I read
Fifty Shades Darker – obviously. Research.

Favourite movie/TV show
Kardashians…..

I wanted to be when I was growing up
I studied law at A Level and wanted to be a Lawyer. I love a good debate.

What would most people not know about me
I used to be a competitive swimmer – I wanted to be an Olympian! I used to start training at 5am and swim for 2 hours every morning before my day started. Once I finished college I’d go back and swim for another 3 hours.

My favourite place
Home (Bournemouth).

When I’m not working I’d rather be doing
As my job involves so much travelling, as soon as I get some downtime it is time for cups of tea and catch ups with people I’m close to.

What I like best about my job
The team I work with at Lovehoney! They are inspiring, funny, always up for talking about new ideas and we all help each other out. Everyone here is so driven.

If I could change one thing
I would be able to juggle my workload with a bit of time travel. Working across so many time zones can be challenging – but that’s why coffee was invented, right?

Jade Bawa – Trade Sales Executive – Lovehoney

A typical day
Up at 5AM talk to China, feed and walk the dogs, workout, head to office, deal with the office day, head home around 5PM, feed the dogs, walk them @ Runyon, binge watch something, talk to China, go to bed at 9PM. Repeat.

The most significant influence in my working career was/is
I have many.
My Dad is my biggest inspiration. He never stopped, I think he usually had 3 jobs simultaneously. Rick Ford who created All Worlds has always inspired me. Chi Chi LaRue made me care about this crazy biz. William Higgins, who created Catalina. Marty Tucker who got me into the toy business. My business partner Steven Walker inspires me daily. My unbelievable staff keeps me going.

I’m most proud of
This one always makes me laugh because I don’t feel like I ever do anything that is really important, I mean my god it is sex. But over the years I have had gay guys come up to me and thank me and tell me how much our movies and toys have inspired them to embrace their homosexuality.

One of the most memorable moments was
Assimilating the largest gay adult video library was a thrill, having it all stolen online was a bit of a buzz kill.

Last book I read
Oh god a diet book of course…well I do live in LA.

Favourite movie/TV show
So many…just saw Moonlight which is amazing. On the tube I am loving Better Things.

What I wanted to be when I was growing up
A Doctor. I was accepted into a 6-year medical school after high school. I attended for 3 long dreadful years. Finally, when the sight of blood was still making me sick I realized this just isn’t me!

What would most people not know about me
Loyal to a fault, sometimes to my own demise!

My favourite place
My bed. I love to go to bed early with my laptop, my remote, my dogs, my partner and a new documentary or series. The problem is I am usually asleep once I am horizontal!

When I’m not working I’d rather be doing
Poolside with my dogs, partner and a cocktail.

What I like best about my job
The community. The great thing about the novelty business is there is a lot more camaraderie amongst competitors. Something you really don’t find in the video biz.

If I could change one thing
Is there just one thing? Can we start with the most recent U.S. election?

A typical day
The typical day for me is anything but typical. I travel about 180 days a year so whether it’s domestic or international travel, attending a trade show or a meeting to discuss future business, discussing sales with my team or developing marketing strategies with head quarters, conducting product trainings or a sex-education based seminar; it’s always different. The only thing typical is that there is nothing typical about my day, which is perfect for me because I detest monotony!

The most significant influence in my working career was/is
I would have to say Amy Baldwin, owner of Pure Pleasure where I first entered work in the pleasure products world. She saw something in me long before I had a career oriented in the industry and she encouraged sex positivity, sex education and overall female empowerment. She also gave me my very first vibrator, which, was a Fun Factory Layaspot. I’m forever grateful to her for her influence on my career, my life and my sex education expertise.

I’m most proud of
Winning the WIA (Woman in Adult) award for Woman of the Year in January 2016. It was given to me because I’m uniting, empowering and inspiring woman in the adult toy industry. It is such an honor!
One of the most memorable moments was

Being interviewed for a character piece by VEJA Brazil in September. VEJA is the leading weekly publication in the country and one of the most influential outlets of the Brazilian printed media overall. It was super exciting and memorable to be interviewed by them about sex toys and my life.

Last book I read
How Will You Measure Your Life by Clayton Christensen, a professor a Harvard Business School. It’s a must read for anyone in business. He approaches career happiness along with living life with integrity. He really gets you to think who (not what) do you want to be and never to confuse purpose with priority. Seriously, everyone needs to read this book or listen to it on Audible. It’s a life changer.

Favourite movie/TV show
I’m an avid documentary watcher. I feel if I’m going to detach for a while, then I should be learning something either about a topic I already have insight to or something totally out of my element. A great documentary is Plastic Planet. It’s all about the world’s dependency on plastic and how destructive it is for the environment and our bodies. If I had to choose a TV show, I guess my one guilty pleasure is Shameless (US), it’s dark comedy but so good.

What I wanted to be when I was growing up
She-Ra Princess of Power! No joke, my mom still laughs about it and tells me “when everyone wanted to be an astronaut or the president, you wanted to be a super hero!” and yet still I would love to be She-Ra Princess of Power when I grow up.

What would most people not know about me
I was a competitive gymnast for 13 years and busting out back flips is still my favourite party trick.

My favourite place
This is really tough question for me because I love so many places! If I had to choose one then Seville, Spain. I studied there when I was 19 and there is something about the place that is just magical-the food, the people, the smells, the streets, the music, the wine, everything is just wonderful there.

When I’m not working I’d rather be doing
I would like to say yoga but really, to be honest, I love tasting, learning, and experiencing everything about wine. From growing the grapes to its aging process to drinking it, I just think it’s the most fascinating thing. Maybe I was a sommelier in a past life…

What I like best about my job
Hands down, the people are the best thing about my job. My customers and colleagues are the greatest and I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by so many talented and wonderful people all around the globe.

If I could change one thing
There would be more hours in a day! Time just flies by and I’m constantly running out of time to get everything I want accomplished in a day, a week, a month, even a year. I’m an extremely organized person who can multitask like a boss but still, it would be so much better if time were always on my side.

Business was always an extreme interest of mine, and it was always a soft plan for me to come to Doc Johnson. As I went through college, it became more and more of a hard plan, because I felt the industry and the company were at a pivotal point of needing the perspective of the next generation. I also liked that there was still so much work to be done at the company, not only in continuing with the principles and foundations of the company that was built by my father, who has literally changed the face of the industry, but also to expand the business and bring it into the consciousness of the mainstream.

The most significant influence in my working career was?

Having Ron at the helm of the company, with his know-how and experience, has been invaluable. He’s been in the business for almost 50 years, and he has been integral to the growth of this industry from the start. As a company leader, he’s been extraordinary, taking this company from a small 100 product manufacturer to the powerhouse that it is today with over 2,500 products in every category. And he is as integral to the company now as he ever was. So having that wealth of information about the industry, about business in general and our business specifically, at my disposal every day for the last twelve years, has been paramount to my growth as a professional, and has absolutely been the single most important influence in my career.

A typical day

I get to the office between 8:30 and 9:00 am. Depending on the day, I’ll typically have a morning meeting with managers and executives of the company, whether that’s our site leadership team, our product development team, our marketing team and/or our art department.

On any given day, I try to get out on the manufacturing floor as early as possible, but no matter what, I’m out there at least once or twice a day. Of course, like everybody else, it’s the other million things that pop up during the day that will round out my ‘typical’ schedule.

I’m most proud of

There are a lot of things I’m proud of, especially with regards to this business and what we’ve been able to accomplish over the last 40 years. On a personal level, something that always sticks out to me is that, one of the first product collections I ever worked on developing at Doc Johnson is our line of Lucid Dreams vibrators; and one of them – the Lucid Dream 14, went on to become recognized as the best vibrator of the year in ‘Women’s Health’. It was really the first time that a mainstream magazine of that magnitude was recognizing an adult product, and to see something that I had worked on being recognized in that way was a very proud moment.

One of the most memorable moments was

All of this year, culminating with our 40th anniversary party in July. To be a part of this company, that has such an esteemed history in this business, and to be able to spend that moment with the friends that I’ve made over the course of my career here, and with the family of people that I work with every day at Doc Johnson, some of whom have been here the full 12 years since I started here, has been one of my most memorable career highlights.

Last book I read

Michael Jordan: The Life, by Roland Lazenby.

Favorite movie/TV show

Favorite movie: Goodfellas. Favorite TV show (currently): Game of Thrones.

My favorite place

A nice, relaxing weekend with friends and family in Palm Springs.

When I’m not working, what I’d rather be doing

Taking my dog, Hans, to the park.

What I like best about my job

I’m very grateful for all of the different experiences that my career has afforded me. Being able to travel all over the world for work, meeting so many interesting people from all walks of life, and being able to understand how the business works in different parts of the world, has been tremendously rewarding for me, on both a personal and a professional level.

If I could change one thing

If I could change one thing, it would probably be to remove the stigma that outsiders sometimes perceive when they think of our industry. At the same time, sex toys are 100% more mainstream now than they ever have been in the past, and the pleasure products industry is really only one generation (about 40 years) old as a whole. Though we still have a way to go in terms of the widespread mainstream acceptance of sex toys, the fact that we’ve seen this much change and growth in only about 40 years is astounding.

A typical day…
…starts with a good coffee!  Once in the office I get involved with my team at Loewie to discuss our designs, prototypes, customer feedback and resulting ideas for new exiting products. But I also like to spend time in our production, the birthplace of our products, to make sure only top quality is leaving our factory. But there are also a lot of days I’m out of the office, visiting customers or attending tradeshows.

The most significant influence in my working career was/is
Most inspiration I receive from Loewie! Besides they are a fantastic distributor, they are a great team doing an awesome job helping me with Engineering, Production, Sales and Marketing. Without Loewie I would not have been able to be so successful with my brand. Also I get inspired when spending time in nature. There are some favorite places where I like to go to relax. Once I watch Mother Nature, I get a clear mind and new ideas are popping up which I take back and discuss then with my team at Loewie. Also, we pay a lot of attention listening to our customers, their feedback and voices are at the centre of our ambitious efforts.

I’m most proud of…
…having created my own personal brand and seeing so many happy customers using my products!
Also I’m proud my products have received awards such as the red dot design award or AVN’s “O” award.

One of the most memorable moments was
Actually there have been many memorable moments, such as showcasing my products at my very first tradeshow, repeatedly receiving the Red Dot Design award or receiving the AVN “O” Award in the category “Outstanding Product for Men” for my latest revolving prostate massager “Spotty” which is now also available with remote controller.

Last book I read
“Er ist wieder da”, from Timur Vermes, a satirical about Adolf Hitler.

Favourite movie/TV show
I very much like to watch historical documentaries; there is so much we can learn from history!

What I wanted to be when I was growing up
I’ve always been creative and so I very much wanted to be a Designer to create something myself.

What would most people not know about me
I’m extensively testing every new product myself before it is being launched.

My favourite place…
…is my bedroom, which is my test lab!

When I’m not working I’d rather be doing
Since I love my work, I do not feel I’m working! Since I enjoy it so much, I do not draw a border between work and private life.

What I like best about my job
My job is very diverse and we have a lot of fun with my team. Especially I enjoy the interaction with our customers, to receive their feedback about our products and to discuss new ideas.

If I could change one thing…
…I wish everyone on earth could live in peace and harmony! Make love, no war!

A typical day
There’s no such thing as a typical day at Calexotics and that’s one of the reasons I love working here, there’s always something happening and never a dull day. I can be on the road visiting with customers, in the office following up after my trip or working with our new product development team. Our daily focus is providing exceptional customer service, high fulfillment rates and a fantastic assortment of products to suit all customers. CalExotics is a great company to work for and I definitely enjoy myself.

The most significant influence in my working career was/is
Susan Colvin & Jackie White have had the biggest impact on my career. I’m so fortunate to work with two amazing women, they’re the dynamic duo! I’ve learned so much from them about business and how to have a strong work ethic, integrity and foster long lasting business relationships.

I’m most proud of
Professionally, I’m most proud of the direction our company is going. Last year, we changed our logo and have made some packaging changes and enhancements. In addition, we’ve launched the CalExotics Institute, an e-learning platform designed to help educate industry professionals about our products. This is an extension of our sales staff and something I use on a daily basis. I can’t be everywhere, even though I try, so the CalExotics Institute is the perfect tool for my customers to use when I am not there.

This year I’m most proud of our new Inspire collection. Inspire is a beautiful line of intimate products designed to enhance the overall well-being and health of women. A portion of the proceeds are being donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, an organization dedicated to the successful recovery of cancer survivors. This is an incredible cause and is will ultimately help many people, I am proud to be a part of it.

Personally, I’m most proud of my parents. They have made many sacrifices so that my sisters and I could get a college education and make something of ourselves. I’m where I am today because of them.

One of the most memorable moments was
The first time I went to Australia for Adultex in Cairns is very memorable. It was a great experience even though I was only there for the show and had very little time to myself. I wasn’t sure if I was going to have the opportunity to go back, so on my last day there I ran to the zoo to checked out koala’s and wallabies. It was such a fun experience. I loved seeing all of the animals and experiencing something new.

Last book I read
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I read this book years ago and came across it recently and read it again. It’s an inspirational book and a great tool for personal growth. The four agreements are: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions and always do your best. These statements have been a staple for me in my work life and reading this book again helped me put them back into focus. I recommend this book to my colleagues all the time.

Favourite movie/TV show
I enjoy watching reality shows. My favorites are Dancing with the Stars, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and The Real Housewives of Atlanta. I can’t believe I’m admitting to this.

What would most people not know about me
One thing most people don’t know about me is my love for fast cars. I love driving fast; it’s exhilarating and gets my heart racing. Sometimes this love gets me into trouble; in fact I recently got a speeding ticket in Denver Colorado. I may need to slow down a bit, but only when I see a police officer.

My favourite place
My favorite place is Australia! It’s beautiful and the people are wonderful, I look forward to my trips every time.

When I’m not working I’d rather be doing
I travel a lot for work and when I’m home it’s nice to get together with family and friends and do “normal” things.

What I like best about my job
I enjoy every aspect of my job. I work for the best company! Our team is dedicated, supportive and hard working. I enjoy being on the road and interacting with our customers. I’m called the social butterfly at the office.

If I could change one thing
It would be nice to have more hours in the day. I always have so much to do and never enough time to do it. When I am traveling for work this is especially true. I love to explore new places and wish I had more time to do so.

A typical day
Dealing with high end brands has been great, it’s amazing to see all the beautiful new, innovate products hitting the market, and I get to speak to stores all over Australia about it. I also have visited shops everywhere so I enjoyed getting to know everyone. I have spent many hours in product training with great staff everywhere too.

The most significant influence in my working career was/is
Marie-Elise from Sassy Vibes was a major influence on me. She’s the one that first told be about phthalates in toys and encouraged my dream in turning the shop into a female empowering experience. As far as I know it was the first store to go chemical free, which was a huge challenge in 2006. Although she’s left the industry we still chat and have massive long talks about sex toys and sexuality. What a woman!

I’m most proud of
That I’ve done it all, shops, brands, distributors. It’s always a lovely surprise when out of the blue I’m recognised and I hear wonderful, empowering stories from people I’ve helped in the past. It’s happened everywhere from airport check in counters, restaurants and travelling overseas.

One of the most memorable moments was
Winning at the Shine Awards. The other ones have been how incredibly kind and welcoming all the store owners and managers have been since I’ve been a sales rep. It was a bit daunting walking into businesses after having my own shop, and I’ve been amazed at the reception that’s been shown to me.

Last book I read
Your Beauty Mark- An Essential Guide to Eccentric Glamour by Dita Von Teese. It’s breath taking, I can feel a makeover coming on! I think every woman over 18 needs a copy, my god, the glamour just kills me. I’m going to up my game!

Favorite movie/tv show
My current one is Game Of Thrones (like everyone else in the world). I love everything from old Hollywood classics to Ferris Bullers Day Off. Oh, and Star Wars, and anything by Phillip K Dick.

What I wanted to be when I was growing up
A superhero. Hence the wearing of latex. At least I look the part.

What would most people don’t not know about me
That I’m a massive sci-fi fan and love cooking. One day I’ll get back to France and do a gourmet cooking course!

My favorite place
With my boyfriend Morris on a tropical Island drinking cocktails at a swim-up bar.

When I’m not working I’d rather be doing
Going to crazy fetish parties. Heading to Florida soon for the Annual Fetish Factory Alter Ego event where there’s four days, three parties a day extravaganza. My latex will come to about 40 kilo’s, far out. Go me!

What I like best about my job
Hunting down great brands to bring to Australia.

If I could change one thing
That Australians should have a European view of sex and not be so uptight, especially when it comes to laws and regulations about adult stores. Actually two, to run my own chain of female empowering sensuality stores around the country!