profile

WIA Profile: Dana DiValli

Though heavily supported by leading distributor East Coast News’ dedicated staff, OVO has only one representative covering the U.S. and Canada — and that sole ambassador is Dana DiValli. As her introductory role into the pleasure products industry, DiValli has already made an impression on her colleagues.

In this exclusive interview with XBIZ Premiere, Women in Adult spotlights OVO North America account executive Dana DiValli as she divulges about her experience in the biz so far.

I hope to put the brand’s “money where its mouth is,” so to speak, and show that OVO lives up to the “new standard” it sets for the luxury pleasure products industry.

What is your role and responsibility at OVO?

I am the account executive and manufacturer representative for OVO North America in the United States and Canada.

What is a typical day at the office like for you?

You mean when I’m not on the road? When I am in the office, I answer product inquiries and work with retailers to get them whatever it is they need to create an optimal experience.

This largely entails direct communication with both the retailer and ECN account representatives. OVO North America is unique in this regard. The retail customer gets a comprehensive, “concierge” experience, if you will, with both myself and the ECN reps at their disposal.

How (and when) did you get into the pleasure products business?

This is actually my first professional foray into the pleasure products segment, though I had certainly been around it. When I found out that ECN would be distributing OVO in North America, I knew that it would be a perfect fit for me. That was in March of 2013!

What challenges have you confronted in your career and how have you overcome them?

Being a new face in the industry was certainly a challenge at first. Staying professional and salesoriented, while navigating the language and culture of the business, was new to me, but I found that adapting to the situation, while staying true to my sales knowledge, did well for me.

For example, I once had a visitor at one of our show booths jokingly “propose” to me with one of OVO’s pleasure rings; I turned what could have been an awkward situation into a sale.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Overcoming being new to the business (I’ve been in this position about seven months) and having the opportunity to represent an excellent product line like OVO is exponentially rewarding.

What is your personal motto or mantra that you live by?

If you are passionate about something, give it your all. No halfassing; you might as well not do it.

What career accomplishment are you most proud off?

People with 15-plus years of experience in this industry, people that I know and respect, have expressed how impressed they are with my performance, considering how little time I’ve spent in this business thus far. This recognition is what I am most proud of.

What are you professional goals for the remainder of 2013?

I hope to put the brand’s “money where its mouth is,” so to speak, and show that OVO lives up to the “new standard” it sets for the luxury pleasure products industry. OVO is an amazing brand with an amazing message, and we certainly have something to prove.

Each month, industry news media organization 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.

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 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 Articles

profile

Electric Novelties Execs Reflect on Company Origins, Mission

When Zach Goode first crossed paths with Electric Novelties over 20 years ago, both he and the company were deeply entrenched in the apparel world. Goode was handling sales for a friend’s novelty T-shirt company, Sik World, while Electric specialized in sexy lingerie and clubwear.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

Sensual Distributors Ltd. Blends Real-Life Love Story, Passion for Pleasure Biz

This local brick-and-mortar is a “mom and mom” operation led by co-owners Alana Thompson and Angini Singh, a lesbian couple who overcame their country’s strict, religious culture to create a sexual wellness boutique that serves their unique community.

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

How History Drives Marketing Strategies Today

Thanks to the efforts of activists, sex educators and members of marginalized communities, products like sex toys, lubricants and adult films have become much less stigmatized, and much more visible and accepted in the public sphere today.

Hail Groo ·
opinion

BAFTA Nominations Highlights Importance of Gender-Neutrality

While the Brit Awards have paved the way for gender inclusivity by introducing gender-neutral award categories, it has recently been confirmed that the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards will not follow suit.

Scarlett Ward ·
opinion

How to Explain Wax Play to Shoppers

When it comes to candles in the bedroom, most folks think of them as a great way to create a sexy ambiance. For folks who enjoy wax play, however, candles are also a kinky way to heat things up. While it may sound daunting to the uninitiated — because, you know, fire and hot dripping wax — wax play can be a fun and accessible sensation-play option, as well as an excellent intro to BDSM.

Rebecca Weinberg ·
trends

An Inside Look at the Decision-Making Process of Expert Merchandisers

Buyers in the sexual wellness industry bear a weighty responsibility. They must strike the perfect balance between meeting customers’ demonstrated needs with tried-and-true products, and staying on top of the latest trends — and that is only scratching the surface.

profile

WIA Profile: Catherine Corsaro

As director of product training and information for JO parent company CC Wellness, Corsaro oversees all sexual health and product education from the company’s Valencia, California headquarters, including training new reps who may have never touched a bottle of lube until their first day on the job.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Novum Veteran Executive Team Leverages Expertise to Grow Brand

Novum Brands may be relatively new on the sex toy scene, but there’s nothing green about George Gatziaris and Vadim Daysudov, who together founded, own and helm the business.

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

Al and Michele Harrington Discuss Vision for Pleasure Brand Love Verb

Former NBA player Al Harrington has matched his success on the hardwood with equally impressive accomplishments in the business world, including creating cannabis company Viola. Now, Harrington and his wife, Michele, have expanded their business portfolio with Love Verb, a venture aimed at enhancing couples’ intimacy through a variety of pleasure products.

Quinton Bellamie ·
opinion

A Look at the Benefits of AI for Optimizing Retail Operations

In the ever-evolving landscape of retail tech, staying ahead of the curve is not just advantageous — it’s mandatory for survival. Currently, small-to-midsize retailers face an unprecedented opportunity to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) features to gain an advantage, enhance employee productivity and optimize operations.

Sean Quinn ·
Show More