Owning Your Craft: Working in the Pleasure Products Biz

If you have this issue of XBIZ in your hot little hands while you’re reading this, chances are good that you’re in the adult industry. Yes, the adult industry. I like using that term because it covers so many aspects of our huge business and it’s a little tamer than saying “The Sex Business” although I like using those words to describe what trade I’m in as well.

But what does this exactly mean? All of us seem to have stumbled into this industry through other channels unless, of course, your name is Flynt or Hefner, then it’s in your genes. But what are we doing here and how are we all in this crazy, happy family?

There is something about the adult industry that creates an unspoken comfort and honesty that is not present in the typical corporate world and I found that I was miserable for most of my years in that employment hell.

There are thousands of people that work in the sex industry and the different jobs we do in the adult business are as varied as the people in it. Web developer. Actress. Sex toy designer. Sex toy manufacturer. Sex blogger. Video shooter. Editor. Writer. Make up artist (including for those all important ECUs). CFO. CEO. Producer. Photographer. Lighting designer. Graphic artist. Script supervisor. Product trainer. DVD duplicator. Retailer. Cam operator. Retail store clerk. Website operator. Packaging designer. Warehouse supervisor. IT manager. And yes, even columnist for an adult industry trade publication.

How did we wind up in this business that few people talk about yet once they learn what we do everyone wants to lean in? I mean, I didn’t get voted “Most Likely to Succeed” in high school although I’m the only one from Central Regional High School in Bayville, N.J., to have a one-hour HBO “Real Sex” feature. To me, that’s success, no matter how you slice it.

I wound up in this crazy business starting out as a consumer decades ago with a horny boyfriend stoking my fires for me wanting to learn more about all aspects of sex. I was employed at Harvard University at the time and ended up leaving my high-ranking job to open a Boston area’s women friendly sex toy store. That was in 1993 and there’s been no looking back.

There was one year that I was not employed in the adult industry that I sarcastically call “my one year in purgatory.” There is something about the adult industry that creates an unspoken comfort and honesty that is not present in the typical corporate world and I found that I was miserable for most of my year in that employment hell. I yearned to go back to my friends and comfort level that was not present during the stuffy corporate meetings I had to endure. Then the day came when the corporate company fired my ass which turned out to be one of the happiest days in my life because then I could go back to the industry I love.

How many times have we told someone what we do for a living? When someone sitting next to us on the plane asks, what do we respond? I tend to feel them out (figuratively, of course!) and then usually state “You’ll never guess.” They then think of the most far left field guess they can come up with, thinking I’ll be insulted by their suggestion, and say “the sex business,” to which I say, “Yes, you’re absolutely right.” By picking up on their subtle, physical reaction to my response, I can figure out whether or not they want to hear more and go from there. Otherwise, I usually plug in my headphones and let them fantasize about what I just said.

How proudly do we stand up for our industry in the vanilla/non-corporate world? When I opened my aforementioned sex toy store, Grand Opening!, I did so quietly as to not ruffle any business feathers but soon found out that the Chamber of Commerce let people know of my presence through a blurb in their monthly newsletter. Much to my surprise, it was positive and supportive so I decided to join the Chamber and wound up as the vice president for five years, representing my retail area. I also won “Website of the Year” for two years. Imagine that.

So when I get asked “What do you do for a living?” I proudly respond with confidence and grace, what I do now, what I’ve done in my 20-plus year career choice, and why I love it. It is always so much more interesting than selling stocks and bonds, working at a boring desk job, waiting for the time to click down on the clock.

Besides which, this is the only industry I know that when if you’re caught looking at a Disney website during working hours, it means you’re really screwing around. I love my job.

Kim Airs is the founder of sexuality boutique GrandOpening.com, and currently works as the on-the-road sales representative for adult novelty manufacturer Topco Sales. She is also a consultant for all aspects of the adult industry, including training, sales and marketing.

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 Articles

opinion

Tips for Keeping the Adult Retail Trade Show Momentum Going

Trade shows are a whirlwind of energy, excitement and opportunities. You spend days on a vibrant, buzzing show floor, making valuable connections and discovering innovative and exciting new products. You spend time, energy and money to be a part of this fabulous circus.

Rin Musick ·
opinion

2025's Top Tech Trends That Adult Retailers Should Know About

I just got back from the National Retail Federation’s Annual Convention & Expo, also known as “Retail’s Big Show,” where I walked the floor, sat in on key panels, talked with industry experts and influencers, and did my best to sift through the b.s. so I could report back to you all on the things you need to care about.

Sean Quinn ·
opinion

Understanding the Importance of Graphic Design in Sexual Wellness Social Media Marketing

In the world of social media, graphic design is more than just making things look visually appealing — it’s a vital tool in shaping and maintaining a brand’s identity. Your social media is your storefront, so aesthetics mean everything.

Hannah McManus ·
opinion

How Adult Retail Is Shaping Sexual Health One Customer at a Time

Remember back in health class, when they taught us about boundaries, consent and how many nerve endings are in the clitoris? Of course you don’t, because it didn’t happen. In fact, sex education is still severely lacking in much of the U.S.

Kimberly Scott Faubel ·
trends

Meet the Up-and-Coming Pleasure Brands of 2025

Over the past year, the pleasure industry has witnessed the emergence of new brands across various adult retail categories — brands that are now entering 2025 with ambitious goals for success and growth in their sophomore year.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

WIA Profile: Nefertiti Mitchell

Local retailers are the backbone of the pleasure industry. Driven by passionate business owners who are deeply dedicated to sexual wellness, brick-and-mortar stores serve as safe spaces that uplift and delight customers — while greasing the wheels of commerce for manufacturers and distributors.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Industry Vet Mike Savage Discusses Comeback, Goals With Full Circle Distribution

"We never know where life’s going to take us,” says Mike Savage. He should know. The pleasure biz veteran, who describes himself as “a poor Irish kid from Philly,” first made his name in the adult retail biz over the course of a nearly 40-year career.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

Sensually Yours Founder Shellee Rose on Boosting Sex Positivity in Hawaii

Honolulu pleasure store Sensually Yours has served Hawaii for 40 years, establishing itself as a top destination for adult products. Founder and President Shellee Rose says her most important strategy for achieving four decades of success has been prioritizing customers.

Quinton Bellamie ·
profile

Gregory Dorcel on Building Upon His Brand's Signature Legacy

“Whether reflected in the storyline or the cast or even the locations, the entertainment we deliver is based on fantasy,” he elaborates. “Our business is not, and never has been, reality. People who are buying our content aren’t expecting reality, or direct contact with stars like you can have with OnlyFans,” he says.

Jeff Dana ·
opinion

Westridge Labs Celebrates the History, Future of ID Lubricants Brand

If you work in adult retail, you know ID Lubricants. With its classic, clear bottles and consumer-friendly pricing, ID has maintained a home on brick-and-mortar shelves since the brand’s inception, way back when physical stores were still the name of the pleasure game.

Colleen Godin ·
Show More