WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Nicola Relph, the owner and operator of online adult retailer AdultToyMegastore.com (ATMS), is a finalist for the New Zealand Women of Influence Awards in the “Business Enterprise” category.
The Women of Influence Awards “recognize women making a difference in the work they do, paving the way for other women to thrive,” described a rep. “More than 60 high-achieving New Zealanders have been named as finalists, and are judged on the strength, scope and impact of their actions across 10 categories including Arts & Culture, Environment, Innovation, Science & Health and Public Policy.”
Relph’s nomination stems from her efforts to grow a business that is working to destigmatize sex toys, normalize sexual pleasure and to turn New Zealand into a more sex-positive culture.
"It’s both an honor and a privilege to be nominated and announced as a finalist along with 60 inspirational women doing incredible things in their fields,” Relph said. “It fills me with excitement because not only does this nomination help to further normalize and destigmatize the adult industry, but it also shows that New Zealand is becoming a more sex-positive place.”
“What I’m most proud of is that this nomination wouldn’t have happened if we were just selling products. We’re a sex-positive business that advocates for the sexual wellness, empowerment and happiness of our customers and the feedback, growth and accolades we’ve received tells us that what we’re doing is actually making a difference. Kiwis are openly talking about, and recognizing the importance of sexual wellness, and we’re proud to have helped facilitate that change of perception and acceptance through our efforts over the past 12 years,” Relph continued.
The Women of Influence finalists and winners will be announced at a dinner in Auckland on February 10, 2022. The full list of nominees can be found here.