Wednesday, February 14, 2024 5:55 a.m.
Self-care these days means more than staying fit and taking your vitamins.
Sexual health has become a priority among Londoners, with the city taking the top spot in Google searches for sexual products over the past year, from traditional vibrators to experimental toys.
That said, while discussions about women’s sex lives are often met with embarrassment and ridicule, a small number of countries around the world still criminalize the possession of sex toys.
Smile Makers is on a mission to challenge conservative views on women’s sexual health by making it more inclusive and leveraging an impressive field of technological innovation.
“Sex shops are great, but they’re not for everyone,” brand chief Samantha Marshall said of the women’s sex toy company’s early days.
“So many people find sex toys intimidating and not very exciting for people who want to invest more in their own pleasure and discover more about themselves.
“We wanted to take sex toys out of specialty stores and bring them into everyday spaces.”
That’s why Smile Makers is on a mission to eliminate the stigma around sexual pleasure by making our products as accessible as everyday beauty essentials. Through our partnerships with leading retailers such as Sephora, Look Fantastic, Boots and Debenhams, we make it easy for everyone to explore their desires in comfort.
“The challenge for us was to get mainstream retailers and publications to talk about sexual health.Ten years ago, we were talking about how normal sexual pleasure is and how beneficial it is to our health. There was a lot of work to be done to help people understand.
“Sex shops are great, but they’re not for everyone.”
“At first, our approach was a little naive. We called vibrators “pleasure massagers” and talked about “self-love.” But we quickly realize that this category has been shrouded in shame for far too long, and we want to celebrate all the correct terminology. ”
As mainstream retailers begin to embrace sexual wellness, Smile Makers is at the forefront of the movement, along with retailers like Planet Organic, Urban Outfitters, Holland & Barrett, and most recently, Asos, which launched last week. standing in
So how does Smile Makers position itself in the changing landscape of women’s sexual health, and what has been the response from major retailers?
Samatha said: “We have helped some of the biggest education-focused brands launch sexual wellness categories, including Sephora, Lookfantastic, and Beauty Bay. 56 percent of women worldwide We found that 63 percent of women around the world who don’t own a vibrator but are interested in it would prefer to buy it from a beauty store.
“We also partner with beauty brands like Soap & Glory, Benefit, and Ole Henriksen. We’re excited to have these beauty brands join the conversation and help us feel better about ourselves. I understand that some of the everyday acts I engage in include sexual content.” “
Samantha added that the sexual wellness sector is estimated to grow to more than $81bn (£64bn), according to a report by Insight Partners, with great potential for further expansion. In fact, as a global brand, Smile Makers can be found everywhere from bookstores in Canada to pharmacies in Malaysia.
“We believe that joy should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background or shopping preferences,” insists Samantha. “But Smile Makers isn’t just focused on sales. We’re on a mission to change the conversation about joy.”
They challenge taboos related to sexual health through a commitment to inclusivity and education. One example is how Smile Makers works with experts through pleasure-positive initiatives like Vulva Talks to address the lack of proper sex education for women around the world.
Samantha says, “By working with experts such as sex therapists and gynecologists, we help individuals understand their bodies and fully embrace their desires.”
We also provide support tailored to various life stages, from first-time customers to menopausal and postpartum customers. Whether you’re feeling stressed, in love, hormonal, or celebrating a milestone, there are options for everyone to explore and embrace fun.
“For example, The Whisperer is a truly groundbreaking vibrator designed by moms for moms. It’s all about making fun a part of your daily life, no matter what stage you’re in,” says Samantha. says.
At its heart, Smile Makers isn’t just about selling sex toys, it’s about creating a culture where pleasure is celebrated and normalized.
Samantha added: “Through each product and initiative, we prove that sexual health is a fundamental aspect of the human experience and deserves recognition and respect.” .
