How I Got Into The Sexual Wellness Industry
After watching season 3 of Grace and Frankie, I cannot think of a TV show I have ever related to more. I am currently living the tale of being a woman entering the sexual wellness industry, aiding those with mobility issues, and facing the many challenging obstacles of getting such an endeavor off the ground. The funny thing is in many ways it was purely accidental that I got into this business. But to accurately tell the tale though we must go back to 2010 when I finally discovered the Hitachi Magic Wand.
On the recommendation of a girlfriend, I was given my first magic wand back in 2010. This truly magical device consistently brought me to the orgasm I never had, which in turn brought me to the unfortunate realization I had been suffering from sexual dysfunction for most of my life. Astonished I had never been privy to the glory of the #1 selling sex toy since the late 1960s, I made it my life’s mission to make sure every woman who knew me also knew about the magic within this real life Magic Wand. Starting with my family and friends, of course, most of who fell willing victim to the spell it cast. Hermione Granger eat your heart out.
The unfortunate reality is I am far from alone with these issues, as over 40 percent of women struggle with sexual dysfunction. (citation) And it wasn’t just my inability to orgasm that precluded me from pure sexual satisfaction. In 2012 I temporarily lost the use of my right arm due to a suspected pinched nerve. It was quite alarming, and my relationship with my new best friend suffered because of this. What’s a girl to do when she can’t hold her wand?!
After a few failed attempts with other hands-free toy mount solutions on the market (they all sucked), I knew I could make something better. An obvious problem in need of a new solution had presented itself, and my mission further crystallized. Not only must I spread the joy of the wand, but I must also make sure everybody, no matter their differences, can take full advantage of its magnificence. From this mission was born The It Collection and our first product, the Perfect Pleasure cushion.
I am beyond thrilled that what I have been working on for four years with my wonderful team, is now in production and available for sale. I’ll have to save the full story for another blog post because there is simply too much to tell in one, but I’ll say this for now. I am consistently amazed at the need for this product and the many different stories I hear and people I meet that can relate. I’ve learned that people are much more willing to talk about these issues than I had originally anticipated. It also seems that the older the woman, the more willing they are to open up. I’ve had conversations with complete strangers everywhere from a Denny’s to the post office about sex, masturbation, and mobility issues.
This journey has taken me to many amazing places and taught me a lot along the way. Most recently I had the incredible opportunity to present the Perfect Pleasure cushion at the Injury To Intimacy: Embracing Sexuality after Spinal Cord Injury Conference at Mount Sinai in NYC. I learned about different ways those with spinal injuries have sex, and I was delighted at the response the cushion received as a new solution. After demoing the cushion we gave one away, and the smile on her face made me so happy. It was a great experience and further reaffirmed the fact that so many people can benefit from this.
While my mobility issue may pale in comparison to what many others face, I’ve learned that anything that limits your ability to lead a healthy sex life is profoundly affecting. All of these issues can have deeply personal ramifications, and Grace and Frankie graciously tackles the biggest mobility issue of all head on. Arthritis.
Affecting 40 million in the US and 350 million worldwide the numbers are astonishing. (See source article on National Arthritis Month for more statistics). We all know someone suffering from arthritis, but what is often not talked about is the effect this can have on their sexual well-being. Grace’s issues with arthritis are directly addressed in the show, and become the inspiration for their product the Ménage à Moi, a vibrator designed for older woman with mobility issues. Yes I can relate.
It was just this year that I’ve also come to find that interestingly enough May is Masturbation month (see our first blog post) and National Arthritis month. What a serendipitous month it is to address these issues together. Practicing self-love is one of the most natural and personal things a person can do. I believe that no woman or man should go through life thinking they are “broken” because they are ashamed to talk about it or unable find their own way to effectively reach orgasm on their own.
If it wasn’t for a girlfriend who told me about the wand I could have easily gone the rest of my life not knowing what I was missing out on! I’ve discovered the cushion opens up a whole new world of possibilities in the bedroom, allowing both individuals and couples reach levels of sexual satisfaction that are just simply not possible without such an aid.
In closing, I’d like to invite everyone to join us at The It Collection in finding your ultimate personal pleasure state with a cushion of your own. I recommend the wand to go with it of course, but here we say “pick your pleasure.” No matter your age, shape, size or ability, we are here to help by curating a range of products that improve personal satisfaction and partner intimacy. The Perfect Pleasure cushion is only our first universally designed product in our line of luxury intimacy aids. The journey ahead will be long and eventful as we work tirelessly to enhance sexuality one orgasm at a time. As Grace says, “I only have one speed: breakneck.” Again, I can relate.
– Deanna Theis, Founder of The It Collection
