Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Gaines.
Tiffany, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2014 I was in graduate school in New York City studying “Design For Social Innovation.” I was passionate about the idea of using design to improve people’s health.
The idea for Lovability Inc. came to me after a very uncomfortable experience I had purchasing tampons. The clerk had to use an 8-foot orange picking claw to retrieve the tampons from a looming shelf practically impossible to get to behind the register. When reflecting on this incident with my girlfriends, we realized that the experience of purchasing many necessary health products made it less desirable for us to purchase them.
Specifically, condoms were a health item that we resisted purchasing due to the uncomfortable product placement, hyper-masculine and sexualized packaging, and years of macho marketing. I set out to completely redesign the experience that women could have purchasing, carrying, and providing condoms. My hope was that I could improve women’s relationship with this product so that we would redefine it as a power-tool and symbol of self-respect and self-love. My ultimate goal was that more women would be prepared with their own condoms and take charge of their health and future.
Has it been a smooth road?
There have been so many challenges working in this male-dominated and taboo industry. Early on, Chase bank refused to be Lovability Inc.’s payment processor because they considered my company in the “prohibited adult category.” We petitioned to have this changed and after getting thousands of signature Chase decided to re-evaluate their categorization of putting condoms in this category. It was a big win!
Also, growing a company from scratch without any investors has been a challenge. I’m a big believer in growing organically and using the funds from my sales to grow. This is unusual in a world of “Shark Tank” where investors own big portions of small companies and control the company like a marionette.
I am passionate about bootstrapping this company because it allows me to evolve genuinely and respond to my customers. This company is agile and fluid. I am grateful that I have been able to do this. Though it limits the pace of our growth, I sincerely believe that our customers and partners feel the personal connection and commitment that we have with them.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
At Lovability Inc. we create products for healthier and happier sex – believe that sexual confidence is a pathway to power.
Though Lovability Inc. started as a condom company, we believe that “safe sex” starts way before you grab a condom, but rather it begins with knowing your value and potential. All of our products are created to prioritize your holistic sexual health – not just physical – but emotional and mental too.
Our signature product – Lovability Condoms: vegan, natural, vagina-friendly condoms wrapped in innovative easy-open wrappers. They’re also adorable. According to Cosmopolitan magazine, they’re “Condoms you can show off.”
-Hallelubeyah: 100% organic, the aloe-based personal lubricant that comes in a lip-gloss tube. We want women to feel empowered to take control of their wetness and bust the myth that wetness is always linked to arousal.
-F*ckboy Repellent: a glitter body sprays to remind you to never feel obligated to entertain advance from people who don’t respect you.
-Moregasm Mist: A relaxing + aphrodisiac essential oil sheet spray to help remind you to prioritize your pleasure and relax enough to experience orgasm.
-Bae Spray: A body-spray that enhances natural pheromones and increases magnetism – attracting people who compliment your natural body chemistry.
And much more to come!
We believe that gender equality in society is only possible if we practice gender equality in the bedroom. We strive to set an example for future generations to go after what they want and stand up for what they deserve.
Currently, our products are sold in many boutiques internationally. However, they are primarily sold on www.LovabilityIn.com and soon UrbanOutfitters.com!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I started this company in New York City. However, two years ago I moved back home to San Diego to be with my family. San Diego has been an incredible place to grow this business. Despite what a lot of people think, New York wasn’t an ideal place to grow (my) startup. Though the networking scene was robust, I felt like there was more of a focus on “talking about” your business than actually working on it! There was also an overwhelming social competitiveness that exhausted me.
In San Diego, the culture refreshes me! I feel clearheaded every day after driving through beautiful La Jolla into the office. I love that there are opportunities to network and connect with others without feeling bombarded by events and places “I have to be” every night of the week.
San Diegans also prioritize work-life balance which is great for a workaholic like me!
Pricing:
- Hallelubeyah – $12.00
- 12 Lovability Condoms – $15.00
- F*ckboy Repellent – $10.00
- Pussy Power Pack – $20.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.LovabilityInc.com
- Phone: 858-243-4404
- Email: Tiffany@LovablityInc.com
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