This article originally ran in the May 2016 issue of AVN magazine. Click here to see a copy of the digital edition.
One of the standouts at the ANME Founders Show in January was at the CalExotics booth. The Inspire collection, a group of sexual wellness products, was displayed alongside literature about a female-centric organization that would benefit from its sales. That foundation, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, has been working with CalExotics for more than a decade, but this was its biggest collaboration with the pleasure product giant.
Christina Meehan of Living Beyond Breast Cancer was there to talk about the Inspire collection, and also to pick up a check—a very large one in terms of both physical size and dollar amount. After accepting $18,689 from CalExotics founder Susan Colvin, Meehan stayed around to share her enthusism for the Inspire line.
“Living Beyond Breast Cancer is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Our goal is to provide trusted information and a community of support to those impacted by breast cancer,” Meehan said. “Sex and intimacy ... is one of our most popular workshops at our conferences. A lot of women have side effects from treatment, many of them sexually related. So these products are perfect for those concerns.”
Meehan, who has been with LBBC since May 2015, is a cancer survivor herself. “I just finished treatment not long ago and decided to do something more fulfilling and meaningful. Cancer threw me into menopause, so that is another crappy part about it. I need these products in my life. I’m very excited. ...
“I came through such a heavy, heavy thing. And this is light and airy,” she said, gesturing at the pretty-in-pink Inspire display. Meehan believes these items should give a big boost to a cancer survivor. “I think it’s going to help her confidence.”
Now that the products are in stock, it’s time for retailers to take notice. Susan Colvin and her CalExotics team were happy to oblige with more information about this collection devoted to sexual wellness.
What is, so to speak, the inspiration for the Inspire collection?
The Inspire collection is a complete line of female-centric products that are designed to help positively affect the overall well-being and health of women with a some of the proceeds benefiting Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC.org). Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a charity that provides programs and services to people whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. The organization is based in the United States but their services are available around the world.
When did the idea for the campaign first come up?
Over ten years ago, we wanted to create a line of products supporting a worthy cause. My team and I formed a partnership with Living Beyond Breast Cancer. At that time the first product was launched, the Papillon Massager, and it has been on the market ever since. In 2015 we wanted to further our relationship and charitable contributions with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, which is where the Inspire line started.
CalExotics and LBBC started the Inspire endeavor to expand the strides made with the Papillon massager. CalExotics made a substantial initial donation, of over $18,000, to LBBC to establish the items, and then will continue to donate based on sales of these items. Over our ten-year relationship, CalExotics and its partners have raised thousands of dollars to help fund this amazing cause.
Is the line targeted at specific consumer groups?
Inspire targets women who are about positively contributing to this wonderful charity in their purchase of these high-quality health and wellness products. These are products that inspire people to live deeply rich, enjoyable lives.
How many toys and what kind of products does the collection include?
The Inspire collection has nine styles—two Kegel exercisers, two wands, two arousers, a dilator kit, a panty teaser and breast massager. All Inspire products are waterproof and made of premium silicone that is body safe, unscented and phthalate-free. The powered items in Inspire feature ten functions of vibration and are USB rechargeable.
Let me tell you a little about each product individually. The Silicone Dilator Kit is designed to help women maintain vaginal health and improve physical comfort during intercourse. The kit offers five graduated sizes that are ergonomically curved and easy to use. The Kegel Training Kit is designed to assist in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles with three different sizes and weights. It’s recommended to start with the lightest weight and work your way up to the heaviest. The Vibrating Remote Kegel Exerciser is designed to help promote a positive Kegel routine with both exercise and pleasure in mind. It can be used with or without the remote. The Vibrating Remote Intimate Teaser is a versatile massager that is design to fit comfortably in a panty. The remote is discreet, shaped like a compact with a built-in mirror. This makes its perfect for pleasure anywhere. The Vibrating Remote Breast Massager is designed to gently stimulate breasts. This is the ultimate device for those that love intense nipple stimulator or endeavor to relieve soreness. Its design allows it to fit comfortably in most bras. It also comes with a compact-shaped remote.
The Vibrating G-Wand is a multi-directional massager that flexes and bends with you. Its functionality and sleek design help women to have ultimate control during use. The Vibrating Ultimate Wand is a full body massager designed to be used on any body part. It’s discreet enough to be left on someone’s night stand without worry. The Flickering Intimate Arouser helps stimulate any erogenous zone with its intense flickering tip. The Pulsing Intimate Arouser enhances arousal and intimate sensitivity with its soft nodules.
Which POS and marketing materials are on offer alongside the Inspire collection?
Inspire offers two point-of-sale displays along with signage and marketing collateral with purchase of a minimum quantity of products. The two point-of-sale displays are for the Vibrating Remote Breast Massager and Vibrating Remote Intimate Teaser. Both are perfect for the retail environment, giving consumers the opportunity to touch and feel these products. The displays are limited; contact your distributor for more information.”
How long will you pursue the campaign?
We have been in a partnership with Living Beyond Breast Cancer for over 10 years. CalExotics has a long history of supporting charitable causes impacting the lives of women. Since its inception, CalExotics has donated $1 million, not including the hours that our employees contribute.
