Why I Started Dame Products: Building Pleasure, Community, and a Culture to Be Proud Of

When I co-founded Dame Products, it wasn’t just about creating vibrators for women—it was about closing the pleasure gap and addressing a conversation that felt missing in the world. But beyond that, starting Dame was also about creating something much bigger: a space where I could shape the kind of community, workplace, and culture I’d always dreamed of.

Bridging the Pleasure Gap

The pleasure gap—the disparity between the sexual satisfaction of people across genders—isn’t just a statistic; it’s a symptom of deeper inequalities. Historically, women’s pleasure has been undervalued, stigmatized, and overlooked. Dame Products was born to challenge that status quo, creating tools that empower people to explore and prioritize their pleasure. We wanted to make vibrators for women that were approachable, effective, and designed with intention.

But my passion didn’t stop at closing this gap. It extended into how I could lead—how I could foster a company that truly embodies care, inclusivity, and innovation, not just in the products we create but in how we operate every day.

Creating a World I’m Proud Of

Entrepreneurship, to me, is about creating your own world. It’s a chance to take your ideals—your values—and build something tangible. I wanted Dame Products to reflect what I believe: that workplaces can be compassionate, collaborative, and inspiring.

As a womanish person (yes, I love that word), leading with the goal of being good—not just profitable—felt deeply meaningful. I’m so proud of the policies we’ve developed at Dame, from parental leave to flexible work environments, to how we approach diversity, equity, and inclusion. These aren’t just buzzwords for us; they’re foundational principles that guide every decision we make. 

For example, we take “Day-Ons” quarterly, where our employees spend a full workday dedicated to finding joy and pleasure in their work. Unlike a "day off" where employees disconnect from work, a "Day On" encourages employees to engage with activities that excite and fulfill them professionally while staying true to Dame’s mission. Maybe someone enrolls in a design thinking class, or watches a documentary related to sexual health, or attends an exhibition that aligns with the brand’s mission.

Starting a business gave me the opportunity to be intentional about creating a culture I could be proud of. It’s not just about selling vibrators for women; it’s about showing what’s possible when you lead with care and a sense of purpose.

Why Business Creation Is Noble AF

Let’s be real: capitalism often gets a bad rap—and with good reason. But there’s something undeniably powerful about building a business that aligns with your values and actively contributes to positive change. Business creation can be noble.

For me, it’s about rewriting the narrative. Instead of businesses driven solely by profit, what if they were driven by impact, community, and connection? Dame is proof that you can create products—like vibrators for women—that serve a meaningful purpose while also building a company culture rooted in respect and humanity.

Vibrators for Women and a Better World

I’m not here to say Dame Products is singlehandedly changing the world. But I do believe that leading with intention, creating tools for pleasure, and cultivating a company culture I’m proud of are meaningful contributions. Sexual wellness is wellness. Prioritizing pleasure is revolutionary. And creating a space for open, shame-free conversations about these topics is making the world a little better—one vibrator at a time.

To all the dreamers, doers, and future founders reading this: let’s not be afraid to build. Business creation is a powerful way to make your mark, challenge norms, and contribute to something bigger than yourself. Whether it’s closing the pleasure gap, redefining workplace culture, or simply leading with goodness, the world needs what you have to offer.