Beyond Pleasure: San Diego Sex Toys Expert

Whether you’re single and active, entering a new courtship or standing strong in your twentieth year of marriage, all romantic relationships go through waves of pleasure and passion.

Adult toys of various shapes and sizes help us discover innovative ways to please our partners and ourselves. Although the benefits of sex toys are endless, many of us are still timid to explore or embarrassed to admit what we’ve learned. From local novelty stores to online websites, there are now many ways to browse and buy adult toys. We know you’ve been to Dr. Loves at least a few times. But what you may not know is that one of the newest online sex toy providers is located right here in San Diego.

Beyondpleasure.com is a new sex toy website founded by local entrepreneur Adam Watkins. This San Diegan saw an opportunity to get involved in a thriving multi-billion dollar industry while pursuing his passion for helping others add spice to the bedroom. From the top selling products of the year to the best new brands, and recommendations for single ladies and curious boyfriends, get the Insider scoop on the adult toy industry from a local professional.

DiscoverSD: What is your business background, and how did you get involved in this industry?
Adam: I graduated from California State University San Marcos with a degree in Business Administration. My first job out of college was selling Cardiovascular Medical Equipment. I helped and witnessed this company grow significantly with much success attributed to its online presence.

I have always been an entrepreneur at heart and was unsure of what to do. I knew I wanted to harness the Internet and use it to collect leads and or sell products. Selling sex toys was one idea that kept coming up and the one to come full circle. Networking with friends and asscociates put me in contact with a few key people who were really able to help out. What started off as somewhat of a joke has turned into an exciting job.

DSD: What was the best selling product in 2009? So far in 2010?
A: For last year I would have to pick a category as opposed to a specific product. Surprisingly, anal toys were consistently our top sellers. I could go into more details but let’s just say there are different strokes for different folks. I think these items are big sellers because people feel more comfortable purchasing these products online. In 2010 our best sellers have been the Lelo Elise and Lelo Nea pleasure objects. These Swedish designed vibrators look more like modern art than sex toys, but looks can be deceiving because these are also our top rated products. (pictured)

DSD: What are some perks to buying adult toys online, rather than physically in the store?
A: First and foremost, privacy! Not to mention, our customers get a better price because we don’t have the overhead related to a regular retail business. The biggest benefit of buying products online is that our customers get to choose any products they want without reservation. Of course all correspondence and shipping is discrete and anonymous.

DSD: For a San Diego woman looking to buy her first toy, what do you recommend?
A: I think the reviews for the Lelo Elise speak for themselves. This product has been very well received because it is full featured yet intuitive and very easy to use. The Elise has a convenient rechargeable battery that lasts 4 hours from a quick 2 hour charge, so no dead battery disappointments. The most popular category on the site has to be vibrating sex toys, so take a look in there as well and you’ll find and array of product colors, shapes and sizes.

Q: For a San Diego guy looking to buy his girlfriend their first toy together, what do you recommend?
A: I feel like there is a stereotype that guys are happy just as long as they “get off”. I think the truth of the matter is that most guys would love to see their girlfriend have the best orgasm of her life! My recommendation is the iRabbit because its multifunction actions allow couples to experiment together (together being a key word here) and find the setting that works best for them. For best results I always recommend using a premium silicone lubricant. But don’t just take my word for it, try it for yourself.

Q: For a San Diego guy looking to buy his wife a new toy to spice up the relationship, what do you recommend?
A: This is a tough one. I think Oprah devoted an entire show to this question. I think the key is breaking out of your routine and experimenting with something new. A good category to check out for this is beginner bondage. Items in this category range from Furry Love Cuffs to the more risqué Fetish Fantasy Deluxe Bondage Kits. A fetish fantasy foreplay kit is a great way to try something different with your spouse and possibly learn something new and get the excitement back.

DSD: What are 3 common misconceptions about the adult toy industry?
A: Oh, that's easy. 1) Trashy. 2) Un-Classy. 3) It's something that nobody participates in. 

Society has the tendency to associate the adult film/porn industry with the adult toy industry. These are in fact two different categories. Because of the way the adult film/porn industry is exploited, I understand where it gets its 'bad rap'. Adult toys though, have the ability to spice up relationships on a very personal and intimate level. There is nothing 'trashy' or 'un-classy' about pleasuring your partner or seeing your partner pleasured. 

What gets me about this industry though, is that even though it’s a multi-billion dollar segment of our economy, which proves that people are interested, it still gets frowned upon by so many, some would even say the majority. A good example is my friends that don’t become a fan of beyondpleasure.com on their Facebook pages because of how others may perceive it. 

DSD: Being based in San Diego, are you involved with local events?
A: Yes! Last year we donated products and gift certificates to different charity events. The most notable being a Breast Cancer Raffle that took place in Encinitas. Our plan for 2010 is to stay involved in our community and offer support when we can. Also new for 2010 will be home based parties (Passion Parties) which my partner and girlfriend Andrea Lopez will be heading up. If you are interested in hosting or attending please email Andrea at andrea@beyondpleasure.com for more details.

DSD: When you’re not working, where can we find you in San Diego?

A: Well, at the moment, my new home purchase has been consuming all my extra time. But when I do have the time you can find me surfing Tamarack or riding my BMX bike all over San Diego County. I enjoy spending my weekends doing just about anything active. When the Padres are playing, I like to hit RA Sushi downtown before the game. One of my favorite places to have a few beers is Stone Brewery in Escondido. Oh and how could I forget my big time favorite Cocina Del Charro.

Discover more of the best sex toys and make your private purchases online at beyondpleasure.com.