Our first interview!!!
CHVLRY presents a sit down with Jennifer Leon. She currently works for Sexxy Toys & Lingerie in South Florida. The conversation has been lightly edited for formatting and length purposes.
John
Okay. This starts. I want the phone to be a little bit closer to you rather than me. I'll just put it here and hopefully that picks up pretty well. So just to start out, if you could tell us your name…
[AT THIS MOMENT, A CUSTOMER LEANED OVER AND ASKED FOR SOME HELP]
Jenn
Sorry about that. A lot of my job is to make customers as comfortable as they can be. They want to feel comfortable asking any confidential questions…to really feel like they can be themselves here.
John
And there’s probably people that come in that are really shy
Jenn
Yeah, very. Some customers are very much reserved, more than others, and some just really open about what they want and what they're looking for, really.
John
And before we go further, I want to circle back. My name is John. I’m from California, but I’ve been out here a couple years now. What’s your name? For the readers.
Jenn
Nice to meet you, John. My name is Jen.
John
Are you from Florida?
Jenn
I was actually born in California. Glendale. I lived here for a year, and then I moved to Kentucky for a couple before we moved again down to Florida.
John
Okay. So Florida, most of your life, got you. And what about as far as working here, how long have you worked here?
Jenn
I've worked here since August. This isn't my first sex related job, actually. I used to work at an Adult Video Warehouse up in North Lake for about a year. And then I quit working there. I got a few other jobs. And then I started here, and I've been loving it ever since to be honest.
John
Got you. Do you mind me asking what instigated you taking the first job in North Lake? What brought that on?
Jenn
Honestly, the salary because during COVID, a lot of retail positions were paying a lot more, like $12.50, $13.50. I was working in restaurants making less than that. So I was like, Well, let me give it a try. I have a background in CBD from one of my very first jobs. So I was like, you know what? I'll just apply to this other job and see if any of my past experience helps and learn more about it. So my first interview, they were very welcoming. I also didn't know much about these high tech toys or how to explain to customers what lubes are well fitting for them. They're very welcoming. They reminded me of an environment where it was okay to mess up because you can just learn from it and progress. That's all you can really do.
John
I got you. Very interesting. What do you find most unique and most mundane or regular about the job?
Jenn
Honestly, unique? Well, we still have to update our knowledge on the latest toys and lubrications on the market. But most regular?... The most important thing is customer service, when it comes to the more reserved couples or just the outgoing individuals, you still got to help them out the same way and make sure they get what they're looking for, but also be genuine but professional at the same time.
John
I understand. Yeah. You guys were great. When I came in and I bought a bunch of stuff, and there was one toy that didn't work. And I came back in and you guys replaced it right away. It was really nice and easy.
Jenn
Yes, definitely. We get defective products from manufacturers from time to time, unfortunately, it does happen. But we do everything we can to make sure everybody is satisfied and that the customer leaves very happy and wants to come back.
John
Yeah, that's nice. Hmm, some other questions, when you got your first job in North Lake, was there anything that really stuck out? Anything you told your friends or your family about?
Jenn
The first thing that stood out to me about the job is how pricey some things are. I was like, who's going to pay $160 for a vibrator? Honestly, but don't get me wrong, right? People will pay, I just didn’t know. And then just learning more about what these certain devices can do, the different types of lubrication and lotions like, meant for different people and different customers, just like helping people express themselves in a way or find themselves in a sort of way, right? That's what's most memorable to me.
John
Do you find yourself having friends or family coming by or just talking to you in general, asking you for advice?
Jenn
I've actually picked out a few lubrications for my friends based on different uses and everything, because certain lubrications are good for certain uses, while some others aren't exactly. So that's really, like, what I enjoy. I mean, don't get me wrong. We are not sex therapists in any way. A lot of people confuse us for that, but we're really not. We just sell this stuff here. We can’t give you professional advice when that's just something you have to go to a whole doctor for, really.
John
Oh, yeah. Absolutely. Would you ever see yourself moving into a role like that in the future? Would that interest you at all
Jenn
I'm actually going to school for my physical therapy assistant licensing at the moment. So I do like to learn about the human body. And what got me interested in just staying in this environment? I used to want to be an esthetician. I'm still in school right now too. So something that drew me onto it was the product chemistry. A lot of different skin types work with different ingredients. You also have to help out customers who have certain allergies or sensitivities. You really have to know your product chemistry, like what you're giving them, what you're selling to them and everything, right?
John
Yeah, I guess you have to be aware of that. Do you want to water, by the way?
Jenn
Sure. Thank you.
John
Yeah. No problem. That's kind of your long term vision in terms of your career. You're still in school and you're thinking about that. Do you plan on still working here until you finish school
Jenn
Oh, definitely.
John
Yeah. So it's been a positive experience?
Jenn
Yeah. You're learning a lot but there are some days where we are in uncomfortable situations, but that's just about as common as every job, really.
John
Yeah. Could you speak to any particularly uncomfortable experience?
Jenn
I would say most accounts are basically the same thing, just very late at night. Old, usually older, customers, like, saying certain outlandish things. I personally just laugh it off. The thing I like about the shop is that you can also sign up in case you feel uncomfortable in situations like that. You don't have to abide by what someone is saying just because they're here shopping around or spending money. You're not obligated to take stuff like that from people.
John
Do you guys ever feel really uncomfortable behind the desk? Is there any kind of protocol that they taught you when you feel like there’s danger?
Jenn
Yeah. Actually. So me and this whole shop, we're very close to each other. In case we run into anything, we just give each other a call. We also have police buttons behind the counter themselves, and they'll be here in less than two minutes. This store owner is very nice. We're under 24 hour surveillance, visual and audio as well. So that makes you really comfortable. We also get to buzz people in through this little necklace here.
John
So if you don't want to let anybody in, you don't have to. It's at your discretion?
Jenn
Yeah. Sort of, yeah, honestly.
John
Interesting. And one thing I noticed is the crystal necklace you have on. And your friend Grace had little mushroom necklaces on the other day.
Jenn
Yes. She's very spiritual, actually. She's one of the most honest people I know, and we're about the same age, so it's kind of like mind blowing. How somebody, like, the same age as me knows so much. We've bonded over time. All of us, really. It’s a small staff, but we're very close now.
John
Got you. And you're pretty young looking. How old are you if you don't mind me asking?
Jenn
I'm 19.
John
Would you say you feel empowered at certain times because of this role? Do you feel more confident talking about sex or more personal things with other people because of your work.
Jenn
Just talking to customers…I feel a lot more confident in learning about these things. However, when it comes to my personal life, I'm a lot more reserved when it comes to topics like that. If anything, that's just how I am. I like to keep the personal and the work separate.
John
That makes a lot of sense. Going back and focusing a little bit more on this shop and your experience here, what do you think is the most popular thing that you sell?
Jenn
It depends what the person is looking for. Usually, if it's like a couple, they end up getting something like massage oil, or if it's more like there's someone from the industry, like a dancer, I would say lingerie and some shoes as well.
John
I wanted to ask about the lingerie here with COVID. Is there a policy where they can't try on anything? They just have to buy it if they want it?
Jenn
That's just how it is anywhere when it comes to having fitting rooms. We're not exactly Victoria's Secret, like the general retail. I mean, you can't just try on things and then wear it and return it if you don't like it. We'll make exceptions once in a while. We'll take it out the box and show them to you like, hey, this is how it fits. This is how this goes here.
John
Okay. And do you know the owner of the store? Do you know if they have a presence elsewhere? Do they have several stores?
Jenn
He owns about 15 different stores.
John
Got you. So he's got his whole thing going on.
Jenn
Yeah. He has a bigger store up in New York. Interesting what I've heard about as well, too. It's pretty popular up there. He has several stores down here. Ten minutes from here. They're open 24/7. We even have movie booths there, which in that city is actually okay compared to anywhere else. It's kind of iffy to have movie booths.
John
Does your family talk to you about what you do? Are they interested or do they have questions?
Jenn
I came up with a very…strict Catholic background, actually. So they're accepting of it but they're not very open to talk about it in a normal conversation that we might have.
John
Random question that just popped into my mind. Do you guys ever get calls about larger orders, where they're just like, I need 100 of these.
Jenn
Not necessarily hundreds. But we do have customers who come in for bachelor parties, Christmas stuff…
Grace [JENN’S FRIEND AND COWORKER CHIMES IN]
I had a woman buy six of the same vibrator. Pretty expensive ones too.
John
Wow.
Grace
Yeah. She was given them out as, like, white elephant gifts for Christmas.
John
Right. I get you. Here are some more personal questions, and if you don’t want to answer any of them, that’s completely fine. Do you have a boyfriend?
Jenn
No. But I have a girlfriend.
John
You have a girlfriend. And how long have you guys had that relationship?
Jenn
At first, we were talking and we had started dating for a month or two. And then I decided not to. And then after a little while, I started to get settled in, finding this new job, going to school, and then me and her are just doing great again now, honestly.
John
So you got together, dating for a couple of months, and then you're like, oh, this is too much for me? I want to take a break.
Jenn
Yes.
John
Would you say you're in love right now?
Jenn
I've been in love before, which hasn't really gone well for me. So I'm just looking for a…healthier type of growth towards myself first. And then I can feel comfortable falling in love with somebody.
John
Would you say that the first love you're referring to was puppy love or something deeper?
Jenn
Yeah, definitely. It had its place, but it was where it kind of was not really the best for me, but I just ignored everything because I was feeling so in the moment, which wasn't really the best decision for me. So I'm more careful around the people who I hang around. Just giving thought into everything so far.
John
Yeah. It seems like you're a very intentional person. Especially the way you describe the current relationship you're in.
Jenn
Communication is key with anything.
John
Yeah. I think it took me a very long time to learn that in relationships. You're very young. I'm 31 now. You're 19. You're already at the point where you're putting communication at the forefront. I don't think it really got there for me until recently, but I totally agree with you. Do you think into the future that often when you think about relationships, or do you enjoy being in the present?
Jenn
I enjoy being in the present now because you don’t know about the future. You never know what could happen. So the best thing to do is just take it step by step and not have these grand expectations of something happening. Something could come along that's even better. Or a road bump could come along and just knock you away from that.
John
And how do you deal with differences in your thoughts about the relationship and where it's going with your partner?
Jenn
I think I embrace our differences. If anything, it lets me see into somebody else's perspective and that she feels the same way about me as well. So we just learn a little bit more of each other.
John
I like that. There were a couple of questions as I'm doing these interviews that I want to ask everybody. One of the questions is what do you feel most excited or passionate about in your life right now? Could be anything.
Jenn
At the moment, just getting through school altogether and being able to support my family one day. Do I think it's a couple of years out? Oh, for sure. It's definitely a long term goal, but I just want to stay focused on regardless of what comes along and tries to knock me down. I'll always get back up somehow.
John
Okay. Last question I have because I'm losing my voice. Is there any kind of story you could tell? Any kind of funny moment that's happened here in the store that you could share?
Jenn
I guess, since I don't really pay attention to people long enough to notice certain things, I tend to forget that some regular customers, we have often, come in with, let's say, their mistresses or just, like, their side pieces, and I tend to forget. But then I catch on just in time to not say anything because I forget that, you know, people actually come in here with one person one day and then someone else the next day. I'm just, like, in my own little world. And then I realized just in time to not say anything and get them caught up, which I'm very happy about. But I just find that comedic on some level, right?
John
Oh, of course. That's funny, because I hear that most often with bartenders. I didn't even think about that happening here, funny. Well, I think this has been great. Thank you so much for taking the time.
CHVLRY presents a sit down with Jennifer Leon. She currently works for Sexxy Toys & Lingerie in South Florida. The conversation has been lightly edited for formatting and length purposes.
John
Okay. This starts. I want the phone to be a little bit closer to you rather than me. I'll just put it here and hopefully that picks up pretty well. So just to start out, if you could tell us your name…
[AT THIS MOMENT, A CUSTOMER LEANED OVER AND ASKED FOR SOME HELP]
Jenn
Sorry about that. A lot of my job is to make customers as comfortable as they can be. They want to feel comfortable asking any confidential questions…to really feel like they can be themselves here.
John
And there’s probably people that come in that are really shy
Jenn
Yeah, very. Some customers are very much reserved, more than others, and some just really open about what they want and what they're looking for, really.
John
And before we go further, I want to circle back. My name is John. I’m from California, but I’ve been out here a couple years now. What’s your name? For the readers.
Jenn
Nice to meet you, John. My name is Jen.
John
Are you from Florida?
Jenn
I was actually born in California. Glendale. I lived here for a year, and then I moved to Kentucky for a couple before we moved again down to Florida.
John
Okay. So Florida, most of your life, got you. And what about as far as working here, how long have you worked here?
Jenn
I've worked here since August. This isn't my first sex related job, actually. I used to work at an Adult Video Warehouse up in North Lake for about a year. And then I quit working there. I got a few other jobs. And then I started here, and I've been loving it ever since to be honest.
John
Got you. Do you mind me asking what instigated you taking the first job in North Lake? What brought that on?
Jenn
Honestly, the salary because during COVID, a lot of retail positions were paying a lot more, like $12.50, $13.50. I was working in restaurants making less than that. So I was like, Well, let me give it a try. I have a background in CBD from one of my very first jobs. So I was like, you know what? I'll just apply to this other job and see if any of my past experience helps and learn more about it. So my first interview, they were very welcoming. I also didn't know much about these high tech toys or how to explain to customers what lubes are well fitting for them. They're very welcoming. They reminded me of an environment where it was okay to mess up because you can just learn from it and progress. That's all you can really do.
John
I got you. Very interesting. What do you find most unique and most mundane or regular about the job?
Jenn
Honestly, unique? Well, we still have to update our knowledge on the latest toys and lubrications on the market. But most regular?... The most important thing is customer service, when it comes to the more reserved couples or just the outgoing individuals, you still got to help them out the same way and make sure they get what they're looking for, but also be genuine but professional at the same time.
John
I understand. Yeah. You guys were great. When I came in and I bought a bunch of stuff, and there was one toy that didn't work. And I came back in and you guys replaced it right away. It was really nice and easy.
Jenn
Yes, definitely. We get defective products from manufacturers from time to time, unfortunately, it does happen. But we do everything we can to make sure everybody is satisfied and that the customer leaves very happy and wants to come back.
John
Yeah, that's nice. Hmm, some other questions, when you got your first job in North Lake, was there anything that really stuck out? Anything you told your friends or your family about?
Jenn
The first thing that stood out to me about the job is how pricey some things are. I was like, who's going to pay $160 for a vibrator? Honestly, but don't get me wrong, right? People will pay, I just didn’t know. And then just learning more about what these certain devices can do, the different types of lubrication and lotions like, meant for different people and different customers, just like helping people express themselves in a way or find themselves in a sort of way, right? That's what's most memorable to me.
John
Do you find yourself having friends or family coming by or just talking to you in general, asking you for advice?
Jenn
I've actually picked out a few lubrications for my friends based on different uses and everything, because certain lubrications are good for certain uses, while some others aren't exactly. So that's really, like, what I enjoy. I mean, don't get me wrong. We are not sex therapists in any way. A lot of people confuse us for that, but we're really not. We just sell this stuff here. We can’t give you professional advice when that's just something you have to go to a whole doctor for, really.
John
Oh, yeah. Absolutely. Would you ever see yourself moving into a role like that in the future? Would that interest you at all
Jenn
I'm actually going to school for my physical therapy assistant licensing at the moment. So I do like to learn about the human body. And what got me interested in just staying in this environment? I used to want to be an esthetician. I'm still in school right now too. So something that drew me onto it was the product chemistry. A lot of different skin types work with different ingredients. You also have to help out customers who have certain allergies or sensitivities. You really have to know your product chemistry, like what you're giving them, what you're selling to them and everything, right?
John
Yeah, I guess you have to be aware of that. Do you want to water, by the way?
Jenn
Sure. Thank you.
John
Yeah. No problem. That's kind of your long term vision in terms of your career. You're still in school and you're thinking about that. Do you plan on still working here until you finish school
Jenn
Oh, definitely.
John
Yeah. So it's been a positive experience?
Jenn
Yeah. You're learning a lot but there are some days where we are in uncomfortable situations, but that's just about as common as every job, really.
John
Yeah. Could you speak to any particularly uncomfortable experience?
Jenn
I would say most accounts are basically the same thing, just very late at night. Old, usually older, customers, like, saying certain outlandish things. I personally just laugh it off. The thing I like about the shop is that you can also sign up in case you feel uncomfortable in situations like that. You don't have to abide by what someone is saying just because they're here shopping around or spending money. You're not obligated to take stuff like that from people.
John
Do you guys ever feel really uncomfortable behind the desk? Is there any kind of protocol that they taught you when you feel like there’s danger?
Jenn
Yeah. Actually. So me and this whole shop, we're very close to each other. In case we run into anything, we just give each other a call. We also have police buttons behind the counter themselves, and they'll be here in less than two minutes. This store owner is very nice. We're under 24 hour surveillance, visual and audio as well. So that makes you really comfortable. We also get to buzz people in through this little necklace here.
John
So if you don't want to let anybody in, you don't have to. It's at your discretion?
Jenn
Yeah. Sort of, yeah, honestly.
John
Interesting. And one thing I noticed is the crystal necklace you have on. And your friend Grace had little mushroom necklaces on the other day.
Jenn
Yes. She's very spiritual, actually. She's one of the most honest people I know, and we're about the same age, so it's kind of like mind blowing. How somebody, like, the same age as me knows so much. We've bonded over time. All of us, really. It’s a small staff, but we're very close now.
John
Got you. And you're pretty young looking. How old are you if you don't mind me asking?
Jenn
I'm 19.
John
Would you say you feel empowered at certain times because of this role? Do you feel more confident talking about sex or more personal things with other people because of your work.
Jenn
Just talking to customers…I feel a lot more confident in learning about these things. However, when it comes to my personal life, I'm a lot more reserved when it comes to topics like that. If anything, that's just how I am. I like to keep the personal and the work separate.
John
That makes a lot of sense. Going back and focusing a little bit more on this shop and your experience here, what do you think is the most popular thing that you sell?
Jenn
It depends what the person is looking for. Usually, if it's like a couple, they end up getting something like massage oil, or if it's more like there's someone from the industry, like a dancer, I would say lingerie and some shoes as well.
John
I wanted to ask about the lingerie here with COVID. Is there a policy where they can't try on anything? They just have to buy it if they want it?
Jenn
That's just how it is anywhere when it comes to having fitting rooms. We're not exactly Victoria's Secret, like the general retail. I mean, you can't just try on things and then wear it and return it if you don't like it. We'll make exceptions once in a while. We'll take it out the box and show them to you like, hey, this is how it fits. This is how this goes here.
John
Okay. And do you know the owner of the store? Do you know if they have a presence elsewhere? Do they have several stores?
Jenn
He owns about 15 different stores.
John
Got you. So he's got his whole thing going on.
Jenn
Yeah. He has a bigger store up in New York. Interesting what I've heard about as well, too. It's pretty popular up there. He has several stores down here. Ten minutes from here. They're open 24/7. We even have movie booths there, which in that city is actually okay compared to anywhere else. It's kind of iffy to have movie booths.
John
Does your family talk to you about what you do? Are they interested or do they have questions?
Jenn
I came up with a very…strict Catholic background, actually. So they're accepting of it but they're not very open to talk about it in a normal conversation that we might have.
John
Random question that just popped into my mind. Do you guys ever get calls about larger orders, where they're just like, I need 100 of these.
Jenn
Not necessarily hundreds. But we do have customers who come in for bachelor parties, Christmas stuff…
Grace [JENN’S FRIEND AND COWORKER CHIMES IN]
I had a woman buy six of the same vibrator. Pretty expensive ones too.
John
Wow.
Grace
Yeah. She was given them out as, like, white elephant gifts for Christmas.
John
Right. I get you. Here are some more personal questions, and if you don’t want to answer any of them, that’s completely fine. Do you have a boyfriend?
Jenn
No. But I have a girlfriend.
John
You have a girlfriend. And how long have you guys had that relationship?
Jenn
At first, we were talking and we had started dating for a month or two. And then I decided not to. And then after a little while, I started to get settled in, finding this new job, going to school, and then me and her are just doing great again now, honestly.
John
So you got together, dating for a couple of months, and then you're like, oh, this is too much for me? I want to take a break.
Jenn
Yes.
John
Would you say you're in love right now?
Jenn
I've been in love before, which hasn't really gone well for me. So I'm just looking for a…healthier type of growth towards myself first. And then I can feel comfortable falling in love with somebody.
John
Would you say that the first love you're referring to was puppy love or something deeper?
Jenn
Yeah, definitely. It had its place, but it was where it kind of was not really the best for me, but I just ignored everything because I was feeling so in the moment, which wasn't really the best decision for me. So I'm more careful around the people who I hang around. Just giving thought into everything so far.
John
Yeah. It seems like you're a very intentional person. Especially the way you describe the current relationship you're in.
Jenn
Communication is key with anything.
John
Yeah. I think it took me a very long time to learn that in relationships. You're very young. I'm 31 now. You're 19. You're already at the point where you're putting communication at the forefront. I don't think it really got there for me until recently, but I totally agree with you. Do you think into the future that often when you think about relationships, or do you enjoy being in the present?
Jenn
I enjoy being in the present now because you don’t know about the future. You never know what could happen. So the best thing to do is just take it step by step and not have these grand expectations of something happening. Something could come along that's even better. Or a road bump could come along and just knock you away from that.
John
And how do you deal with differences in your thoughts about the relationship and where it's going with your partner?
Jenn
I think I embrace our differences. If anything, it lets me see into somebody else's perspective and that she feels the same way about me as well. So we just learn a little bit more of each other.
John
I like that. There were a couple of questions as I'm doing these interviews that I want to ask everybody. One of the questions is what do you feel most excited or passionate about in your life right now? Could be anything.
Jenn
At the moment, just getting through school altogether and being able to support my family one day. Do I think it's a couple of years out? Oh, for sure. It's definitely a long term goal, but I just want to stay focused on regardless of what comes along and tries to knock me down. I'll always get back up somehow.
John
Okay. Last question I have because I'm losing my voice. Is there any kind of story you could tell? Any kind of funny moment that's happened here in the store that you could share?
Jenn
I guess, since I don't really pay attention to people long enough to notice certain things, I tend to forget that some regular customers, we have often, come in with, let's say, their mistresses or just, like, their side pieces, and I tend to forget. But then I catch on just in time to not say anything because I forget that, you know, people actually come in here with one person one day and then someone else the next day. I'm just, like, in my own little world. And then I realized just in time to not say anything and get them caught up, which I'm very happy about. But I just find that comedic on some level, right?
John
Oh, of course. That's funny, because I hear that most often with bartenders. I didn't even think about that happening here, funny. Well, I think this has been great. Thank you so much for taking the time.
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