Lovability | Condoms aren't Naughty

"Condoms aren't Naughty" was the name of the Change.org petition that then 23-year-old Tiffany Gaines launched in an effort to remove condoms from Chase Bank's "prohibited adult" category. Chase Bank notified Gaines that they would no longer be able to process online payments from her company Lovability Inc. due to the fact that Lovability presented what the Bank considered a "reputational risk." Tiffany Gaines fought back and won. 

Lovability is redefining the market for sexual health products by targeting an exclusively female audience. Gaines, whose academic background includes graduate work at the Design for Social Innovation program at New York's School of Visual Arts set out to change the model for how women buy and use condoms. Gaines saw an opportunity for condoms to evolve out of the furtive "underneath the bodega counter" exchange and instead be a product women felt comfortable and even proud to purchase and have fall out of their purse. As an enthusiastic user, I can personally attest to her mission's success.

Lovability condoms are unique on several metrics -- the first being that they're housed in tear-proof plastic containers that don't run the usual risk of puncture or rip when rattling around in the bottom of your purses or gym bag. The second cool-factor is that there isn't any guess work involved in which is the "right side up," Lovability condoms have an exaggerated tip that stand up more than average condoms when opened, so there's no risk of "inside-out" application. They're also vegan, all natural, and lubricated with long lasting silicone so they feel good -- because sexual responsibility can also be pleasure-filled my friends.

I "met" Tiffany digitally this winter when I placed my first Lovability order for myself and the sex-positive women in my life I thought would benefit from fabulous condoms as a Christmas gift. There was a small snafu in my order and when I emailed the Company's customer service address -- it was Tiffany herself who wrote back almost immediately with some of the most epic client care I've ever received. She reads all her emails, and she is on deck to personally oversee her brand's distribution. She is a lady-boss I'm crazy-glad to have connected with and support. 

Today, January 20, as we reflect on women's reproductive rights and healthcare I urge you to visit the Lovability site and consider supporting a product that has a direct one-for-one donation to Planned Parenthood.

Let's make some feminist noise ladies.

five questions we ask every female phenom

1.  Current book on the bedside nightstand:

"Pussy, A Reclamation" by Regina Thomaschauer. Shocking I know! ;) 

2. What female public figure (living or dead) would you like to have as a personal friend?

Michelle Obama - how much fun would that be? She's hilarious, loves to dance, and is wise beyond her years.

3. The thing that keeps me up at night is:

How can I best inspire women to carry and initiate condom use with confidence? How can I best use my privilege and capabilities to make other people's lives better/ easier? 

4. If I wore a daily uniform I would want it to include/look like:

Firstly, a bold lip color always makes me feel like a girlboss. Then add a fitted blazer, a blouse with a feminine flair, and some form-fitting bootcut pants with cute/comfy wedges. On casual days I'd want my outfits to revolve around my brand new shiny gold sneakers that light up with each step!

5. Favorite lowbrow pleasure:

I follow a number of dogs on Instagram. And yes I would probably freak out and be starstruck if I actually ran into one of them in real life. :)