Published: May 14, 2007 11:59 pm         

The business of pleasure

EDMOND — Editor’s Note: This is the first in a two-part story about businesses based on a home party system. Today’s featured business is Pure Romance, which offers adult products.



Making money at home literally can be a party these days, with everything from traditional Tupperware containers to spicy adult toys available through home party plans.

For those with an entrepreneur’s spirit and a healthy dose of self-discipline, party-based businesses can provide a hefty income with a flexible schedule. The business owner can enjoy a free-form work week, camaraderie with guests — and the ability to earn an income limited only by his or her own level of motivation.

According to the Direct Selling Association, home parties grew from $26.69 billion in 2001 to a $29.73 billion industry in 2004.

Mandy Watson of Moore is one woman who opted to make money through home parties, but chose a rather non-traditional route: She sells adult toys to women, and she says she loves her job. She’s a top consultant in the area, representing a Cincinnati-based company called Pure Romance.

“I’d never heard of any party plans until I heard about Pure Romance on the radio,” said the 29-year-old former child care provider.

Watson said she makes a better living with Pure Romance — and has a lot more fun.

Sherry Davis of Edmond chose a Pure Romance party at a friend’s home in lieu of a bridal shower before her upcoming wedding. Davis, who is “40-something,” said she and her fiance already had all their necessary household supplies, so they didn’t need toasters or towels.

“And this is fun and adventurous,” she said before her party began recently. “It’s a fun way to relax before the big day.”

A group of about a dozen co-workers watched as Watson passed around samples of lotions, massage oils and, of course, adult toys. The catalog also offers lingerie, games and books. The evening included silly song lyrics and a lot of giggling, but the tone was tasteful.

Pure Romance allows only women to attend the parties.

“It’s more comfortable that way,” Watson said. “Women sometimes feel uncomfortable going into the local toy store.”

All Pure Romance consultants are female, and orders are placed in a separate room to protect the buyer’s privacy.

Watson, who has been with the company for three years, is married and the mother of three.

Pure Romance was founded in 1993 and is the nation’s fastest-growing home party business of its type.

Intimate products are only one part of a burgeoning party business industry in the country. According to the Direct Selling Association, 2005 party sales broke $30 billion, with the association’s roughly 300 members accounting for about 95 percent of that figure. It’s estimated there are about 1,500 home-party businesses in the United States.

Watson is glad she’s a part of that scene, and she’s happy she chose the Pure Romance party business.

“I love it 100 percent,” she said of her job. “It’s fantastic, and the products are just phenomenal.”



To know more

E-mail amandawatson@pureromance.com or visit www.pureromance.com.

     

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