If Necessity Is the Mother of All Invention, then Shawna Scott, Owner of Sex Siopa is the mother of all things saucy in the bedroom….
Shauna moved to Ireland from Seattle and noticed a gap in the market. Sex shops were nowhere to be found in Dublin. At least not the kind Shawna liked. A shop where you could go in and feel comfortable and welcome. Not guarded by some dirty old fella in a raincoat.
So she created her own. An online shopping experience with something for everyone and every body.
Let’s face it- sex should be a pleasurable human experience. And we could all do with a little more education- for ourselves and our partners! So who better to have at the Viva La Vulva Tour than a woman who knows what she wants, and who can teach you how to get it too.
Welcome Shawna to our Viva La Vulva questionnaire!
Why did you choose your career ?
I chose to start Sex Siopa, because I didn't feel seen as a sex toy customer in Ireland - a queer woman who cared about the quality and design of the toys she was buying. The vast majority of shops were (and still are) run by men. It can be an intimidating experience, especially if you have questions. I never felt listened to as a client, so I decided to create an online space that was inclusive of all bodies, genders, and sexuality, and that felt like a safe and comfortable place to ask questions.
What is the most fulfilling part of what you do?
The most fulfilling part of my job is getting feedback from customers that the help and recommendations I had given them and the way I explain things in a very open and frank way, inspired them to take charge of and advocate for their own sexual pleasure. A couple months ago, one of my longtime Instagram followers got engaged. He sent me a lovely message saying that I was a big part why he and his missus were getting married, because in my own small way, I helped them to better communicate and explore their desires. I had better get an invite to the wedding!
What is your favourite thing about VLV?
My favourite part of VLV is definitely the chats I have with people and hearing their stories. I've been in awe of the women who bring their daughters, mothers, grandmothers, aunties - multiple generations of incredible women who are so thrilled to finally have the opportunity to talk about their health, and bodies, and pleasure in a way that's been incredibly rare in this country for so long.
What do you think women should know about VLV?
VLV has the most incredible warmth and energy about it. I can never describe it properly. It's not just a gals' night out. It feels therapeutic, almost cathartic. We've had so many beautiful moments of laughter and tears and community. It's really a special night.
Was there anything you learned at VLV that you didn’t already know?
I could listen to Aoife Harvey and Jennifer Rock talk for hours. Those women are truly fountains of knowledge. Jenn really set me straight with my skin care routine, and even though because of my job, I think I know a good bit about kegels, Aoife is brilliant at connecting all the dots between urinary health, vaginal health, and bowel health. Absolute legends!
So there you have it ladies! What are you waiting for?
Or maybe THIS is what you’ve been waiting for- a fabulous night to explore, discover and delight!
Hope to see you take your best step forward for a better, badass you at Viva La Vulva Dublin
Laura x
