By Sharon Gordon
Johannesburg - The Sex Expo 2022 is finally over, and we now try to get back to normal. It was the first one since 2019, post Covid. I am exhausted and have the worst head cold I’ve had in years. In many respects it was same old, same old and then again so much has changed.
My feet and ankles expanded like balloons; you can check that out on our Instagram page @lolamontezboutique. It’s not attractive but it will give you an indication of the pounding your body takes as an exhibitor.
The game has been taken to the next level.
Where the Lola Montez stand was always the most beautiful (in my opinion), we were still gorgeous but not the best. There were some magnificent stands. The big boys made an effort to take the sleaze out of the market and I suspect squeeze the smaller players out.
There wasn’t a porn DVD to be seen – nor a porn star which was quite sad. They always added an edge, my partner still holds his Jessica Drake signed picture close to his … heart.
One stand selling Joy lubricant, had an ice cream machine. Genius! You could get a small bowl of ice-cream with a flavored lubricant topping. I think I tasted them all before they cut me off. The marketing worked because we will absolutely stock it from now on.
I’m sad that the demographic still hasn’t changed. In the early days it was groups of white men and women who attended. Then it progressed to white couples with a smattering of colour and that’s where it’s stayed. There were a few black couples who were curious about toys but in the end bought a massage candle or massage oil.
It really is time that hearts and minds change about why we play with toys as adults. If you have any ideas on how to convince the market of the benefits of our business let me know because that is where the future is.
The toys are getting more and more sophisticated and I’m not sure its such a good thing. Mainly because I’m an old dog and I now need to learn how to drive all these magnificent vibrators.
There is one, available in the Lola Montez store that heats up! Another that expands, like my feet, to make sure you have maximum pleasure.
For entertainment when it was quiet, I’d blow it up and then press a button and watch it shrink.
Bondage was BIG this year and I got it so wrong. I thought the 50 Shades era had passed – but no. I’ll be writing a bit more on the topic in the coming weeks.
The stand opposite me had AI dolls that you could share an experience with. They were absolutely amazing and actually felt real. Everyone on my stand had a feel and were amazed by the lifelike nature. It’s a thing. I think they sold about 5 or 6, which at the price left them smiling.
Tantra chairs are back, just make sure that the one you invest in is at the correct angle and length. There were many wanna be’s around. I’m going to add them to my brand-new website!
As you know my service providers crashed in July and we had to rebuild from scratch. We’ve got a mini site up and I LOVE it. We’re still adding product and content but it’s up and I’m so grateful. Check it out on www.lolamontez.co.za
The entertainment was sub-par. Maybe because we’ve seen it all before and maybe because I’ve seen Dita Von Teaze, the most gorgeous burlesque dancer perform at an equivalent show in London.
Speaking of overseas, the big shows have just all just happened. The new products will be available in the next month or two. I’m excited to see what’s coming and will obviously keep you up to date.
Lastly, my phone was stolen. It happened right at the end of the second day. I was a bit flustered because I couldn’t find a cable, I needed to charge the credit card machines.
This would never have happened in the past and I now have to admit that brain fog and menopause is real thing. So more on that in the future.
It has taken me almost a week getting a new phone and then retrieving the data, photos and Apps that run my everyday life. Besides the phone being stolen, time, money and effort has been spent.
They managed to crack it – iPhone and all and sent everyone on my contact list a message with a link, hoping to get into my Apple ID. Luckily the email linked to all that stuff was not on the phone so all the OTPs were sent to an address they couldn’t access and believe me they tried!
And on that happy note, I’ll leave you with a taster for next week, expect something bondage related!