Raven V. Faber founded EngErotics in 2016 in response to a clear lack of design standards and safety regulations in the sexual wellness industry. She has over a decade of engineering and sales experience and she is very passionate about using the fundamentals of engineering, math, and science as the basis for the design and development of high-quality sex toys as well as CBD infused intimate body care products. She is extremely passionate about normalizing the conversation surrounding sex and sex education and believes very deeply in the need for engineers and scientists to have a direct influence on how the world looks at intimate product design, formulation, quality, and safety. www.engerotics.com

Can you tell our readers about your background?

Absolutely! I graduated from CU Boulder and earned two engineering degrees while I was there: A BS in Architectural Engineering and an MS in Civil Engineering. My area of expertise is structural engineering and I’ve worked on everything from houses to wind turbines. I’ve always loved math and science; I like building stuff and figuring out how things work. I was always placed in the accelerated math programs and such. Engineering seemed like the most logical and natural fit as I was making my way through high school and so that’s what I studied. The time I spent as an engineer working in the corporate world was very valuable and taught me many lessons.

I also spent nearly a decade as a direct sales consultant. So, yes, I did sex toys parties at one point in time. I initially got into it because I wanted a side-hustle during grad school and I eventually discovered that I was really good at sales. Sure, I was always encouraged to recruit and build a downline but the truth is that I was never very good at recruiting and I never cared for it either. I decided to focus on what I was great at instead: moving products, talking about sex, and helping people feel comfortable while buying sex toys. So, because I was great at selling vibrators and such, I decided to continue my side-hustle through grad school and on the weekends even after I started my engineering career. My experience as a sex toy saleslady taught me an incredible amount about sex toys, the sexual wellness industry, and the gaps in the market. I seemed to have a knack for sales, so I stuck with it for a bit.

What inspired you to start your business?

I founded EngErotics in response to a clear lack of design standards and safety regulations in the sex toy industry. I also founded it because I had encountered so many bullets, vibrators, and such that seemed to be slapped together with shoddy internal components and cheap and/or toxic materials. Of course, I had no way of knowing that we would eventually start exploring CBD and its uses for intimacy but when we finally did, I found that the same disregard for safety and quality regulation was also present in that industry as well. Engineers, no matter the discipline, follow a design process or standard that ensures that the job is done correctly and safely. There are volumes of design standards that engineers refer to in order to help ensure that people are not electrocuted and that buildings don’t collapse after construction. The same idea should be applied to safety in the sexual wellness and cannabis industries as well.

Where is your business based?

Denver, Colorado.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

Short answer: I came up with a name that I felt effectively communicated the mission of the company (EngErotics is short for “Engineered Erotics”), a logo that I was excited about (there’s an integral sign right in the middle of it!), and a rough business plan. Then I decided I was going to make it official and take the leap! The very first things I did were register my business and trade name with the Secretary of State, apply for a Tax ID number, and open a business account. I also made sure to apply for a federal trademark to protect my company logo but that came a bit later and was a lengthy process.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

To be honest, telling everyone about what I do has been the most effective way of raising awareness. I jump on as many opportunities as I can to talk about what the team and I do. Whenever someone asks about what I do for a living, I tell them about EngErotics and our mission without hesitation. It doesn’t matter if I’m at the grocery store, a professional networking event, or in an online forum. If people don’t know, the company won’t grow!

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

EngErotics is one of two companies that I own and run. I also have two small children, so I have a lot on my plate and many things to juggle at one time. Being a mom and an entrepreneur is no joke! There’s no “overcoming” these things though because they’re just another facet of my life. However, I am very proactive in managing all the things I juggle so that I don’t burn out. I also make a serious effort to take time out for my own self-care.

How do you stay focused?

It’s not easy with two kids but I manage. I try to plan my week ahead of time and schedule my tasks and conference calls during the kids’ nap time/quiet time so that I’ll have an hour or two to hear myself think. Sometimes, I’ll ask my husband to step in during the week if I’m in a bind. I also block time out on the weekend to focus on getting things done when necessary.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

We’re a woman and minority-owned engineering company first and foremost; it’s very important that people know that about us. We’re not simply a “sex toy company that offers CBD” nor are we a “CBD company that offers sex toys”. We’re a company that puts our science at the forefront of everything we do for the purpose of offering effective and body-safe products; a CannaSexTech company. Many people don’t realize that vibrators go hand-in-hand with cannabis and never would have thought of CBD as a means to enhance the overall sexual experience. There have been a great number of people who have told me that they’ve never seen a company quite like ours before and that makes me happy.

We wholeheartedly believe that representation is extremely important. Women and especially women of color are underrepresented in both the tech and cannabis industries, so we’re very unapologetic about advocating for inclusion and diversity. Breaking away from the status quo as it applies to both the sex toy and cannabis industries is always high on our priority list as is leading with sex-positivity and body-positivity. We always want our clients to feel cared for and safe when engaging with us. We want people to know that sex toys and CBD isn’t just for certain types of people. They aren’t limited to the tired stereotypes that many people associate these things with. They are for everyone!

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Being actively and consistently engaged with social media has been very key for us. This is especially true for Instagram. Lots of people have found us on Instagram by searching hashtags that we happen to use. We also market through our private Facebook group by offering exclusive promotions, sales, sneak peeks, etc. to our members.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t or that you can’t. Don’t ever let anyone prevent you from speaking your truth. When someone goes out of their way to tear you down, it’s a direct reflection of how they feel about themselves and has nothing to do with you.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

I really enjoy the Duolingo app (working on my Spanish). Having small children doesn’t give me a ton of time to read but I do check out Oh Joy, Sex Toy whenever I have a moment (the comics are fantastic). There are so many great books that I love! I’m not sure I can really pick a favorite, but my favorite author is Stephen King.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Other lady founders. Honestly, connecting with and getting to know other women who are on their own entrepreneurial journeys has been extremely valuable. It’s so helpful to be able to reach out to another person with a question or even just to vent about a struggle and have that person be able to relate to you both as a fellow founder and as a woman. I can’t even begin to tell you just how much support and solid advice I’ve gotten from other women who’ve been where I am and that get it.

Who is your business role model? Why?

There are so many people that I admire and look up to but, lately, I find myself in complete awe of Bea Dixon. She and her company suffered a lot of unnecessary, ridiculous backlash after Target ran their commercial for Honey Pot, but she was so poised and composed in how she handled it. She really rose above the situation with confidence!

What is your beauty routine? What are some of your favorite products?

With the stay-at-home order in full effect, I haven’t been doing my makeup to go anywhere. I don’t like neglecting my complexion though, so I use Cream & Coco’s Bamboo Coconut Perfect Skin Complexion Bar, Pink Lemonade Botanical Toner, and Honey Butter Sugar Sand Face Polish on my face. I use EngErotics’ Body Polish and Soaking Sand Bath Shots to keep my skin moisturized and glowing in Colorado’s dry climate.

How do you balance work and life?

My Google calendar and my planner are what I rely on to keep my life straight when it comes to keeping track of all business and family activities, appointments, etc. I’d be lost without them. Beyond that, I make it a point to make time with my family and self-care a huge priority. You can’t pour from an empty cup and so I make it a point to fill my cup whenever I can.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

A CBD bath and a glass of good wine always take the edge off when I’ve had a rough day. And, of course, sex!

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I plan on getting my family and my businesses through the pandemic, as long as that may last. It’s certainly going to be a very interesting and challenging six months. Ideally, we want to grow and scale despite the current crisis, get our brand in front of even more people, and continue to create engaging content for social media. We aim to stay relevant and continue to generate revenue. Current circumstances have required us to adapt and adapt fast! It’s been a challenge but we’re weathering the storm well. The most important thing to remember is that we must remain flexible with each passing day because there’s no way to know what kind of curveball will come at us next.

How can our readers connect with you?

Email: Raven.Faber@engerotics.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/engerotics/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EngErotics

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EngErotics/