When Sharon Haddy’s two daughters finally got to middle school and high school, Sharon was ready to do something beyond daily housework.
She wants to start a business, the first step is market research. Is her business feasible? Is there a need? Is there a similar business nearby that will affect sales? When all the answers seemed to line up, she developed a business plan and approached Grass Valley City officials.
What do they think of downtown stores with underwear and bedroom toys? Sharon said that as long as it is very tasteful, there is no problem in this city. Then she asked the same question to the landlord at the East Street store – a former antique shop – she wanted to rent. She got the same response.
In 2003, Sharon opened Behind Closed Doors Fantasy Boutique between North Auburn and Steward Street. Although one daughter seemed to be striding forward, the other daughter was angered.
“She told me, ‘Mother, why is this all done?'” Sharon said with a smile. “I told her, ‘because it is necessary.’ Nothing else is 40 miles, and the nearest convenience store is in Yuba City. Many Americans are quite nervous when it comes to sex, but there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Most people Have had sex.”
The salon’s start-up stocks mostly include underwear, socks, bras, panties, massage oils, lubricants and adult bedroom toys. It is very popular and the business was active in the first five years – until two things happened.
“In 2008, the economy was paralyzed – almost everyone found Amazon,” Sharon said. “The times are tough.”
But today the economy has rebounded, and many customers find that buying something online is not the same.
“Customers appreciate being able to really try underwear or look at specific items to see which ones are useful to them,” she said. “Underwear sales are seasonal – Valentine’s Day, weddings, anniversaries or burning people. But adult toys are the reason for keeping the business open. I study the quality of the items and I make sure that the price is available at all income levels. Toys start at as low as 8 The dollar “.
Although the ground floor of the store is suitable for mothers with children, Sharon said that upstairs is exclusively for adults 18 years of age and older – this is a strictly enforced policy.
“A lot of people don’t know that I have an adult area upstairs,” she said. “All toys come out with a free battery, and although many toys now have USB ports, they can be recharged. Over the years our inventory has increased a lot.”
Recently, Behind Closed Doors’ bestsellers are socks and certified organic lubricants. Every few years, Sharon will participate in the international trade show in Las Vegas, where she learns about the latest toys. Occasionally she will hold a private post-work party at the store where customers can find out more about the product.
“More than 90% of my clients are local customers, and many have been in business for many years,” Sharon said. “Women shouldn’t be scared – it’s just me here. It’s not a dirty environment. It’s not offensive, I’m very factual. Cautious, confidential and anonymous is very important to me. Trust level. I don’t. Talking about my customers.”
“One of the biggest compliments I have recently received is from an older lady who said, ‘Over the years, you have helped our sex life,’” Sharon continued. “Those comments that keep me open and know that I am helping people live a happier life.”
