Rochell Shares Her After Dark Secrets

Rochelle, since starting the wig shop you've started a second business, Godiva's After Dark. Tell us what it is and how it started.

After working with women and the intimate issues of their hair - or lack of it - a new conversation began at our store. When a woman has survived a medical ordeal, there is an unspoken challenge that rarely gets discussed. How will she bring romance back to her relationship or into her life?

Medical and emotional changes that occur can cause a lack of libido. So many times a husband will be interested in romance, but doesn't want to push so he says nothing. She defines his noncommunication as disinterest and then the intimacy gap widens.

My clients are normal women that do not find typical adult stores comfortable. I wanted to create a safe, sophisticated boutique for romance where any woman or man could feel comfortable in addressing their desires for love and intimacy. Godiva's After Dark was born this year and has received a great response.

What sort of products do you carry?

I carry products that help bring back the unexpected. Each product is especially chosen and most products have been tested and approved by our staff. (My boyfriend is a very happy guy, and just like any couple, we may not love every product, but doing and trying together keeps communication going and everyday life more stimulating.)

We also carry pole dancing shoes because the new craze in our area is pole dancing classes. Our shoes are amazing 4" with 2" wedges and rhinestones on the heel. Very sexy.

So you're politely saying your inventory includes vibes and sex toys ~ you know, the 'sleazy stuff' lots of folks complain about. *wink*

My clients agree with me that one of the most amazing gifts in life is to share intimacy with another human being - where is the sleaze in that?

Hey, don't get me wrong ~ I completely agree! But the fact is, your store is dealing frankly with sex and sexuality, which is 'bad and scary' to some folks.

My clients are upscale men and women in normally monogamous relationships who are interested in educating themselves and continually recreating their relationships. I offer suggestions. Presented in a classy, upscale way, I tell a different story of sex; one that includes late night giggles, games, surprises and communication. And I lecture to women's groups and organizations too.

From timid to the other side, I help clients express their full sensual potential. And women, remember we have a glamorous side and our guys love that!

Of course there are many stories, and each one is so amazing. I share about a woman in our neighborhood that wears only boa slippers and a rhinestone tiara when she vacuums. When her husband calls and says, "Whatcha doing, honey?" and she says, "Vacuuming" he's home in 20 minutes! So we do sell lots of boa slippers and rhinestones...

Do you find yourself helping women who face similar issues due to menopause, aging, and not necessarily from cancer or illness?

Yes. The store has a wonderful energy and we get all health styles of men and women. Mainly women come into Godiva's After Dark, and most of my clients are 40 to 70. Yes, it's amazing to know that women in their 70's still use vibrators - hooray!

My "goddess" parties are very popular. Private women only parties in our boutique are educational and fun. I take everyone on a tour through the store, sharing what we've learned about each product. We speak frankly and offer suggestions and scenarios for the unexpected. (I also bake the cutest penis cake you've ever seen for each party of 10 - 30 women.)

Were you surprised to discover so many are in need of this help? And what's next?

The response has been so great that we look forward to opening more of both businesses. I am working on a video email system so I can actually show new products on email. Our web site is very simple and as yet no product is on it. But we are working on our own unique catalog.

Rochelle has promised to update us with her new website launch and other news, but meanwhile you can reach Rochelle and the staff at godivassecret@yahoo.com with questions, requests for brochures etc.

If you're in California, you can visit the stores which are only 1 block from each other ~ so it's fun to visit both on an afternoon:

Godiva's After Dark
22565 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
818 222 LUV1

Godiva's Secret Wigs
22700 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
818 591 0883