Left: A selection of the pieces available at Intimate Occasions. Right: This eye-catching piece adorns the walls of the store. - NORMAN GRINDLEY PHOTOS
YVETTE JAMES, OWNER and operator of Intimate Occasions, says she was born to be a business person.
The store, which offers a wide range of sex toys, lingerie and a host of other, mainly adult novelties, has been open since April 2004. The store is currently located in the Little Premier Plaza, Half-Way Tree, but was first located on Holborn Road. She decided to move after realising that she was mostly attracting mobile customers and very few walk-ins. The move proved to be a very good one as "having a store in a plaza is good. It's a good location."
James' history in business and marketing goes far back as she once owned a clothing store in Montego Bay and a flower shop in Kingston. She also added that she helped her parents with their business when she was younger. She also worked with GraceKennedy's Marketing Division.
James started the lingerie business with an overseas partner, and later moved into the sex toy aspect. She admitted that she was hesitant at first as she "was religious. I thought it would affect my background." She however overcame her fear and launched into the world of sex toys. Today, she has no regrets. "Since cable and internet, people have been doing more research. They [customers] come and ask for certain products. Its a good business to be in. God put us on earth for a certain purpose. Sexual intercourse is a must. I have no complaints doing this business, just like how you eat, you supposed to have sex."
Though her business is fairly young, James says she has not had many complaints thus far. She believes that marketing and promotion are key to the success of any business. "Wherever I go, I always have my business card. I've put on lingerie shows before and the feedback wasn't bad. When I go to my gym, I leave business cards there. Marketing opens the doors for more clientele."
James also recognised the importance of proper customer service. She feels that this determines the success or failure of a business and said, "I'm concerned about satisfying my customers' needs. Sometimes I call them up and tell them I have new products and if I receive complaints, I change the goods because word-of-mouth is the best form of advertising." She feels that business persons must be open minded as "people will criticise you but you have to take it with a smile because you must never argue with a customer."
The main problem she faces is what she says is the 'unfair' way she is treated because of the business she is in. She feels also that small businesses are targeted and that too many bans and censors prevent her from doing some things she would like to do."
She wants all business-minded people to know that starting a new business is very hard. "You have to look at the pros and cons. Some people open businesses and within three months, they shut down. You have to pay rent, pay for business telephone. People need to prepare for their hardships. You must have a family to fall back on because starting a business is easier said than done."
Do
you have a problem? Is something bothering
you? Write to 
