We live in an age of heightened health consciousness that has never been seen before in western civilization. Today's woman pays close attention to food labels and healthy living in general. But what about their lubricants?
Enter Nicole Raza, the Founder of Aqualaria Co. This Toronto native (originally from Montreal) has identified a need for a natural choice in lubrication. Her business, Aqualaria Co., is a source of environmentally friendly, all-natural skin care products that promote health and well-being.
This is as much a personal story as it is a wellness story. Nicole's own story is particularly interesting. After years of enduring skin problems after moving here from Montreal, she was introduced to a European lady who makes Phyto - Aroma natural skin care products using botanical natural, wild crafted and bio certified organic ingredients. After sampling these all-natural products, her face cleared up within the week. Needless to say, Nicole became a believer in the power of "real" natural skin care products.
Nicole paired this new found knowledge with a clearly identified gap in the market place for high quality all-natural/ all organic lubricants.
Aqualaria Co's, Monsieur Capotain's lubricants have three base ingredients: aloe, vitamin e and soy. The flavored lubricants add a fourth ingredient which is a fruit. For example, the Orange Delice lube contains an orange ingredient; the Strawberry Frenzie lube contains a strawberry ingredient.
This is not your Mother's lubricant.
The products are impressive to say the least and worthy of the higher price point that they carry over conventional lubricants. Monsieur Capotain's lubricants can be used with condoms and toys and are packaged with 100% aluminum bottles, and labels are printed using eco-friendly ink. After use, the bottle is entirely recyclable. The aroma free lubes are "right now" at a 98% bio certified organic standing and the flavored lubes are noted at a min of 95% bio certified organic standing. In the near future these percentages will be increased. By the way, these products are vegan and completely edible, non sticky, and not tacky to taste or touch.
I also learned from Nicole that the sex product industry as we know it is not regulated by Health Canada, and as a result few conventional lubricants list any ingredients at all. Aqualaria Co. uses a manufacturer that complies with the standards set forth by The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, an independent body calling for the elimination of chemicals in cosmetics that are linked to cancer, birth defects and other health problems.
Nicole points out that people use lubes under a variety of circumstances: "Over the course of any long term relationship, the need for a lubricant arises from time-to-time at the fault of no one." She continues, "Sometimes people use lubes simply to have a different feel. Women going through menopause often need assistance. Everyone should have a bottle of lubricant; it's not meant to emasculate a man or make a woman feel any less than what she is; a woman."
"I have a very sex-positive attitude" says Nicole, who claims that her decision to produce and sell lubricants cost her some friendships. "I as well as most was put on this earth as a result of intimacy, lovemaking, sex!"
Aqualaria Co's line of lubricants Monsieur Capotain's, serves a well-defined niche in a product category that is often seen as being too taboo to discuss openly.
These high quality products can be purchased in Toronto at the following locations:
Good for Her
175 Harbord Street
www.goodforher.com
Red Tent Sisters
810 Danforth Ave.
www.redtentsisters.com
Come as you are
701 queen st west
www.comeasyouare.com
Lovecraft
27 Yorkville Ave
www.lovecraftsexshop.com
For more information on Aqualaria please visit www.aqualaria.com
Justin Edmead
Get Caught With Your Pants Down
When I arrived at Almost Naked in the heart of the Toronto fashion district, I wasn't sure what to expect. I've been to numerous launch parties for everything from board games to premium drinks to garments to furniture but under-garments!?! It was a first for me and I expected a boring display of underwear that would hold me attention for no more than 30 minutes. After all, how exciting could underwear be?
It turned out to be an evening of enlightenment.
Almost Naked is a specialty boutique offering the latest in underwear, swimsuits, loungewear and more.
Almost Naked is a new specialty retail boutique on the Queen West strip. As you're well aware, if you don't have a niche in this modern era of marketing you really don't have anything. Almost Naked has introduced brands into the Canadian marketplace that are either unknown or rare. Far from the garden variety selection of underwear found at your local department store! Almost Naked offers much more than underwear: You will also find swimsuits, fitness wear, loungewear and accessories for both men and women.
"The international fashion scene is huge. We love bringing in amazing and creative collections that are generally unknown to Canadians," said Dan Sutcliffe, co-owner of Almost Naked. "Almost Naked is perfect for finding one-of-a-kind pieces that nobody else has."
Dan Sutcliffe and his business partner Jeff Axelrod have delivered on that vision.
The first thing I noticed was a substantial collection from Ed Hardy, the world renowned Tattoo Artist who's collection carries his name. I later find out that Almost Naked boasts the largest collection of Ed Hardy in Canada. Also on display were colorful and exciting collections from Diesel (Italy), Shultz (UK), Calvin Klein (US), DT (Australia), teamm8 (Australia) and many others.
There are also some lines carried at Almost Naked specifically with men in mind. Such brands include Energie (Italy), Core Point(France), and Artificial Flavor(U.K.). Papi(U.S.) is an Almost Naked exclusive. If you are a man looking to take your boxer sexiness up few notches, Almost Naked has something for you too.
Almost Naked showroom with lounge.
"Women have always loved to wear sexy underwear because it makes them feel good. It's finally become acceptable for straight men to wear hip and sexy boxers and briefs, too. When you're wearing a great pair of underwear, you just feel good," said Jeff Axelrod, co-owner of Almost Naked. "Our store is great for gift occasions too; we encourage men to buy for women and vice-versa."
This media launch party was one sexy event, and for reasons extending beyond the on-site models frolicking around in their underwear.
Almost Naked offers an intimate retail environment conducive to an attentive and highly individualized shopping experience. I enjoyed the earthy feel of the store complemented by the high ceilings and bright lighting. The mini lounge located in the middle of the show room floor is an extremely nice touch. Overall, the environment presents a welcoming feeling that makes you feel like an invited guest. The store's Designer, Steven Meridia of M. Real Estate Design-Service did a great job with the space.
Almost Naked is a great little niche boutique that is very worthy of a visit for all of your underwear needs and more! It is located at 479 Queen Street West. Hours of operation: Monday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. www.almostnaked.ca
Justin Edmead
P.S. Between my perusal of the collections at Almost Naked and my wine and hors d'oeuvre consumption, there was also time for mingling.
I'm introduced to Skye Collyer, the beautiful young actress who co-stars in Shark City alongside Vivica Fox (Kill Bill) and Toronto's own Corey Haim (The Lost Boys). They just wrapped-up filming for Shark City that afternoon.
Far left: Skye Collyer | Right: Vivica A. Fox
Skye tells me that she's a huge fan of TDot TV and that she's been watching us for quite some time now. It's always nice to receive positive feedback, and especially during random encounters such as this.
I couldn't help but ask her about her experience working with Vivica Fox. She says that she's a pleasure to work with. I'm introduced to a few of Skye's Shark City co-stars and an invitation is extended to attend the movie wrap party later that evening. In this business you just never know who you'll meet or where you may end up during the course of an evening.