No to stigma, yes to sex education and safe intimate care. Rebecca Alvarez Story (she/her), sexologist and co-founder + CEO of Bloomi, rarely had conversations about intimacy or sexuality growing up, which often led to confusion and poor decisions. This inspired Rebecca to dedicate her life to sexual health education, research, and coaching—all culminating in the creation of Bloomi.

“I was motivated to create Bloomi as a trusted destination for educational intimate care content and essentials for all bodies. The ultimate goal is for individuals to see their sexuality as a natural part of life and be comfortable talking about it, just as with any other health-related issue,” she says.

So we sat down, got comfortable, and talked to her about it, answering your questions along the way.

What is a “clean standard” and why is it different from other products on the market?
The sexual wellness industry is oversaturated with products that are made with ingredients that exacerbate intimate health issues. So we’ve focused our efforts on finding ways to sustainably harness the power of botanicals and provide clean and conscious solutions to our consumers. Therefore, we created the Bloomi Clean Standard, the only standard in the industry that helps consumers avoid the potential health risks of ingredient toxicity based on academic research and mutual partnerships with top sexual wellness experts. Our goal and, I believe, our point of differentiation, was always to provide a hub where everyone can educate themselves on sexual health and self-care and, ultimately, feel safe and confident by making smart and well-informed decisions about their sexual wellness.

Why is it important for sexual health brands to be inclusive?
One thing that many players are missing in this industry is that inclusivity should be central to any conversations or innovations around intimacy. As a first-generation Latina wellness entrepreneur, inclusivity is central to my work and a cornerstone of Bloomi’s mission. BIPOC individuals are typically left out of a lot of narratives about personal pleasure. We have been largely ignored, and so the majority of products available have not been developed with the unique needs of diverse bodies in mind.

Women of color, especially, are disproportionately impacted by toxic ingredients in products that exacerbate sexual health issues. Moreover, we are more likely to experience sexual trauma so we need professionals and brands in the space to acknowledge and address the complexities of sexual wellness from our perspective.

If you had to choose (we know, it’s hard!), what’s your fav Bloomi product?
My favorite collection of products, which happens to be our bestsellers, are our dual-use devices. We’re one of few brands that use non-toxic 100% medical-grade silicone to design our toys. They have a soft, sensual feel that is very appealing to our consumers. The ergonomic design makes them not only easy to handle but also aesthetically pleasing. We’ve been told by many that they keep the Massage vibrator sitting on their desks to use throughout the day to get kinks out of the neck and back!

Do you have any advice for readers who are just beginning their foray into lubes, toys, and sexual exploration?
Keep in mind that intimate care extends beyond just having sex and includes all of the things you do to better connect with yourself and others. Think of your intimate care routine as an opportunity to incorporate more pleasure into your life and take control of your intimate health.

That being said, you should approach intimate health just like you do any other area of health. Start by developing a small collection that can be easily incorporated into your routine. Here are a few tips:

1. Choose clean ingredients. Toxic substances and materials only exacerbate intimate health issues and can impact libido, so the most important thing you can do is make sure you research your products and ensure they are clean.

2. Pamper intimate areas. For beginners, I typically like to advise that you start with an intimate cleanser and moisturizer. Using these products will get you in the habit of touching and familiarizing yourself with your intimate parts.

3. Select a small toy. Make your first toy simple and non-intimidating, so you aren’t overwhelmed. I suggest a mini vibrator or small massager that doesn’t have too many complicated features.

4. Add a lube or arousal product. If you experience issues with libido or getting in the mood, add an arousal product to your collection. If you have vaginal dryness or discomfort with penetration, I suggest a water-based lube as it also works well with condoms and silicone-based toys.