Journelle and Dame share a clear purpose: to empower women in every part of life — with confidence that begins in the bedroom and radiates outward. We champion women’s sexual wellness, self-acceptance, and pleasure, encouraging you to express desire without apology. Through our thoughtfully curated designer lingerie and our collection of sexual wellness accessories, we invite you to explore what feels good, honor your body, and define intimacy on your own terms. What would it feel like to give yourself full permission to experience joy and connection tonight?

At Journelle, you’ll find a range of sexual wellness toys designed to elevate every kind of evening. Whether you’re savoring a solo night or sharing intimacy with a partner, the right product can amplify sensation, deepen relaxation, and make pleasure part of your self-care routine. Each tool is crafted with different features and intensities, and our Lingeristas are here to help you find a perfect match that aligns with your body, preferences, and comfort level. Have you ever wondered which styles, textures, or rhythms suit your unique anatomy and mood?

Dame Products, a leading voice in sexual wellness, was founded by Alexandra Fine — a CEO who speaks boldly and compassionately about women’s sexuality, agency, and pleasure. Journelle sat down for an inside look at her world, Dame’s mission, and the ways they help women claim space with confidence. Ahead, discover how the brand is working to close the pleasure gap and normalize open, informed dialogue about sex. Ready to learn how design, education, and community can transform everyday intimacy? A-wo-men!

1. You are a female founder of your own company, what has helped you get to where you are today?

Community has been the most powerful force — especially a community of smart, supportive, and ambitious women. At Dame, we’ve been intentional about building a culture of authenticity, vulnerability, and trust. This foundation matters deeply in a workplace where conversations about sex, bodies, and boundaries happen daily. Our team is passionate and results-driven, bringing diverse skills and lived experiences that strengthen our mission to make pleasure more accessible. Can you think of a time when a supportive community helped you voice something tender or taboo?

I’ve always been fascinated by sexuality, but I underestimated how resistant some people would be to talking openly about sex. Our biggest roadblocks have appeared when there’s no space for honest dialogue — when the subject is shut down before it starts. Yet, when we can clearly explain what we do and why these conversations are essential to overall wellness, you can see the lightbulbs go on. That shift — from silence to curiosity — has propelled us forward. While not everyone is receptive, the growing number of supporters and heartfelt testimonials keeps us moving. Imagine how different our culture could be if more of us felt safe asking questions, naming desires, and learning without shame.

2. How does Dame strive to empower women?

We lead with a bold, loving insistence: we all deserve more — more communication, more consideration, and more fulfilling pleasure in and out of the bedroom. From the beginning, Dame set out to close the pleasure gap — the disparity in orgasm frequency and sexual satisfaction between people with vulvas and their cis male partners. In simple terms, the pleasure gap reflects how cultural myths, limited education, and product design that overlooked vulva anatomy have historically left many women less satisfied. Closing that gap means acknowledging that most people with vulvas benefit from clitoral stimulation for pleasurable sex and designing tools that honor that reality. Where have you noticed the pleasure gap show up in your own life or conversations with friends?

When we first started, there were very few sex tech companies led by people with vulvas — those who intimately understand the anatomy and experiences we design for. Now, more women and nonbinary innovators are joining the movement, reshaping sex tech with empathy and evidence. This shift signals real progress: more voices, more inclusive design, and more products that prioritize comfort, control, and consent. If a product felt welcoming and intuitive from the first use, how might that change your confidence and curiosity?

We’re also focused on creating an open, shame-free conversation around sexuality. That includes building a welcoming community, engineering thoughtful, effective tools, and offering approachable education that you can bring into your bedroom. We treat sexual health and pleasure as essential to overall wellness — the same way you’d approach sleep, movement, or mental health. As sex becomes a healthier part of public conversation, we aim to craft beautifully designed products that integrate seamlessly into everyday routines. Picture a calm, comfortable evening ritual: warm shower, soft robe, a product that feels good in your hand, and space to explore at your own pace — how might that kind of ritual support your well-being?

3. What's a recent "girl power" moment you had?

We closed a $4 million seed raise in February 2021, a milestone that reflects both traction and trust. For the prior six years, we worked efficiently and creatively, stretching less than $1.5 million in crowdfunding to move our mission forward. This new funding empowers us to accelerate product development with multiple launches planned and to deepen our focus on the role of sex and pleasure in holistic health, including building a clinical advisory board. How might more resources in the hands of women-led teams change which problems get solved — and how?

4. At Journelle, we hear a lot of moving stories about women's experiences with their bodies - what has helped you with your own relationship with your body?

Sex has profoundly shaped my self-confidence and body image because pleasure and self-perception are intertwined. Through exploration and curiosity, I learned to appreciate parts of my body I never thought I could love. For instance, the lower belly — soft, responsive, and deeply connected to sensation — became a place of tenderness rather than critique. When you center pleasure, your body becomes a source of information and delight, not a project to fix. What would change if you viewed your body through the lens of what feels good, instead of how it looks?

I’ve also come to love my thighs, a part of me I used to criticize. Noticing that my husband was drawn to curvier figures helped shift my perspective, but the lasting change came from redefining what “sexy” means to me. Confidence doesn’t demand the absence of insecurity; it asks for compassion alongside it. It’s okay to wish something were different and still recognize the strength, sensuality, and pleasure your body offers now. Try this: the next time you look in the mirror, name three sensations you enjoy — warmth in your skin, the softness of your belly, or the power in your legs. Which parts of your body already carry pride, playfulness, or comfort?

5. What taboos related to women in your industry do you wish were broken?

I want more cultural and logistical openness around sex. Despite advancing conversations about sexual wellness, selling sex toys still carries barriers — especially in advertising. For example, when we attempted to run ads with the MTA in New York City, we spent months aligning to their requirements, received an initial green light, invested in inventory and creative, and then faced silence followed by a denial. These shifting standards and opaque rules reveal how stigma can block access to information and products that support well-being. Have you ever noticed how often female pleasure is framed as frivolous rather than foundational to health?

The vague, sexist rationale behind those denials not only hinders the growth of women-led businesses but also reinforces the idea that sexual pleasure for vulva-havers is somehow inappropriate, while men’s pleasure is routinely normalized and even medicalized. This double standard shapes which messages we see in public spaces — and which we don’t. That’s why we’re challenging these restrictions: to counter harmful narratives and to advocate for fair representation of sexual wellness. Imagine public messaging that treats women’s sexual health as worthy of respect, clarity, and care — how might that reshape conversations at home, in classrooms, and in clinics?

6. What advice would you give to young women today?

Know your values, know your worth, and use them as a compass when advice — even well-meaning advice — comes your way. There isn’t one “right” path in business or in life; you chart clarity by committing fully to the choices you make and learning from them with integrity. When facing a big decision, remember that multiple options can be “right” — what matters is the honesty and consistency with which you follow through. What would you choose if you trusted yourself a little more and worried a little less about external approval?

To make exploration easier, start with practical steps: decide what sensations you’re curious about (gentle flutter, focused pressure, or broad, rumbly vibration); choose body-safe materials; and consider ergonomics that suit your anatomy and grip. Set the scene with lighting, music, and breathwork to help your nervous system relax. If you’re partnered, try a short check-in: What feels good today? What’s off-limits? What do you want more of? A simple script can reduce pressure and increase connection. And remember: discovery is a process — you learn by feeling, not by perfection. Which small, doable step toward pleasure could you take this week?

Shop Dame Kip Lipstick Vibrator for focused, portable stimulation and Eva II Hands Free Vibrator for hands-free clitoral pleasure that complements solo sessions and partnered play — both available at Journelle.com so you can begin tailoring your wellness routine to your body’s needs. Which tool fits your current mood: pinpoint precision or effortless, consistent contact?

Head to our Instagram account @shopjournelle to watch our IGTV “Intimate Chat with Dame” and explore conversations about self-pleasure, masturbation techniques, and ways to embrace your sexuality with confidence. What new idea or gentle practice are you excited to try next?