Jaime Jaynes founded Vespertine Boutique after researching the complexities of age and sexuality for personal reasons, seeking products and services to support her own body through life.
Through her research she discovered an incredible array of companies, not surprisingly often owned and operated by women, that were bringing unique innovation designed to support bodies as they move through the change events that occur as we age.
As an advocate for physical and mental wellbeing, Jaime created Vespertine Boutique as a safe, confidential retail destination for clients to discover products, techniques and services that support life-long health.
Vespertine is proud to be a body positive boutique that embraces a full spectrum of products to support physical therapy and pleasure, but sharing this message hasn’t always been easy.
In North American society, conversations related to sexuality, women’s health and pleasure are often considered taboo. In the world of advertising, that means Vespertine is sometimes lumped in with heavily regulated industries like firearms, alcohol, tobacco and cannabis.
“What saddens us is how this is undermining our mission of providing access and products to women living in rural communities, where alternative health options are limited,” Jaime says.
Companies that serve women and gender non-conforming individuals often face challenges publicizing information about topics like menopause, pelvic pain, pregnancy or postpartum care, menstrual health, fertility, sexual wellness and more.
“Right now, these products are not allowed because they’re considered in some way immoral, even though they’re used by the vast majority of American women,” Jackie Rotman, the founder and CEO of the Center for Intimacy Justice, told Business Insider.
Products Vespertine Boutique sells, such as vaginal dilators and pelvic-floor weights and wands face these exact issues.
At the same time, products addressing erectile dysfunction and other men’s health issues seem to be more accepted across North American society.
March 8 is International Women’s Day – a day celebrating the historical, cultural, political and socio-economic achievements of women. The day is also observed by taking action against gender inequality around the world. This year’s theme is #breakthebias.
You can help by raising awareness and building acceptance for women’s and gender nonconforming health issues, both online and with friends, family and coworkers. To spread the message, follow companies like Vespertine Boutique on social media, and share, like and comment on their posts.
“Imagine a world with gender equality. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is celebrated and valued. Collectively we can all break the cycle of bias,” Jaime says. “Together we hope to build a culture of equity in the sexual wellness industry.”
Find Vespertine Boutique on Facebook, Instagram and at 914 Water St. in Port Townsend.