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Heidi Zuegn

By on August 2, 2016

I’ve been in the industry since 2006 when I started up Max Black in Newtown with my ex partner. It was a sharp, steep learning curve and I turned the store from one of the worst, to the best independent stores in Australia. Since selling up I’ve been doing all sorts of things such as personal consulting and making over stores (Passionfruit Melbourne and three Everything Adult stores), PR for major brands, sales rep for Two Ducks and my own lingerie pop up store. I’m ready for a new challenge though!

A typical day
Dealing with high end brands has been great, it’s amazing to see all the beautiful new, innovate products hitting the market, and I get to speak to stores all over Australia about it. I also have visited shops everywhere so I enjoyed getting to know everyone. I have spent many hours in product training with great staff everywhere too.

The most significant influence in my working career was/is
Marie-Elise from Sassy Vibes was a major influence on me. She’s the one that first told be about phthalates in toys and encouraged my dream in turning the shop into a female empowering experience. As far as I know it was the first store to go chemical free, which was a huge challenge in 2006. Although she’s left the industry we still chat and have massive long talks about sex toys and sexuality. What a woman!

I’m most proud of
That I’ve done it all, shops, brands, distributors. It’s always a lovely surprise when out of the blue I’m recognised and I hear wonderful, empowering stories from people I’ve helped in the past. It’s happened everywhere from airport check in counters, restaurants and travelling overseas.

One of the most memorable moments was
Winning at the Shine Awards. The other ones have been how incredibly kind and welcoming all the store owners and managers have been since I’ve been a sales rep. It was a bit daunting walking into businesses after having my own shop, and I’ve been amazed at the reception that’s been shown to me.

Last book I read
Your Beauty Mark- An Essential Guide to Eccentric Glamour by Dita Von Teese. It’s breath taking, I can feel a makeover coming on! I think every woman over 18 needs a copy, my god, the glamour just kills me. I’m going to up my game!

Favorite movie/tv show
My current one is Game Of Thrones (like everyone else in the world). I love everything from old Hollywood classics to Ferris Bullers Day Off. Oh, and Star Wars, and anything by Phillip K Dick.

What I wanted to be when I was growing up
A superhero. Hence the wearing of latex. At least I look the part.

What would most people don’t not know about me
That I’m a massive sci-fi fan and love cooking. One day I’ll get back to France and do a gourmet cooking course!

My favorite place
With my boyfriend Morris on a tropical Island drinking cocktails at a swim-up bar.

When I’m not working I’d rather be doing
Going to crazy fetish parties. Heading to Florida soon for the Annual Fetish Factory Alter Ego event where there’s four days, three parties a day extravaganza. My latex will come to about 40 kilo’s, far out. Go me!

What I like best about my job
Hunting down great brands to bring to Australia.

If I could change one thing
That Australians should have a European view of sex and not be so uptight, especially when it comes to laws and regulations about adult stores. Actually two, to run my own chain of female empowering sensuality stores around the country!

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