Starting a Sex Toy Brand: A Conversation with Chalovelo

The pleasure products industry is experiencing a renaissance, with new brands emerging that prioritize innovation, inclusivity, and authentic connection with consumers. Among the latest entrants is Chalovelo, a sex tech company founded by industry veterans who decided to leave established brands behind to create something entirely their own. I sat down with Max Parker, the brand's representative, to discuss what inspired Chalovelo's launch, the challenges of starting a new brand in a competitive market, and what sets their approach apart.

What inspired you and your team to leave established positions in the industry to start Chalovelo?

"That's a great question to start with. Our team collectively spent years working at some of the biggest sex toy brands in the world. We learned so much during that time — about manufacturing, about what consumers really want, about the gaps in the market. But we also felt constrained by the limitations that come with working within large corporate structures. There were ideas we wanted to explore, design philosophies we wanted to pursue, and a level of authenticity we wanted to bring to the conversation around pleasure that just wasn't possible in those environments. Starting Chalovelo was about reclaiming that creative freedom and building products that genuinely excite us. You know we’re actually nerds about this stuff if we left decent jobs to pursue our passion.

The biggest thing we want to do in the coming years is becoming a leader in technology specifically. We want to build the best app and digital ecosystem in the space.”

You mentioned authenticity. What does that mean for Chalovelo specifically?

"For us, authenticity means creating toys that serve as essential extensions of pleasure, not just products that check boxes or follow trends. I’ll admit it, we’re taking some crazy risks with our weird designs. So authenticity means being honest about what our products can and can't do, designing with real bodies and real experiences in mind, and not being afraid to challenge industry conventions when they don't serve the consumer. We wanted to build a brand where every decision, from materials to marketing, reflects a genuine commitment to enhancing people's intimate lives."

Can you tell us about the research and development process that led to this launch?

"Absolutely. We spent years on this before officially launching. That time was split between deep research. Understanding emerging technologies, analyzing consumer feedback from across the industry, studying ergonomics and sexual wellness research, and actual hands-on development. It was so much fun learning about the intricacies of sex toy design. There are a lot of small details that play a big part in the overall experience. We went through countless prototypes, tested different materials, and really pushed ourselves to think beyond what currently exists in the marketplace. Our team's combined experience gave us a head start, but we didn't want to just replicate what we'd done before. We wanted to innovate."

What have been the biggest challenges in launching a new brand in this space?

"The sex tech industry is more competitive than ever, which is honestly both a good and bad thing for consumers. There seems to be another dropshipping brand popping up every single day. If you’re dedicated to quality, then it means that as a new brand, you need to come to the table with something truly distinctive. Reputable and body-safe manufacturing, marketing strategies, and retailer relationships are super difficult to acquire without a big brand’s budget to back you up. How are you supposed to compete? For us, it's been about leaning into our story and our expertise, and being very intentional about every aspect of the customer experience."

What can we expect from Chalovelo's product line?

"Without giving away too much before our full product reveals, I can say that our debut collection reflects everything we've been talking about. Thoughtful engineering, user-centered design, and a commitment to quality that doesn't compromise on functionality. These aren't toys that prioritize aesthetics over performance or vice versa. We've worked to find that sweet spot where innovation meets accessibility, where products feel premium but aren't unnecessarily marked up, and where the design genuinely enhances the user's experience rather than just looking good on a shelf."

Where do you see Chalovelo in the next few years?

"You know, it’d be so easy for me to say that our vision is to become a recognized leader in the sex tech space. Of course, that would be nice! But in all honesty, we just want our customers to be happy with their sex lives. That fuels us to keep innovating in the market. I would say that every single person on the team is in love with what they do for work, and it’s truly a blessing if we’re able to continue creating toys for the community. I’m extremely excited for what’s to come. This launch is just the beginning of the crazy things we have planned. We can’t wait to share it with the world.”

For more information about Chalovelo and to explore their debut collection, visit Chalovelo.com.