The V Store
Develop and roadtest a taboo-breaking service for building autonomy in reproductive and sexual health at New York
Overview
The V Store is a brick and mortar space where women can access down-to-earth advice and curated products for their sexual & reproductive health. I collaborated with knowledgeable and sex-positive nurses and sex-educators that help you find the right answers and products.
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For a group project in creating a social venture, I co-built a sustainable business concept for a bias-free and approachable women’s reproductive health store.
Impact
120
visitors in our pop-up shop from different age groups and sexual orientations​
+40
attendees in educative workshops ranging from "What to ask your OB/GYN" to "Choosing your first toy"
Here are what some of our visitors have said about the V Store:
“I went to the shop with my mom and it was great hearing her interactions with everyone in the space, she’s so proud to be a woman! I’m not sure I would have seen that side of her had I not visited the shop with her.”​
“This gave me a better feeling for trying to advocate for myself.”​​​
“The more times you enter a store like yours, the more educated you will become of your own health and alternative healthcare.”​
Research
The issues around reproductive health is still seen as a soft issue in United States. 75% of women leave high school reporting knowing little or nothing about condoms or about the contraceptive pill. And in the US, 45% of all pregnancies are unintended.
Design Challenge
What if there was a place for people with vaginas to explore and access all of their options in regards to sexual and reproductive health?
Design
I sought to create a comprehensive shop embracing all aspects of sexuality, from first periods to menopause. Each store section symbolized a different phase of vagina health, featuring curated products and health objects, with sex-positive staff available for any curiosities.
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Partnering with local vendors, sex educators, medical professionals, and retailers, we fostered a safe and unbiased approach. To test the concept, I launched a 3-day pop-up store in Soho in March 2016. Each day included workshops covering topics such as "what to ask your Gynecologist?" and "choosing your first sex toy" along with the "history of contraceptive products"
Outcomes
The store had 120 visitors, +40 attendees to our workshops and our revenue was competitive for another sex shop in the area that only sells products. Participants expressed their curiosity and a deeper sense of autonomy during our workshops and in their interactions with staff.
