Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives.
In 2014, Janet Rini joined NS Novelties as the company was experiencing global expansion and growing demand. With more than a decade of industry experience under her belt, Rini brought her executive sales background and passion for the pleasure products industry to NS Novelties, where she’s since played a pivotal role in the company’s continued success. Prior to joining NS Novelties, Rini was among the founding members of Pulse Distribution, where she served as VP of sales and was instrumental in the launch of Rapture Novelties. According to Rini, making a seamless transition from the video biz to the pleasure products industry is among her greatest professional accomplishments, and she’s continued to build her career using her drive and resilience to strengthen the NS Novelties brand.
By far the most rewarding part of my job is definitely training our customers and stores on NS Novelties and hearing the positive feedback we receive.
Rini handles a range of responsibilities in her current role at NS Novelties, including account management, retailer trainings and product development. In this month’s edition of Women in Adult, we spotlight Rini as she discusses her versatile skills and highlights of her career.
XBIZ: What is your role and responsibility at NS Novelties?
Janet Rini: My role is to manage some of NS Novelties top accounts, both domestic and international. This includes intense account management, constant customer contact, and continuous in-store workshops and trainings for both our retail partners and our major distributors. I assist in forecasting marketing strategies, planning for and attending tradeshows and industry events, and am lucky enough to be a part of product development.
XBIZ: How did you get into the business?
Rini: In 2003, I joined the industry working for LFP as a sales representative. In 2005, I was honored to be a founding member and VP of sales for Pulse Distribution, where I handled several high-end production studios, Falcon Toys, and the launch of Rapture Novelties. I was thrilled to join NS Novelties in 2014. Prior to the adult business, I worked in the healthcare field. This was all quite a change from that, but I wouldn’t leave this industry for anything.
XBIZ: What challenges have you confronted in your career and how have you overcome them?
Rini: It’s challenging being a single mother in this industry. You face a litany of judgment and scrutiny — people constantly Googling your name, etc. I’ve even had people leaving pamphlets on my car trying to drag me to their church. Freedom of speech and promoting sexual health and well-being still remains a hot spot for so many and it’s hard for people to sometimes understand basic civil liberties. I’ve grown a tougher skin over the years, love this industry, and have been supported by some of the most thoughtful, kindest people.
XBIZ: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Rini: By far the most rewarding part of my job is definitely training our customers and stores on NS Novelties and hearing the positive feedback we receive. I enjoy assisting in our growing collection and educating on new technologies we are utilizing. I’m fortunate enough to travel to some incredible places around the world with the most wonderful people, showcasing our line and truly enjoying what I do.
XBIZ: What is your personal motto or mantra that you live by?
Rini: Treat everyone equally with respect and value. We all struggle with something in our lives so stay humble, be kind, and give back to the world.
XBIZ: What career accomplishments are you most proud of?
Rini: I was fortunate to help establish one of the most successful DVD distributors in the industry, launch Rapture Novelties and transition seamlessly into the novelty side, joining an amazing team and helping make NS Novelties one of the most respected and best-selling brands today.
XBIZ: What are your professional goals for 2017?
Rini: To continue our growth, fill more walls! And to enjoy watching NS Novelties expand to new levels.
