Latest news with #SmileMakers
Wales Online
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'I tried adult toys from a woman-centred brand and they're incredible'
'I tried adult toys from a woman-centred brand and they're incredible' When shopping writer Lauren Codling came across Smile Makers Collection - a brand that champions female pleasure and is known for its colourful, approachable lineup of toys - she knew it was time to explore further Smile Makers create products they hope customers will proudly display on their bedside table rather than feeling compelled to hide under the bed (Image: Smile Makers Collection ) Ever since I purchased my first glittery toy from Ann Summers at 18, I've been a strong advocate for sexual wellness. What began as a curiosity has evolved into something far more empowering, and I now view self-pleasure not just as fun but also as a form of self-care. When I discovered Smile Makers Collection - a brand that promotes female pleasure and is renowned for its colourful, approachable range of toys - I knew it was time to delve deeper. The playful packaging and inclusive messaging had caught my attention for some time, and it seemed like the ideal moment to enhance my toy collection, reports the Mirror. Read on to find out how I fared with my new bedtime companions. And if you're tempted to make a purchase, use the discount code SELFCARE20 for a 20% reduction. READ MORE: 'I tried protein shakes for women and lost weight while getting more energy' READ MORE: Hand luggage bag that's the 'perfect fit for Ryanair' now has a massive 45% off My thoughts on Smile Maker toys Firstly, I had to choose my preferred toys, and Smile Makers makes this process incredibly straightforward, particularly for novices. The website features a quick and friendly quiz that inquires about everything from toy experience to pleasure preferences. Shop the range Prices vary Smile Makers Collection Buy Now on Smile Makers Collection Product Description Use the discount code SELFCARE20 for a 20% discount. I was matched with The Poet (£79.95), a toy that, coincidentally, a friend had already praised. I also added The Tennis Pro (£49.95), a sleek vibrator, a bottle of toy cleaner, and a lubricant to my basket - essentials for anyone assembling a thoughtful kit. The toys arrived in vibrant packaging, perfectly complementing the aesthetic of each toy. They feel soft to the touch, thanks to the body-safe silicone, and I could tell they were high-quality products. The only downside was that both needed to be charged before use. Once powered up, I reached for The Poet first. It comes with three interchangeable 'mouths' to fit your body properly - something I've never seen from other toys. It also has five pulsation modes. Each one delivered beautifully. There are also squeeze sensors that adjust the intensity, which sounds ingenious, but I found them tricky to use - especially when trying to maintain a good angle. I find Lelo's Sonic 2 massager easier to use, although it's more expensive at £129. Lauren tried two toys (The Poet and The Tennis Pro), as well as a toy wash and lubricant (Image: Lauren Codling ) As for the results? Let's just say my friend wasn't exaggerating. The Poet is genuinely one of the best toys I've ever tried. However, while it's marketed as 'whisper-quiet', it's more chatty than silent when not pressed against the skin - something to bear in mind if you're sharing walls. Then, it was time to explore The Tennis Pro. With its rounded, angled head, it's designed to target all the right areas - saving me the cost (and clutter) of buying two more toys. If you'd prefer to introduce an external toy, though, I highly recommend Love Not War's Koi Wand (£59.99) - it's been a reliable favourite for a couple of years now and never lets me down. The Tennis Pro boasts four speeds and pulsation patterns. It's potent, offering a delightful deep rumble rather than a light tickle, and the variety of speeds makes it an exciting toy to explore. The Tennis Pro has an angled head and flexible neck to hit the right spot every time (Image: Smile Makers Collection ) Article continues below It's a fantastic gadget for solo sessions but also a welcome addition to partnered play. Unlike The Poet, The Tennis Pro is quiet, which means no uncomfortable morning after discussions with my flatmate about strange sounds. A combination of discretion and pleasure is always a winning formula. So, if you're on the hunt for toys that feel contemporary, body-positive and thoughtfully designed, Smile Makers deserves your consideration - whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro. I'll certainly be returning for more.
Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I tested the adult toys from a woman-centred wellness brand'
These fun and friendly adult toys are seriously worth the hype I've been a big advocate for sexual wellness ever since I bought my first glittery toy from Ann Summers at 18. What started as a curiosity has since grown into something much more empowering, and I view self-pleasure not just as fun but also as a form of self-care. When I came across Smile Makers Collection - a brand that champions female pleasure and is known for its colourful, approachable lineup of toys - I knew it was time to explore further. The playful packaging and inclusive messaging had been on my radar for a while and it felt like the perfect time to upgrade my toy box. So, how would I get on with my new bedtime besties? If you're tempted to shop, use the discount code SELFCARE20 for a 20% discount. What I thought of Smile Maker toys Firstly, I had to select my chosen toys, and Smile Makers makes the process incredibly easy, especially for beginners. The site features a quick and friendly quiz that asks about everything from toy experience to pleasure preferences. I matched with The Poet (£79.95), a toy that, incidentally, a friend had already raved about. I also added The Tennis Pro (£49.95), a sleek vibrator, a bottle of toy cleaner, and a lubricant to my cart - essentials for anyone building a thoughtful kit. The toys arrived in colourful boxes, perfectly matching each toy's aesthetic. They feel soft to the touch, thanks to the body-safe silicone and I could tell they were high-quality products. The only buzzkill (no pun intended) was they both needed to be charged before use. Once charged, I reached for The Poet first. It comes with three interchangeable 'mouths' to fit your body properly - something I've never seen from other toys. It also has five pulsation modes. Each one delivered beautifully. There are also squeeze sensors that adjust the intensity, which sounds genius, but I found them tricky to use - especially when trying to maintain a good angle. I find Lelo's Sonic 2 massager easier to use, although it's more expensive at £129. As for the results? Let's say my friend wasn't exaggerating. The Poet is genuinely one of the best toys I've ever tried. However, while it's marketed as 'whisper-quiet', it's more chatty than silent when not pressed against the skin - something to keep in mind if you're sharing walls. Then, it was time to explore The Tennis Pro. With its rounded, angled head, it's designed to target all the right areas - saving me the cost (and clutter) of buying two more toys. If you'd prefer to introduce an external toy, though, I highly recommend Love Not War's Koi Wand (£109.99) - it's been a go-to for a couple of years now and never lets me down. The Tennis Pro has four speeds and pulsation patterns. It's powerful, delivering a lovely deep rumble rather than a buzzy tickle, and the variety of speeds makes it fun to try. It's an excellent toy for solo sessions but an equally welcome guest in partnered play. Unlike The Poet, The Tennis Pro is actually quiet, which means no awkward morning-after chats with my housemate about mysterious noises. Discretion plus pleasure is always a win-win. So, if you're looking for toys that feel modern, body-positive and thoughtfully designed, Smile Makers is worth your attention - whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro. I'll definitely be going back for more.
Business Upturn
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
How Smile Makers' business model brings sexual wellness smile on its customer's faces?
In a world where stigma often clouds conversations about sex, pleasure, and reproductive health, Smile Makers has emerged as a pioneering force that is quietly but decisively changing the way society engages with sexual wellness. The brand is doing far more than selling vibrators or lubricants; it is building a global movement of empowerment, equality, and education—one elegantly designed product at a time. Launched in 2013 under the umbrella of Singapore-based wellness company Ramblin' Brands, Smile Makers has strategically positioned itself at the intersection of health, design, and feminism. With its Scandinavian aesthetic, medically-backed philosophy, and inclusive tone, the brand has managed to challenge taboos, open up retail spaces, and build a loyal consumer base across Asia, Europe, and North America. This feature explores the business model that powers Smile Makers, revealing how a boutique sexual wellness brand has not only survived but thrived in an industry historically dominated by pornography, male-centric products, and regulatory minefields. Through a carefully calibrated mix of product design, education-driven marketing, B2B partnerships, e-commerce innovation, and cultural sensitivity, Smile Makers is reimagining what it means to sell intimacy in the 21st century. Smile Makers' Business Model: Building Trust in a Taboo Market Smile Makers was founded on a bold premise: sexual wellness should be part of mainstream healthcare and self-care conversations. Co-founder and CEO Philippe de Chanville, along with co-founders of Ramblin' Brands, understood that pleasure and intimacy are core to human wellness, not marginal pursuits reserved for underground shelves or niche websites. Rather than sensationalizing sex, Smile Makers approached the market from the perspective of trust and health, a strategy that distinguishes it from countless adult toy startups that lean on shock value or erotic aesthetics. The goal was not just to launch another vibrator brand, but to normalize sexual wellness in everyday retail spaces like pharmacies and beauty stores—something that had never been successfully done at scale. This strategic repositioning of sex toys as health products laid the foundation for Smile Makers' multi-layered business model. Everything, from design to distribution, stems from this values-based mission. Smile Makers' Business Model: Design Thinking Meets Human-Centric Innovation Smile Makers' product line includes vibrators, lubricants, and sexual wellness guides—all designed with elegant minimalism, soft color palettes, and anthropomorphic charm. Their flagship vibrators have names like The Firefighter, The Surfer, and The Tennis Coach, eschewing mechanical or clinical branding in favor of characters that evoke humor, approachability, and fantasy. But the playful design hides serious intention. The products are developed in collaboration with gynecologists, sexologists, and designers to ensure both ergonomic functionality and anatomical respect. Unlike many adult toys that overlook the diversity of women's bodies, Smile Makers prioritizes body-safe materials, silent motors, waterproof casing, and intuitive interfaces. What appears as a lighthearted object is actually the outcome of years of R&D, medical consultation, and user testing. This commitment to aesthetics, safety, and inclusivity not only enhances user trust but also enables the brand to bypass the red tape that often accompanies the sale of sex toys in conservative markets. Smile Makers was one of the first sexual wellness brands to be stocked in mainstream retail outlets like Sephora, Urban Outfitters, and Watsons. This was revolutionary. Traditionally, products related to sex have been relegated to adult shops or discreet online sellers. Smile Makers reframed these products as lifestyle essentials, alongside skincare serums and wellness teas. In fact, their entry into Sephora marked a milestone for the global retail industry. For the first time, vibrators were being marketed as beauty and self-care items—a move that signaled shifting cultural tides and a new commercial opportunity. This retail strategy allowed Smile Makers to benefit from high visibility, in-store education, and impulse purchase behavior—all powerful levers in consumer psychology. On the digital front, Smile Makers leverages a robust DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) model, with a strong presence on its own e-commerce platform and third-party marketplaces like Amazon and ASOS. Their website is not just a shopping destination but also an educational hub, complete with blogs, sexual wellness guides, and FAQs curated by medical professionals. This blend of physical retail credibility and digital flexibility makes their omnichannel model highly resilient and scalable. Smile Makers' Business Model: Content, Community, and Consent Smile Makers' marketing strategy is anything but traditional. The brand invests heavily in content creation, influencer partnerships, and sexual education, positioning itself as an expert and ally rather than just a seller. Their campaigns do not feature sexualized models or clickbait titles but rather focus on authentic storytelling and real-life testimonials. The brand also works with sexual health educators, therapists, and feminist influencers to promote pleasure literacy. By embedding its messaging within broader conversations about body autonomy, consent, and emotional intimacy, Smile Makers transcends transactional branding. A particularly distinctive feature of their marketing is the 'Pleasure Education Program', which involves workshops and seminars in partnership with universities, health organizations, and even employers. These initiatives not only build brand equity but also serve to destigmatize sexual wellness through credible, peer-led education. Moreover, Smile Makers' branding is inclusive, speaking to women, LGBTQ+ communities, and non-binary individuals in a tone that is free from shame or hypersexualization. This inclusive voice amplifies its reach and strengthens its cultural relevance. Smile Makers' Business Model: Navigating Regulatory Landscapes and Cultural Sensitivities Operating in over 40 countries, Smile Makers has mastered the art of navigating complex regulatory environments and cultural taboos. In many Asian, Middle Eastern, and even parts of Western markets, the word 'vibrator' alone can trigger legal scrutiny or social backlash. To adapt, the company customizes product descriptions, packaging, and marketing language in alignment with local norms without compromising on its core values. In countries like Japan and South Korea, the focus is on design and wellness, while in Northern Europe, the messaging can afford to be more open and progressive. This geo-sensitive strategy allows Smile Makers to stay legally compliant and culturally respectful, while still pushing the envelope on sexual discourse. The brand also invests in cross-cultural user research to ensure that product design and user interfaces resonate across different demographics. While DTC and retail are major pillars of its business model, Smile Makers has also built a robust B2B network that spans health institutions, sexual wellness clinics, and non-governmental organizations. The brand supplies educational material and sample products to midwives, sex therapists, gynecologists, and women's health NGOs. This B2B strategy is not only socially impactful but also commercially wise. By embedding its products in clinical and educational ecosystems, Smile Makers earns institutional credibility and opens new revenue channels. It also enables the brand to reach consumers who may not be comfortable purchasing such products independently, especially in more conservative regions. Moreover, the company's collaborations with sexual wellness researchers and data scientists help it to iterate products based on real-world needs, further enhancing its value proposition. Smile Makers' Business Model: Financial Model and Revenue Streams Smile Makers operates on a high-margin, low-inventory business model, typical of successful wellness brands. The cost of goods sold (COGS) is relatively low due to scalable manufacturing in regulated facilities in Asia, while the premium pricing on vibrators and lubricants allows for healthy margins. Revenue is diversified across: DTC E-commerce Sales Retail Wholesale Orders B2B Institutional Partnerships Educational Programs and Licensing Subscription Services and Limited-Edition Drops The company reinvests a significant portion of its profit into R&D and content marketing, ensuring both product evolution and brand longevity. As of 2024, Smile Makers remains privately owned, which allows it the flexibility to innovate without the pressure of public shareholder expectations. Despite its growing influence, Smile Makers is not without challenges. The rise of DTC competitors like Dame, Maude, and Womanizer has intensified the sexual wellness space, pushing brands to innovate faster and fight for limited shelf space in retail outlets that are only just warming up to the category. Additionally, regulatory challenges remain. Inconsistent classifications of sex toys as medical devices, lifestyle goods, or adult items can create logistical and legal barriers. Digital platforms like Meta and Google also continue to restrict ad placements for sexual wellness brands, complicating outreach efforts. Still, the brand's holistic and values-driven approach may provide insulation against market volatility. Its deep investments in education, community-building, and inclusivity position it as a long-term player in a sector that is rapidly professionalizing. With plans for expansion into men's wellness, AI-powered customization, and sexual health diagnostics, Smile Makers is set to deepen its impact while expanding its product ecosystem. Smile Makers' Business Model: More Than a Product, A Paradigm Shift Smile Makers is not just riding the wave of the sexual wellness boom, it's helping to create it. By blending medical credibility, user-centric design, strategic distribution, and educational advocacy, the brand has built a business model that is both financially sustainable and socially transformative. In a world still grappling with taboos, Smile Makers offers more than vibrators and lubricants. It offers a new way to think about pleasure—not as indulgence, but as a vital part of holistic health. As the sexual wellness industry matures, Smile Makers' model stands as a benchmark: a masterclass in how ethics and economics can intersect in a marketplace long defined by shadows. And in doing so, the brand is not just smiling at the future—it's helping shape it. (Business Upturn does not guarantee the accuracy of information in this article)
Wales Online
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Female-friendly sexual wellness brand's site-wide sale includes 'discreet and powerful' toys
Female-friendly sexual wellness brand's site-wide sale includes 'discreet and powerful' toys Smile Makers' range of sex toys and accessories are designed to help shoppers take pleasure seriously Whether exploring as a couple or riding solo, Smile Makers has plenty to get shoppers' hearts racing (Image: Klaus Vedfelt via Getty Images ) Despite years of effort to demystify sex and reduce taboos around pleasure, many people still struggle with improving their sex lives. Whether it's adding some excitement to time spent with a partner or exploring oneself during alone time, the right sex toy can make a world of difference - and that's where Smile Makers steps in. Billed as 'pioneers in female sexual wellness,' Smile Makers researches, designs, and tests stylish sex toys and accessories that celebrate pleasure. Now, customers seeking a new pleasure product can enjoy a 20% discount across all of Smile Makers' range as part of a campaign to promote wellbeing through self-care. With a team made up of 75% women, female pleasure is at the core of everything Smile Makers does. They create products that they hope customers will proudly display on their bedside table rather than feeling the need to hide under the bed. READ MORE: Shopper loses '16 pounds in two weeks' using 'engaging' at-home workout app READ MORE: Boots shoppers praise 'fabulous' beauty box that saves £130 on No7 and Sol de Janeiro For customers who are unsure about where to start when shopping for sex toys, the brand has created a helpful quiz that helps narrow down the products that might be most suitable. Alternatively, browsing the list of top-rated products is always a good idea, with plenty of reviews from real users to help customers decide what might work best for them. Shop the range Various Smile Makers Buy Now on Smile Makers Product Description Sexual wellness site Smilemakers is offering 20% off site wide for a limited time when shoppers use the code SELFCARE20 at checkout There's even a whole page dedicated to vibrators for beginners. The Billionaire - a simple bullet vibrator that can be used externally or internally - is £39.96 after the 20% discount is applied. It offers four speeds, two pulsation modes, and a waterproof design for those venturing into the world of intimate gadgets, reports the Mirror. For individuals searching for something with a bit more kick, the Tennis Pro may hit the spot. This G-spot vibrator boasts an angled head, a flexible neck, and a long-lasting battery, and, like The Billionaire, it costs £39.96 post-discount. Then there's The Whisperer, fashioned as a lipstick vibrator. Subtly crafted for new mums seeking a tender return to pleasure, it's perfectly suitable for anyone yearning for a softer touch. And at £27.96 once the 20% discount kicks in, it's a budget-friendly pick for those dipping their toes into these waters. There are plenty of pleasure emporiums to explore beyond Smile Makers, too. Lovehoney, which claims to have the largest selection of sex toys in the UK, truly has something for everyone - and there are often great discounts to be had, too. On the high street, Ann Summers also has a decent range of sex toys and accessories. Feedback for Smile Makers' assortment is glowing - a testament to customer satisfaction. A first-timer who tried The Tennis Pro shared: "I honestly didn't know what to expect. It's my first vibrator, and my expectations were kind of mid-range. I was pleasantly surprised. I'm still exploring and discovering, but so far, so good." The Billionaire is said to be great for beginners (Image: Smile Makers ) One reviewer raved: "A good starting toy to begin this vibe-y journey of mine. It's not too intimidating, and there are many modes for when you feel confident enough." The Whisperer has garnered 72 flawless five-star reviews, with a shopper singing its praises as "silent, discreet, and powerful." Another reviewer cooed: "I am so so in love with this new vibrator. It is the perfect size, but I love all the different settings. It's super soft and squishy, which I love because it almost feels gentle, like skin. It's my new go-to." However, individual tastes may vary, as demonstrated by a buyer of The Tennis Pro who wished for more intensity: "A bit stronger would have been lovely." Article continues below Across their product range, Smilemakers boasts an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,849 reviews, with shoppers commending the designs, prices, and variety. Customers can use the code SELFCARE20 to enjoy a 20% discount on all purchases before 11:59 p.m. on July 7, 2025. This code is limited to a single use per customer and cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts, or bundles.
Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Shoppers can bag a bargain as sexual wellness brand unveils sale
Designed by women, for women, Smile Makers helps people get more out of their sex lives and has just launched a site-wide sale Despite decades of work put into demystifying sex and reducing taboos around pleasure, plenty of people find themselves not knowing where to begin when it comes to improving their sex lives. Whether its adding some spice to time spent with a partner, or self-exploration during some alone time, the right sex toy can make all the difference - and that's where Smile Makers comes in. Described as 'pioneers in female sexual wellness,' Smile Makers researches, designs and tests elegant sex toys and accessories that proudly celebrate pleasure and has put its products front and centre in big-name shops like Selfridges, Urban Outfitters and Sephora. Now, shoppers looking for a new pleasure product can enjoy 20% off site-wide on all of Smile Makers' catalogue as part of a campaign improve wellbeing through self care. With a team consisting of 75% women, female pleasure is at the heart of everything Smile Makers does - and they create products that they hope shoppers will proudly display on their nightstand, rather than feeling the need to hide in a dusty corner under the bed. For shoppers who don't know where to start when it comes to shopping for sex toys, the brand has put together a handy quiz that helps to narrow down the products that might work best. Alternatively, browsing the best-rated products list is always a good idea, with plenty of reviews from real users to help shoppers decide what might work for them. There's even a whole page dedicated to vibrators for beginners. The Billionaire - a simple bullet vibrator that can be used externally or internally - is £39.96 after the 20% discount is applied, and packs a punch with four speeds, two pulsation modes, and a waterproof design. Those looking for something a little more intense could try The Tennis Pro, a G spot vibrator with an angled head and flexible neck and a battery that lasts for three hours between charges. This one is also £39.96 after discount. Alternatively, a more delicate experience is offered by The Whisperer, a lipstick vibrator that's designed for new mums to enjoy a gentle reintroduction to pleasure. That said, it's great for anyone who wants a more subtle session - and at £27.96 after the 20% discount, it could be a great way to test the waters without spending lots of cash. There are plenty of pleasure emporiums to explore beyond Smile Makers, too. Lovehoney, which claims to have the largest selection of sex toys in the UK, truly has something for everyone - and there are often great discounts to be had, too while on the high street Ann Summers also has a decent range of sex toys and accessories. That said, Smile Makers' range has lots of great reviews from happy customers. One buyer of The Tennis Pro said: "I honestly didn't know what to expect. It's my first vibrator and my expectations were kind of mid. I was pleasantly surprised. I'm still exploring and discovering, but so far so good." Another said: "A good starting toy to begin this vibe-y journey of mine. Not too intimidating and many modes for when you feel confident enough." The Whisperer has received a unanimous set of 72 five-star reviews with one shopper praising it as 'silent, discreet and powerful.' Another said: "I am so so in love with this new vibrator. It is the most perfect size but I love all the different settings. It's super soft and squishy which I love because it almost feels gentle like skin. My new go to." However, these are very personal purchases and don't always work for everyone. One buyer of The Tennis Pro said: "A bit stronger would have been lovely." Overall across all the different products on their site, Smilemakers has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 1,849 reviews with shoppers praising the designs, price and variety of items on offer. To get the 20% discount site wide shoppers simply use the code SELFCARE20 on any purchase before 11.59pm on July 7, 2025. The code can't be combined with any other promotions, discounts, or bundles and is a one-time use per customer.
