Meet Natalie Pointer | Business Owner, Wife, and Mother

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Pointer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I always knew I wanted to start a business but I was never really sure what kind. I did a lot of brainstorming and decide the adult toy industry was best for me. Not a lot of people are independent in this industry, they actually sell items under brands but I knew if I was going to do this, I had to stand out with my own brand. That’s when SugarxSpice Novelties was created back in 2018. From there I spent endless night on researching different items and ways to make my brand stand out.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Currently, I am still working  full time as a property manager where my staff and I manage 158 units. Originally, I started school to become a teacher but as usual, life chose another path for me. I am entering my 10th year in this profession and it has been very rewarding for me. There have been many challenges I’ve had to face considering I am a young black professional however, I never let it discourage me from being successful. To date, I have managed 5 separate properties totaling over 800 unit total.

In the midst of maintaining a professional career, I always knew I wanted to do something of my own. Again, the adult toy industry is very lucrative however most people are reluctant because of the items in particular. For me, I saw it as another challenge and opportunity for me to do something of my own, stand out, and be different.

As time went on and my brand continued to grow,  I decided to not just limit myself to adult toys. I added pajamas, lingerie, massage oils, and other items as well. I eventually begin to get a buzz around town. Then  I started doing pop up shops in the city and surrounding areas to help get my name out. At times, it was definitely hard considering the products I offered I  am not able to do post certain things because of the content. Also, some people would not feel comfortable purchasing items in a public setting. From there, I begin to host “fun parties”. Ok, for those of you who do not know exactly what that is, let me explain. A fun party is when a small group of people get together and have a host like myself to come and showcase items as well as explain sexual wellness and how the products can be used in intimate settings. Well I begin to notice my parties we so exciting for these main reasons. I always kept items on hand for purchase so there was no need to place an order and get items at a later date. My items were priced significantly lower that others because I was my own brand verses selling items under larger well known companies. I make the parties better,  I’m generally a fun outgoing person so hosting parties was so easy for me. Then,  since I am my own brand, there was no “script” I had to follow. I am able to make people comfortable making them more open to talk about certain thing they  may not usually want to discuss. Eventually in 2021, I decided to step out on faith and open a storefront so that I will no longer have to travel to sell products and it also gives me the opportunity to have a space where I can host fun parties. I can truly say it has been the best decision I made. I am so excited to see what 2022 has for SugarxSpice Novelties. This is my time and I proudly claim it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I would take them to visit the Loraine Motel where Dr. King was assassinated, then we could walk on Beale street to grab drinks and to catch vibe early, then we would go to In Love Memphis on a Saturday night so that we can be in the nitelife but with a more mature setting. Of course, we would have to go see the Young Dolph memorial and follow up with brunch at WKND Memphis!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would like to recognize my husband, from day one he encouraged me to go for it. Although selling adult toys and other novelties would be risky, he always had confidence that I would succeed. Id also like to thank my mother and my sister for being by my side with any and all assistance I have never needed.

Website: www.sugarxspicenovelties.com

Instagram: @sugarxspicenovelties

Facebook: @sugarxspicenovelties