We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
So many people have heard me say this but starting Kiss & Ride was a selfish endeavor. As I started to heal my relationship with sex, I also began exploring my relationship with sexuality and gender. I wanted a sexual wellness store that I felt comfortable exploring and asking questions in. At the time, a shop like that didn’t exist in Atlanta so I started wondering what it would look like to create that space myself. It has been, and I think will always be, an incredibly intimidating pursuit! I’m not a sex expert, educator, or therapist. I’m just someone who is curious about sex and all the forms it can take.
What should our readers know about your business?
While K&R is small, especially compared to other stores in the Cheshire Bridge area, I still think it has something special to offer. The products in store are curated with a lot of thought. I try to stock items that might be harder to find in person like a variety of packers, thigh harnesses, and toys made by people in the queer community. All the toys on display are “testers.” This means that people can come in and actually put their hands on things before making a big purchase! I think this is one of the most important elements of the space! Alongside the classic toys there are books, zines, and work by local Atlanta artists. I think the traditional stores are intimidating for a lot of people so I try hard to provide a different type of environment! The store is bright, open, and playful. I truly love when people tell me that the space was approachable and eased a lot of their anxiety around shopping. Kiss & Ride also offers free private shopping hours for people who aren’t comfortable shopping in stores, have accommodations they feel more comfortable asking for privately, or just want the space to ask more questions!
Kiss & Ride has also hosted a handful of events like Slippery When Wet: Queer Lube Wrestling, Queer Club Social, and Kink & Draw. I love hosting community events and find a lot of joy in it. I’m thankful for people like Community Market, yes please: a bookhouse and carespace, and The Bakery for being willing to partner with me and try new things!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Okay, this question made me a little sad because so many places that I love have shut their doors. BUT it’s Atlanta; there’s plenty of fun things to do.
For food I would head to Estoria for their vegan wings or Elmyriachi for a frozen margarita. Both of these are comfort go-to places for me especially when it’s patio weather. If we wanted to dance after I would head straight to Mary’s or see if there was a SFQP event going on.
I love science stuff! For a more relaxed outing I would probably suggest going to Fernbank’s free observatory nights. You can check out the big telescope for free and catch a show at the planetarium on Thursdays and Fridays. I highly suggest it!
The last thing I will say is I love Liminal Space Collective. Anyone that’s coming to visit is going to be coming by Kiss & Ride. I love giving people a tour of the space and seeing their reactions. Liminal Space is also home to Pollen8, Mainline Studios, Coven Chiropractic, Cult Bodywork, Synchronic Haus, and Wavelet Labs. There’s a lot to this space and it’s a great spot to come and hang out! (I might be biased though)
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Kiss & Ride is what it is thanks to Atlanta’s queer community. I know this might sound like a cheesy answer, but I sincerely mean it. There are endless ways the community has shown up. The shoppers who frequent the store, the artists who allow me to sell their work from the space, the organizations who have partnered with me for events, and the people who’ve donated their binders for the free binder box are the reason this store exists. My role at the store is small in comparison. The store really is it’s own life force and I’m just the lucky person that gets to help it along. I’m endlessly thankful.
Website: kissandrideatl.com
Instagram: kissandrideatl
Other: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kiss-ride-atlanta https://liminalspaceatl.com/
Image Credits
Wrestling Photo: Dessa Lohrey