Shades of Love gives its customers an intimate space to explore, with an all-female staff of professionals ready to help you with any questions you have. Our inviting and clean atmosphere has a wide selection of lingerie, adult toys, books, videos and more to ignite your fire.
Shades of Love was the 1st adult store and boutique in San Antonio, TX.
We opened the store in February 2000 and, since then, have offered the best in sensual products. Our all-female staff is very knowledgeable about our wide range of products. Also, the staff is literally my family.
Luckily, things (and laws) have changed since 2000. Visit our store and you will meet either my sister Rose (if you need ideas on planning a romantic or naughty weekend, talk to Rose), my daughter Lorraine, my granddaughter Elizabeth (boy, I am getting old), or myself, Rita.
It’s about inclusion. It’s about empowerment. While San Antonio adjusted to Shades of Love, we went forward to educate, entertain, and inform people on how to get the most out of their romantic relationships to a new level.
Whether it’s something a bit more risqué, or something for people that are just starting their sexual journey, Shades of Love can help you get the satisfaction you need.
Before Shades of Love, the only adult stores that existed in San Antonio were windowless, wallpapered with pornography, and staffed with creepy, intimidating men. I hated shopping at these stores and would only go if my husband went with me (so much for surprising him). I had the idea to open a store geared towards women offering the same products but in a comfortable, clean, and safe location.
Not as easy as it sounds.
Back in 2000, I wasn’t quite sure I could find someone to lease to me in the nicer and safer areas in town. I was almost right. After two years of hearing “NO,” I was about to give up. Luckily, I found my current location and a landlord with an open mind.
Even then, the first year was horrible. I was starting to regret opening the store and I am sure my landlord was as well. We had people petitioning to close the store, nasty letters left on our door, and people “praying for me,” as if I was blaspheming.
My landlord received a lot of complaints about Shades of Love. The city (both the government and the police) was giving me a hard time. When we opened, we were not permitted to say “vibrator” or “dildo” due to local laws. Instead, we had to say “marital aid” or we could be fined. Also, if you had more than 5 sex toys in your possession, you could be arrested, even if they were your store’s merchandise.
We were trailblazers, to say the least.
After about a year or so, people calmed down and found that we were a nice addition to the neighborhood. Most importantly, we weren’t there to “smut up the place.”
I am so blessed that I still love what I do and enjoy every minute of it. Thank God, we have received no more complaints or letters and hopefully the prayers that we get now are that we continue to serve the San Antonio community.
Love, Rita
Lorraine was born in San Antonio and has been with Shades of Love since it opened in 2000. She is our chief organizer, making sure things at the store look great and that everything is well stocked. She offers excellent customer service and enjoys visiting with old and new guests at the store. She helps by providing a youthful vibe to the store, so we can relate to all age groups.
When she’s not organizing, she enjoys spending time with her children. Lorraine has 3 children and one granddaughter who was born in November 2015.
Hillary is 22 and was born here in San Antonio. She is world traveler and having spent her childhood years in Europe has made her familiar to other cultures and types of people. Hillary is all things social here at Shades of Love. She works on our social media as well as assists with our events. She is also our part time sales associate who enjoys meeting all our Shades of Love’s wonderful customers.
When Hillary is not working on new projects for Shades of Love she’s out in the world spending her wonder years with her boyfriend. Hillary is definitely part of San Antonio’s night life, so if you need any tips on the city’s trending hot spots be sure to ask her when you come out and visit us!
Rosemary was born and raised in San Antonio and has been part of Shades of Love since we opened in 2000. She is quite the romance expert, so much so that she gives classes on how to improve your sex life. She is very open minded and genuinely cares about our customers’ needs.
Rosemary graduated from Palo Alto College with a degree in kinesiology. She is currently attending Texas A&M University, majoring as a Bachelor of Science in community health.
She enjoys spending time with her grandson, hiking, and taking care of her many animals. If you need to spice up your life, talk to Rosemary.
Shades of Love would not be a part of my life if it were not for my wonderful, supportive parents. They taught me my work ethic, respect for others, as well as acceptance and understanding of others that may be different. They always encouraged me to be the best I can be in everything I do.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for being such wonderful parents and for working so hard to make sure we always had food on the table and clothes on our back. You both are amazing! Love you!
