Shades of Love provides customers an intimate space to explore their sexuality, 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, and more. Shades of Love classes/workshops/events are open to all genders and sexualities.
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.
We are here to help build better relationships.
Luckily, things (and laws) have changed since 2000. Visit our store, and you will meet either my sister Rose, our planning a naughty weekend expert. My daughter Lorraine or our newest member Marlena who both provide the best in customer service.
More than anything, Shades of Love isn’t about exclusion.
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.
From The Owner, Rita
Here is my journey to creating Shades of Love.
Before Shades of Love, adult stores in San Antonio were typically uninviting places: windowless, filled with pornography, and staffed by intimidating men. Shopping at these stores was an unpleasant experience, and I only went if my husband accompanied me. This sparked an idea: to create a comfortable, clean, and safe store that catered to women and offered the same products.
However, it was not as simple as it seemed. Back in 2000, I struggled to find a landlord willing to lease to me in a nicer, safer area. After two years of rejections, I was about to give up. Fortunately, I found my current location and a landlord who was open-minded.
Even then, the first year was incredibly challenging. I started to regret opening the store, and I am sure my landlord did too. We faced petitions to close the store, nasty letters left on our door, and people “praying for me.”
My landlord received numerous complaints about Shades of Love, and the city government and police made things difficult. Initially, local laws prevented us from saying “vibrator” or “dildo,” forcing us to use the term “marital aid.” Additionally, owning more than five sex toys could lead to arrest, even if they were part of our store’s merchandise, making home parties especially tricky!
After about a year, things calmed down, and people realized that we were a valuable addition to the neighborhood. Most importantly, we provided a service by helping people improve their relationships.
Fast forward to the present day, I am incredibly grateful that I still love what I do and enjoy every moment. Thankfully, we no longer receive complaints or nasty letters, and I hope that any prayers we receive now are for our continued service to the San Antonio community.
Best,
Rita
Love, Rita
Meet Shades of Love Awesome Team!
Meet Rose
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 recently graduated from Texas A&M University, earning 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.
Meet Lorraine
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 and especially her grandchildred.
Meet Elizabeth
Elizabeth is my grandaughter and was only eight years old when I opened Shades of Love. She is now a welcomed part of our team. Elizabeth has two beautiful children, which makes me a great-grandmother. She is currently studying to be a pharmaceutical technician while working part-time at the store. Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her children and snowflake her cat. She exceeds expectations in regards to her customer service and is the epitome of service with a smile.
Mom & Dad
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!
