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.
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.
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 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,” craziness!
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.” Also, if you had more than five sex toys in your possession, you could be arrested, even if they were your store’s merchandise. So doing home parties was tricky. More craziness!
After about a year or so, people calmed down and found that we were an excellent addition to the neighborhood. Most importantly, we were there to provide a service by helping people improve their relationships.
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
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.
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.
We want to welcome Janet to our Shades of Love Team. Janet supports the sexually curious and mature adults struggling with navigating their sexuality. Helping them learn how to accept and embrace their whole self so they can be free to who they are and share their true selves with others in a consensual and pleasurable way. She is the founder and facilitator of San Antonio Embracing Sexuality found on Meetup, MeWe, and Facebook, where she hosts both in-person, group, and online events. She comes to us with excellent training in sexuality.
Consent Training; Institute for Mind-Body Therapy Training; Cuddlist Professional Training; Cuddle Party Facilitator; Betty Dodson-certified Bodysex Facilitator; Facilitated Sexual Health Leadership Course with American Medical Students(AMSA) Janet will be conducting adult sex education classes at Shades of Love. Check out her fun and informational class schedule on our website.
We are delighted to announce that our team is growing. Meet Marlena. She is from Goliad, Texas, and is an excellent addition to our team. Marlena has worked for some years in customer service, and we are happy to welcome her to the Shades of Love team. She enjoys spending time with her family and her main squeeze(her dog). She enjoys the outdoors and describes her self as “very outgoing.” Welcome, Marlena!
Kady enjoys traveling with her spouse. She was born and raised in San Antonio and has worked in retail for the past few years. She is very active in the LGBTQ community and enjoys educating others on the many facets of life.
“We are so excited about welcoming Kady to our team! With her experience, she will be a great addition. Welcome aboard!”
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!
