Bloomi’s CEO & Co-Founder
Rebecca Alvarez Story
Rebecca Alvarez Instills Confidence & Security in Women With Their Sexual Health & Intimacy Journey With Bloomi
BLOOMI CEO and Co-Founder, Rebecca Alvarez Story is a nationally respected sexual intimacy expert and sexual wellness product developer, and the first Latina to have a sexual wellness brand in Target. Rebecca helps people navigate a variety of sexual wellness topics and find holistic ways to maximize their sexual agency. She has been named ‘Next 1000’ and ‘Latina Trailblazer’ by Forbes and is a 2021 Changemaker (Well+Good). She has been featured and contributed to publications including Forbes, Well+Good, Parents Latina, Byrdie, Refinery29, Elite Daily, BeLatina, mitú, and more.
Hi Rebecca! What is a sexologist?
Hi there! Sexology is the scientific study of human sexuality and sexual behavior, thus a Sexologist is an expert who studied the science of sex: human anatomy, physiology, and psychology regarding sexuality. Sexologists can specialize in different fields such as research, education, therapy, or public policy.
Personally, I graduated from UC Berkeley with a major in Sexual Wellness and furthered my studies with a Master’s in Sexuality Studies which I also created. I then spent a few years working as a researcher and product developer for prominent companies in the sexual wellness industry. Eventually, I became a Sexologist and after thousands of hours of coaching sessions, I was motivated to create Bloomi as a trusted destination for intimate care content and essentials for all bodies.
When did you begin your journey as a sexologist & entrepreneur, and what initially attracted you to this field?
Growing up, I rarely had conversations about intimacy or sexuality, which often led to confusion and poor decisions. In the Latinx community, sex and sex education are oftentimes controversial or taboo topics, which makes it hard to navigate sex lives as adults.
What inspired the launch of Bloomi?
I originally created Bloomi so I could provide a trusted and inclusive sexual educational hub for improving intimacy and normalizing sexuality for my clients. It evolved into a brand that helps anyone feel confident by making smart and well-informed decisions about their sexual wellness.
I always wanted to overcome the idea that sexual satisfaction is difficult to discuss and hard to attain. The ultimate goal is for individuals to see their sexuality as a natural part of life and be comfortable talking about it, just as with any other health-related issue.
This lack of education actually inspired me to study Sexual Wellness at UC Berkeley as mentioned above. I wanted to bridge the gap between sexual agency and sexual education because, in order to improve intimacy, you need access to the right resources.
I can proudly say that Bloomi is a safe destination for sexual and intimate care education for everyone who wants to improve their understanding, awareness, and ultimately, have a more satisfied sexual life.
What is your favorite product from your line and what product would you suggest for a new customer?
My favorite collection of products, which happens to be our bestsellers, are our dual-use devices, such as Indulge Double-Sided Vibrator and Massage Clitoral and Body Vibrator. We’re one of few brands that use non-toxic 100% medical-grade silicone to design our toys. They have a soft, sensual feel that is very appealing to our ‘consubloommers’. The ergonomic design makes them not only easy to handle but also aesthetically pleasing. We’ve been told by many that they keep Massage sitting out on their desks and use it throughout the day to get kinks out of the neck and back!
For a new consumer, I would suggest trying our Play Mini Vibrator which was just recently added to our Target sexual wellness line. Play is a compact and curvy vibe that nestles nicely in hand for targeted stimulation and has two sides, the round side that feels nice to rub anywhere and the curvy side for a clitoris or anus. Because of its mini size Play is great for traveling and can fit any bag. As for our intimate care line, I would suggest Desire Sensual Pleasure Oil, a clean and organic formula to increase pleasure before and during intimate moments.
What advice can you share with people on how to feel more comfortable with exploring their bodies?
It’s important to be open to new experiences and to take time and go at your own pace and let things evolve naturally. You can start by experimenting with different touches and sensations and if you’re comfortable, you can even add a sex toy or any sexual stimuli. If you’re a sex toy newbie, make your first toy simple and non-intimidating, so you aren’t overwhelmed, such as a bullet vibrator. It's discreet and small, so you can easily store it if you are worried about privacy, or travel with it for self-pleasure on the go.
Also, you can start with an intimate cleanser and moisturizer. Using these products will get you in the habit of touching and familiarizing yourself with your intimate parts.
Add a lube or arousal product — If you experience issues with libido or getting in the mood, add an arousal product to your collection. If you have vaginal dryness or discomfort with penetration, I suggest a water-based lube such as Smooth as it also works well with condoms and silicone-based toys.
Keep in mind that intimate care extends beyond just having sex and includes all of the things you do to better connect with yourself and others. Think of your intimate care routine as an opportunity to incorporate more pleasure into your life and take control of your intimate health.
As a wife and mother, how have your personal experiences influenced the development of Bloomi and your efforts to provide inclusive sexual health education?
Women of color, especially, are disproportionately impacted by toxic ingredients in products that exacerbate sexual health issues. Moreover, we are more likely to experience sexual trauma so need professionals and brands in the space to acknowledge and address the complexities of sexual wellness from our perspective.
Moreover, I have always been an advocate for sustainable, clean, and organic products, especially in the intimate care category as there can be numerous health side effects from using body-toxic ingredients and toys. For this reason, all Bloomi products are made under the guidance of academic research and have had input from award-winning intimacy experts to ensure that they fall under Bloomi’s research-backed clean standard, meaning that the entire product range is completely free of all toxic ingredients.
I wanted to make the industry aware of the need for inclusivity which should be central to any conversations or innovations around intimacy. As a first-generation Latina wellness entrepreneur, inclusivity is central to my work and a cornerstone of Bloomi’s mission. BIPOC individuals are typically left out of a lot of narratives about personal pleasure. We have been largely ignored and so the majority of products available have not been developed with the unique needs of diverse bodies in mind.
This includes being free of vulvar allergens such as glycerin, gluten, alcohol, artificial dyes, and fragrances. Bloomi’s toy range is also created using non-toxic medical-grade silicone and stainless steel and all of the brand packaging is made from sustainable, compostable, and recyclable materials.
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Bloomi’s Website: thebloomi.com
Photography Credits:
Photographer: Bloomi
