“I have some basic rules about what will never go in my vagina. Investment bankers, pastry chefs…” boldly states a brunette on the city streets. “A mixologist is never allowed in my vagina—ever,” claims another. No, these women aren’t auditioning for HBO’s Girls, they are part of Sir Richard’s™ Condoms latest marketing campaign, reminding women that no matter what their “vagina rules,” one of Sir Richard’s is that it never uses unnecessary chemicals in its products.
Known for its thoughtful and unique approach to safe sex, Sir Richard’s is Vixely’s condom brand of choice. As women who care about the quality of the products we consume, we love that their condoms are vegan and nearly chemical-free. We are also closely tied to the company’s mission to bring “health and pleasure” to our world, as well as their goal to open the dialogue around sex by approaching the subject with playfulness and even a touch of irreverence.
Vixely interviewed Mia Herron, Sir Richard’s Condoms’s Director of Marketing, in our iPad Magazine Second Issue to discuss the company’s inspired vision and learns why its slogan, “doing good never felt better,” is actually true.
Vixely is using proceeds from our “Endless Summer Cocktails & Benefit” to purchase Sir Richard’s Condoms as part of their “Buy One, Give One” program, where for every condom we are able to purchase, Sir Richard’s will donate one to a developing country. Download Vixely’s iPad Magazine Second Issue, “Endless Summer of Love,” to read the full interview, watch more Sir Richard’s videos and buy Sir Richard’s condoms within the app. Don’t have your iPad? View a demo of the issue online.
Vixely (V): Part of your mission is centered on the global shortage of condoms. Tell us more about that, how Sir Richard’s has impacted the crisis, and how Vixely readers can help.
Mia Herron (MH): The global shortage of condoms really inspired our founders when starting the company, and became a focal point of our mission. People are aware of the HIV/ AIDS epidemic, which is directly related to the unmet need for condoms, as they are the most accessible and effective form of pregnancy prevention. That global need captured our attention from the start. The shortage is massive—billions of condoms are needed. How we’re looking to help fill the gap is through our “buy one, give one” model. We developed a relationship with the outreach organization Partners In Health (PIH), who are committed to giving the highest quality health care to those most in need. PIH started in Haiti over 25 years ago, and their work and dedication to public health was another inspirational catalyst for Sir Richard’s. We approached them early on in our company’s development to become a distribution partner for us in Haiti. For every one Sir Richard’s condom purchased, PIH makes one available for free in Haiti. They’re currently working on a large development project with the Ministry of Health in Mirebalais, Haiti, an area heavily in need of health resources, which will be our new outpost to distribute condoms.
Vixely readers can help by participating in our “buy one, give one” program simply by buying Sir Richard’s! Your purchase positively impacts others in the world.
V: What’s different about Sir Richard’s condoms? Why buy Sir Richard’s?
MH: First, I’d say our product quality. We are extremely dedicated to product quality. Yes, we’re motivated in our foundational roots to giving, but product quality is paramount—condoms need to work! At Sir Richard’s, our latex condoms are almost 100% chemical-free. We exclude any dairy products often used in manufacturing (our condoms are certified vegan), and our lubricants are free of parabens or spermicides. Second, Sir Richard’s is definitely distinguished by our design and branding. Through our unique design, we see an opportunity to intersect cultural touch points and to promote condoms as a lifestyle accessory. It’s why we use gingham plaid on our packaging. Even the Sir Richard’s name confers a little irreverence. Our design allows for the product itself to exist in the outside world, so it’s not just shoved away in your bedside drawer. Finally, we’re differentiated by our giving effort. By impacting someone in another part of the world through your purchase, we’re bringing condoms to the forefront, and destigmatizing their perception by broadening the community and by getting them out in the everyday dialogue.
V: Who are the typical Sir Richard’s brand customers?
MH: Everyone! At Sir Richard’s, we take a no judgment perspective on our buyers. Unlike other condom brands, we’re not trying to say that because you use our condoms you’re going to have a more amazing sexual experience. We’re of the mindset that the person who is going to pick Sir Richard’s is more discerning in taste, more aware of world, more design-focused, and that the combination of those characteristics will naturally make that person better in bed!
The Sir Richard’s brand is gender agnostic, and we’ve seen great resonance from it with women. Our average female customer is 18-34, and is generally a woman looking for products and brands that share her values, who is optimistic in that there are ways through her everyday choices that she can give back to the larger community, and who is conscious about the things she puts in her body. What you put inside your vagina arguably deserves the same, if not more, care and attention as something you put in your mouth, and our customer more discerning in that regard.
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