Check Out Jessie Kugelman’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Kugelman.

Hi Jessie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started Vanilla Kink in 2019 after a disheartening experience managing a chain adult boutique in the area. I had a note book full of consistent customer requests that upper management had no interest in hearing about, so I used it as a blue print for what would become Vanilla Kink. Lacking start-up capital, I started out by vending at kink and goth community craft fairs with a handful of leather collars and a few dongs. That’s where the one of the most important parts of the Vanilla Kink project first coalesced. I began to build the network of local collaborators and artisans that I work with to this day, including our primary leather craftsman Marty Flint of Pueblo, CO. Before long, Vanilla Kink was able to build a large enough following and find and investor. In the summer of 2019 Vanilla Kink opened in the Metlo at 1111 Broadway. We had no idea what would come just six months into our first year of being open. Co-Vid felt like a question directly from God, demanding to know just how badly we wanted to bring our kinky vision into the world. So we answered. And with that answer came a new journey into the slippery and shiny world of latex. What began as an art project between close community friends morphed into The Sindicate, a latex social club. Not only did we have a place to wear our rubber to, but now so did the rest of Denver. At some point Netflix took notice of our escapades and featured Vanilla Kink briefly in the series ‘How to Build a Sex Room’ and ‘ Married at First Sight’. It’s bee a wild ride and nearly 7 years. Vanilla Kink is still Denver’s kinkiest boutique and we’re only getting kinkier.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has anything about the world been smooth for anyone in the last 6 years? Whatever challenges come, it is my pleasure to rise to the occasion with creativity and passion. It is my deepest hope that Vanilla Kink can be a haven for sexual liberation and self expression in a world that seems determined to stamp out every shred of individuality.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In service of becoming a haven for individuals, Vanilla Kink has become a curated collection of some of Colorado’s best kinky artisans. I make quite a few things in the boutique including a variety of resin paddles, sensual massage oils and, my favorite, stainless steel bondage jewelry. In addition to my own handcrafted steel day collars and body chains, we carry a large selection of exceptional vegan bondage gear by Marty Flint of Pueblo. Marty has over 30 years of experience crafting both leather and biothane bondage gear for boutiques all over the US. His large spike collars are a cult favorite among the Colorado goth and Drag communities.

We also carry hardwood paddles by Wolfe Cross Dungeon Works, a rainbow of specially crafted wax play candles by Lightplay and rotating selection of American made gear.

Even though we can’t make it here, Vanilla Kink does have the largest latex selection in the Mountain West. However, we do carry locally made latex care and shine products by our friends, The Sindicate. The Sindicate also hosts a monthly Latex Craft Night on the first Wednesday of the month at Vanilla Kink. Craft night is a great, low key event where you can learn to cut, glue and repair your rubber gear. Meet other kinksters and make new friends!

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the vibrant and queer nature of Denver. There is always a colorful new club, event or art exhibit to experience and interesting folks to meet. Like a lot of Denverites, I grew up in the vast rural nothingness of the American West as an out of place queer and ran to the fist big city I could get to. Everything about Denver blew my mind when I first moved here over 10 years ago. Denver became the home I always needed and I love it here. I wish didn’t wasn’t so expensive to live here, though. Every time I see an artist or community friend leave because of the cost, it breaks my heart. Denver is at risk of losing its best local flavors to gentrification.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vanillakinkdenver.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanilla.kink.denver/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vanilla-kink-denver
• Other: https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g33388-d34093665-Reviews-Vanilla_Kink-Denver_Colorado.html

Image Credits
Vivid Dream Pro Photography, Shadows Gather