Hi! I’m Alison. In 2000, I wandered into Richmond’s newest lingerie store, bought some anal beads, and asked for a job application.
Taboo Lingerie went out of business two years after I started working there. At the time I was pursuing a degree in fashion merchandising at VCU. Already a fan of retail, I found myself in love with the adult industry.
When Taboo Lingerie closed its doors, I scooped up its remaining inventory, took over its lease, and opened Taboo.
I expanded the original (Broad Street) location three times, eventually moving my office upstairs. In 2013, our second and third stores opened two months apart.
Since starting Taboo, I have obtained my BA, had two perfect children, married, divorced, co-founded a pickle company, discovered an affinity for home decor, and found myself an increasingly vocal proponent of sex positivity.
I am honored to have participated in panels and interviews and given talks dedicated to sexual education. I’m proud to live in a community that values consent and LGBTQ+ rights.
My mission is to combat slut shaming and promote equality while providing Richmond with a comfortable and comprehensive adult shopping destination.
I am currently working on my memoir and contributing regularly to my project Throats to the Sky, which explores honesty and openness, sexually and otherwise.
