Kylie Baker, a regional manager at Risqué Moments, has detailed her career progression within adult retail, which began nearly 12 years ago as a temporary favor. Her journey from store support to a leadership role has been marked by adaptability, resilience, and a focus on team collaboration.

Baker's entry into adult retail was not initially a long-term career objective. She transitioned from the restaurant industry into the adult retail sector to assist a friend with covering shifts. At the time, her son was in kindergarten, which allowed her to pursue this new professional path. Within months, Baker demonstrated a talent for operations and leadership, leading to rapid advancement within the company.

By February of her first year, Baker was managing a store, and by July, she was working in the corporate office. She quickly began overseeing and assisting all six locations. Her early responsibilities included assisting with the launch of the company's first website. When the company transitioned from its original name, Intimate Treasures, to Risqué Moments, Baker built the entire warehouse for the website while managing her other duties. Her role further expanded when the company integrated its stock management system, requiring her to dismantle the warehouse, which was the size of an entire store, to link inventory with National Video's live system. These developments occurred within her first seven years with the company.

Leadership Evolution and Adaptability

Following a change in company ownership, Baker transitioned back into a purely management role before advancing again. She viewed this change as an opportunity to refine her leadership approach and implement her vision. Currently, Baker serves as a regional manager, overseeing all six Risqué Moments locations and providing support to Allure, a sister store located in Tennessee.

Baker emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication, collaboration, and mutual support in her leadership style. She attributes her ability to navigate various operational shifts and ownership changes to her adaptability and problem-solving mindset. Baker states that her role involves ensuring team goals are executed efficiently and consistently, which requires flexibility and a focus on solutions.

Mentorship and Industry Changes

Baker credits Vickie Springer, the company’s former general manager, as a significant mentor who provided opportunities and guidance on both business and personal aspects. She also acknowledges the support and camaraderie from other women in the industry, including Taylor Means, Kristin Zuri-GodsKind, Nicole Talley, and Blanca Estrada-Gonzalez. This network has reinforced her commitment to fostering a supportive workplace culture.

Over the past decade, Baker has observed a shift in adult retail from a transactional environment to a more customer-focused and educational experience. She notes a move towards normalizing conversations, creating judgment-free spaces, and emphasizing product knowledge. Customers are now more informed and expect professionalism and discretion. As a woman in the industry, Baker has focused on team training and communication to adapt to these changes, aiming to create an environment where both employees and customers feel comfortable and respected.

Baker expresses that her favorite aspect of her role is working with people, extending from customers to employees. She aims for every location to be a safe place and for employees to have positive experiences. For women considering a career in adult retail, Baker advises focusing on consistency, thorough understanding of the role, and a willingness to step up when needed.

Key Facts

  • Kylie Baker began her career in adult retail nearly 12 years ago.
  • She transitioned from the restaurant industry into adult retail.
  • Baker quickly advanced, managing a store within months and moving to the corporate office within her first year.
  • She assisted with launching the first company website and built a warehouse for the Risqué Moments website.
  • Baker currently serves as a regional manager for all six Risqué Moments locations and supports Allure in Tennessee.
  • Vickie Springer is identified as Baker's primary mentor.