Sade Buckeridge turns heads. With her half-shaved head, edgy sense of style and confident deportment, it’s difficult not to pick the Fetish Secrets proprietor out of a crowd. We repeatedly bumped into the adult toy and novelty shop entrepreneur at a series of parties during the Ocho Rios-venued, Appleton Estate-sponsored SPF parties last weekend. A mid-week drink date back in Kingston is finalised at Macau Bar, and as expected, she arrives stylish and chic in a white cotton Zara jumpsuit and Christian Louboutin heels to talk SPF partying and lessons learnt being in the adult retail business.

What kind of day are you having?

It’s a chill day. After coming from the intoxicating SPF weekend in Ocho Rios, I’m in relaxation mode, and enjoying some down time before getting back to work for the rest of the week.

How did you find this year’s parties at SPF Weekend?

I thoroughly enjoyed them. My two favourites were Fiction Beach at Sunset Beach and SPF: Soirée at Bay Beach Club.

What are you sipping?

A lychee martini — it’s one of my favourite drink choices here at Macau.

Who does your hair?

Lisa at Kelis Beauty Spot on Red Hills Road.

Who does your nails?

Lisa at Club Klippers at Hagley Park Plaza.

What perfume are you spraying?

I’m wearing Gucci Guilty at the moment.

What’s playing on your iPod or car stereo?

Currently, it’s Mavado but I’m a lover of alternative music, so I love the Immortals, Lana Del Rey, P!nk, Kelly Clarkson and Adele.

You have an edgy sense of style. What motivates your wardrobe selections?

I’m doing me. I don’t like normal and what everyone else is doing. I want to be different and comfortable in my fashion choices.

What prompted the interest in the business of retailing adult toys and novelties?

It started with being very open-minded, and being someone unafraid to explore sexually. The business is not just about using toys to pleasure each other but there are books, games and lollipops. I love to read and am open to trying new things. It’s important to explore and discover elements that can enhance the bedroom experience.

How receptive are Jamaicans to the store given we are not exactly the most sexually liberal as a people?

Jamaicans were once very ignorant and did everything behind closed doors and called a lot of things taboo, but nowadays there has been a 180-degree change, particularly since E L James’ book 50 Shades Of Grey came out. I have been in the business for five years, and I have since realised people are now more open and less afraid to discuss sex and want to try new things. Our sex sales have really been booming since the book.

Is your clientele tilted towards one gender over another?

Not at all. It’s both genders. There are toys and novelties to pleasure men just as there are for women. Female customers tend to be more shy than the men, and men don’t like to shop when there are a lot of persons around.

Who do you most admire?

My mother. I respect her strength and struggles as a woman. She still remains as humble as can be while pulling through.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice came from my mom. She told me, “You can’t live a positive life with a negative mind.”

What’s your idea of the perfect date?

A candlelight dinner on the beach.

What’s your idea of the perfect partner?

Someone who is loyal, honest, respectful, open-minded, and a go-getter.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I would like to pursue studies towards becoming a sexologist. I have a deep interest in and passion for the subject. In terms of the business, I would like to penetrate the international market with Fetish Secrets. I would like to perhaps start a magazine where people can appreciate their sex lives more, and the stuff that we do.