The Art Of Loving

At The Art of Loving adult toy store in Kitsilano, don’t expect to see, “’XXX, Girls-Girls-Girls’. A lot of women are turned off by that. This is the new model of that industry,” says Vera Zyla, the store’s co-owner.

The Art of Loving goes to great lengths to make all visitors feel at ease. “As you enter the store, we have the garden out front. We have a little calendar on the outside of the store, so if you aren’t comfortable coming in you can at least take our calendar and see what seminars are coming up. The front of our store is predominantly books," Vera describes. "And it’s well-lit.”

Inside are shelves with the latest technology in eco-friendly silicone vibrators and other toys in tropical colours or stainless steel, high quality condoms and organic lubricants, massage oils, bondage equipment and a curated selection of educational books and DVDs.

“It’s a safe doorway for the average person, who maybe is curious about exploring their sexuality a little more than what the meat-and-potatoes of their normal sex life offers. And they’re a bit curious," says Vera of her customers. "We create a safe stepping stone to look into new things and alternative things. The seminars are a big part of that. The more the merrier, so people come with their friends to attend the seminars. We also host many private bachelorette seminar parties where friends give the gift of knowledge.”