In her 30+ years in the adult novelty business, Account Manager Tammy Nanawa has seen and done it all.

From her start at pleasure product pioneer CPLC to the early years at Swedish Erotica (now known as CalExotics,) to her current position at Holiday, she has worked in accounting, shipping, customer service, and now sales.

Tammy has touched so many parts of The Industry and is a valuable asset to everyone she has worked with.

How many years have you been with Holiday Products?

I have been with Holiday Products for the last 10 years, and in the Industry a little over 30 years.

How did you get into the business?

In 1988, I was working for the West Coast Branch of American Intimate Apparel. The company closed. My Mom put in a call to a vendor and friend in the Industry. Her name – Susan Colvin. Shortly thereafter I was interviewing at CPLC. Yep, it was my MOM that opened this door for me!

I began working as an invoicer and gladly took on other tasks in the customer service, the credit department, and even did some “fill-in” receptionist work.

CPLC closed in 1990ish and I gratefully accepted an offer from Susan to begin a new journey of what is now the fabulous CalExotics!

The next phase of my life began with the birth of my beautiful baby girl, Joelle. I worked with Susan until 1993, but then chose to raise my girl full time. I accepted an opportunity to work from home with a former salesperson from CPLC, Helene Kusens.

We were a two-person team. She did her amazing sales thing and I was her behind-the-scenes partner. Everything from invoicing, customer service, even packed and shipped the orders from my little bungalow in Venice, CA. I remember how funny it must have looked to my neighbors. UPS would pick up every day, but daily more and more boxes were ready to go!

So much so that we had to find a small warehouse, and then a bigger warehouse . . Hence, the creation of Honey’s Place.

Sadly, Helen passed away. Her daughter took the reins and continued the growth.

In 2010 I moved over to Holiday Products. Yes, here we go again – YAY!

What challenges have you confronted in your career and how have you overcome them?

It’s a good thing that Helene pushed me out of my comfort zone. I loved being in the background. I fought tooth and nail, but she wanted to show me the art of selling, and now today, it is what I thrive on!

Now, with the amazing guidance and support of Ken Sahn, Holiday Products is my home.

The challenge of being in sales has been well worth the journey. I enjoy it so much. I am grateful every day for my blessings. I am still learning everyday how to be the best account manager that I can. With Ken Sahn and my coworkers’ knowledge and support – it’s all good.

 What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I spend my days with some of the most loving, mindful customers. My customer account base is FILLED with people who are always very grateful for who I am for them and I am so grateful to all of them. They are personal relationships in every way.

 What are your professional goals for 2020 (and beyond)?

As for 2020 and beyond, I don’t think I would change a thing.

 What is your personal motto or mantra that you live by?

My mantra is – Happy, Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise.