Pioneering Pleasure: Lavinia’s Katie Enright Redefines Sexual Wellness with Plant-Powered Innovation

In a realm where sexual wellness intersects with the healing properties of cannabis, Katie Enright, the founder of Lavinia, a silicone-based cannabis lubricant company, emerges as a pioneering force. 

Emerald spoke to Katie, who shared the inspiration behind Lavinia’s plant-powered silicone lube, and navigated the nuanced world of sexual wellness, debunking myths and offering valuable tips for National Sex Toy Day.

Emerald Magazine: Can you share the inspiration behind creating a plant-powered silicone lube, and what led you to transition from a nun to a cannabis/sex entrepreneur?

Katie Enright: It all began with a study abroad adventure. I was majoring in Theology and considering becoming a nun. That’s when I crossed paths with the captivating “Francois” (the name of a very charming Belgian man she knew). After that, let’s just say that lifelong vows of celibacy suddenly didn’t seem so doable for me.

I veered from sisterhood and stepped into a world I knew nothing about: sex. I felt like I was trying to catch up in a race that was well underway, in which no one had handed me a rulebook or any tools to feel empowered.

I dove headfirst into studying human sexuality. This knowledge would prove invaluable years later when I stumbled upon another fascinating discovery – Cannabis.

After a sports injury, I found myself in the world of cannabis. I unraveled the connection between Cannabis and sensational sexual experiences. I started researching THC-infused lubricants, but I couldn’t find one that met my needs, so I decided to take matters into my own hands.

With research, trial and error, and a partnership with a doctor and chemist, Lavinia was born.

EM: Why silicone lube vs water-based lube?

KE: Compared to water-based lubes, silicone is longer-lasting. Unlike water-based lubricants, you can also use silicone lube in the shower, bath, or other bodies of water. Silicone lubes are thicker and feel silkier than water-based, which is my favorite part of Lavinia’s oh.hi lubricant. 

EM: How does Lavinia’s silicone lube differ from traditional lubes, and what benefits does it offer, especially in enhancing sexual experiences?

KE: Aside from being condom-friendly, Lavinia’s oh.hi is infused with cannabis distillate. This THC and CBD combo not only amplifies your natural lubrication but also delivers a silky, long-lasting experience.

The magic of THC lube lies in how it interacts with our body’s Endocannabinoid system, which can enhance blood flow and sensitivity in those intimate areas. The result? Heightened pleasure and a deeper connection with your partner. 

EM: National Sex Toy Day is November 4th, and you emphasize the importance of choosing the right lubricant for different toys. Could you explain why silicone-based lubes are not suitable for silicone toys and share alternatives that work well with various materials?

KE: It’s important that your toys are made from high-quality materials, as low-quality materials degrade over time. Using a silicone lubricant can cause low-quality toys to fall apart more rapidly. As the lubricant degrades your sex toys, they become porous, which makes them difficult to clean and more likely to cause infections. To avoid this, don’t use silicone-based sex toys with silicone lubricants, or use a latex condom on sex toys!

EM: Your journey has been featured in publications like The Daily Mail, Insider, and The Daily Star. How has your personal experience shaped your perspective on pleasure, and what insights can you share with others looking to explore their pleasure zones?

KE: I think the fact that my journey hasn’t been direct is one that people resonate with. Life rarely turns out exactly the way we think. Oftentimes, it’s better!

If you had told me when I was about to become a nun that I would be a sexual wellness entrepreneur in the cannabis space, I wouldn’t have believed you. 

I’m proud of my journey. Being a late bloomer provided me with the opportunity to study and truly understand my body, my pleasure, and my needs. 

My best advice is to explore your body. You’ll become more comfortable with knowing what you need and being able to express that.

EM:  As the founder of Lavinia, what are some essential tips and tricks you would offer to individuals looking to make the most out of National Sex Toy Day and explore new devices?

KE: Try things out! Everyone’s body is different, which means your favorite sex toy will feel best to YOU! If you’re using new sex toys with a partner(s), communication is key. That way, the experience can be as mind-blowing as possible for everyone. 

EM: Can you elaborate on the chemical reaction between silicone lube and silicone toys and how it can impact the longevity and pleasure derived from the toys?

KE: Silicone mixed with silicone dissolves. Lube will break down the silicone of the toy. A porous surface means it has tiny holes. This creates areas in the toy where bacteria can remain, making them difficult to clean and creating a potential hazard for your health.

EM: In your experience, what are some common misconceptions or myths surrounding lubricants and sex toys that you would like to debunk?

KE: I think the biggest myth is that silicone lube can’t be used with any sex toys. Silicone lube can be used with sex toys made with high-quality materials, just not silicone sex toys (unless you cover them with a condom)! The second-biggest myth surrounding lube is that they are equal. Just like there are countless different sex toys, there are plenty of options for lubricants, and it’s important to find the right one for you.

EM: Lavinia’s silicone lube is plant-powered. How did you decide on this formulation, and what benefits does it offer compared to other types of lubricants in the market?

KE: Sexual wellness deserves just as much respect as nutrition. What we introduce into our bodies has a significant impact. That’s why, here at Lavinia, we’re dedicated to offering the highest quality product. Our cannabis lube, oh.hi, for instance, is latex-friendly, glycerin-free, glycol-free, paraben-free, hypoallergenic, unscented, unflavored, 100% vegan, and it features top-notch THC, CBD, and FDA-approved silicone.

Our products undergo meticulous research, development, and testing before they go public. This attention to detail is a key factor behind the enthusiastic reviews that oh.hi has received.

EM: For National Sex Toy Day, you’ve shared your favorite toy recommendations. Could you highlight a couple of these suggestions and explain what makes them stand out?

KE: Here are my favorite silicone-lubricant-compatible sex toys! The first is the Lelo Lily 3. It’s small yet powerful, and of course, waterproof!

The second is my favorite anal toy. This has to be the Njoy Pure Plug. It’s silky smooth, made of stainless steel, and comes in multiple sizes.

Exploration is key! My favorites might not be yours, and that’s OK! You’ll find the toy that’s right for you.

EM: Having lived on both sides of celibacy and embracing a more open approach to sexuality, what advice do you have for individuals navigating their own journey of sexual exploration and pleasure?

KE: Whatever exploration you’re diving into, as long as your journey is safe and comfortable, is the right one. I felt like I was far behind my peers, but it was the exact sexual path I needed to be on. Exploring my body to get comfortable with what I liked and didn’t like was the biggest life-changer for me. It opened me up to be able to communicate my desires and be able to have a satisfying sex life, which everyone deserves. 

Katie’s unique journey, marked by unexpected turns and profound discoveries, has shaped her perspective on pleasure and sexual exploration. 

As the founder of Lavinia, she imparts invaluable insights into choosing the right lubricants for different toys and emphasizes the importance of communication in shared experiences. 

As individuals embark on their personal pleasure, Katie’s recommendations and thoughtful advice provide a roadmap for a fulfilling and empowering your own exploration.