'There were a few occasions when some male clients hinted at sex,' she
recalled.
'A Caucasian customer was very touchy with me, and asked me for a one-night
stand. I told him firmly that while I talk freely about sex and women's sexual
needs, I will not have sex with him.'
In her line of work, Madam Lee says she cannot be prudish or conservative.
'I don't think there's anything wrong with talking about sex, wanting sex or
exploring different ways of making love,' she said.
She also thinks that being female is an advantage in her work.
'Female customers feel comfortable coming to me for advice. Sometimes, they may
have problems in the bedroom and need to talk it out with another woman. I can
also suggest toys or products that will suit them,' she said.
'And the men can come for advice on pleasing their partners. As a woman, I'm
better placed to tell them what works for a woman and what doesn't.'
It was both curiosity and good timing that got her into the business.
Before starting 1836 Fantasy early last year, she was helping her 41-year-old
husband in his car-audio business.
'Before that, I was already quite curious about sex toys and novelties.
'My husband and I used to go into sex shops when we holidayed abroad. We bought
an item or two to try out,' she said.
'Then, my in-laws left us this shop space. We rented it out for a while, but
soon wanted to set up our own business.
'We thought of opening a food outlet but decided on this in the end.'
Madam Lee said business has been good. She makes a nett profit of about $5,000
a month. Women make up 10 per cent of her clientele. When she first started
there would be four to five women visiting her shop a month. Now, it has
increased to about 10.
'Women these days are more open-minded. They should not be shy about their
wants and needs. They should talk about it openly but in a tactful manner.
'Sometimes, being open about it can even save a relationship.'
She cites her oldest female customer, a teacher in her 60s, as an example.
'She said she and her husband were sleeping separately. She was frustrated
because she didn't know how to initiate romance.
'I gave her some tips on how to spice things up at home. She bought an item and
returned a few days later. This time, she brought her husband along,' Madam Lee
recalled, with a smile.
'She had no other complaints after that. When I come across 'success stories'
like this, it makes me happy.'
