Let’s face it, there’s a ton of condoms out there to choose from.
How does one decide?
Maybe your go-to is the one you’ve been using forever, or maybe you just use what your partner likes, then again maybe you just buy whatever’s on the shelf that’s on sale. Whatever the case, all condoms are not the same and different bodies respond to different products so it’s always worth a visit to try new things and learn about what’s out there.
I was initially interested in discovering more about GLYDE and UNION condoms because the company is woman owned. I was curious to find out how they did things differently than their male-owned counterparts. In addition, their condoms were the first certified vegan brand, sustainable and fair-trade. They have vision – it’s inspiring whenever a business thinks outside the box and is able to successfully create a product that’s not only ethical but works.
In this interview, I get a chance to talk with Kimberly Ardwell, the owner and founder of GLYDE and UNION condoms to find out why cammers may be interested in trying them out – if you haven’t already.
What was the impetus for starting GLYDE and UNION?
For decades there was little to no innovation in terms of introducing a more natural and socially responsible condom option.
I think conventional companies just didn’t recognize that the new generation of consumers would expect sexual health products to align with their personal ethos. The first certified vegan condom brand, GLYDE is truly revolutionary in this respect. We were ahead of the curve as vegan certified when a mere 1% of the population identified as vegan.
UNION, also an ethical brand, was created with the same ingredients but with a different shape.
We’ve made the head flared to give extra room to men who need it. Customers say they feel more sensation than with a straight shaft condom. UNION also has MAX – which is 60/64mm in diameter, and the largest condom on the market. This is a significant offering for girthy penis owners who for decades couldn’t find a condom large enough to fit comfortably.
Were there challenges to getting a woman owned business in a male oriented space up and running?
Challenges and barriers come with the territory of entrepreneurship – regardless of gender. While established industry players were less than welcoming, many clients were excited to adopt a new concept that also happened to be woman owned. At the time I started, the trend was to focus foremost on the founder story, and secondarily on the product or service.
This never made sense to me. I found promoting the quality and benefits of the brand more important than self-promotion. The most frustrating aspect was the lack of VC funding available for innovative personal care product start-ups. Investors were almost entirely focused on funding (often frivolous) technology companies instead of timeless and essential products, so I relied on self-funding.
By grounding my work in gratitude, persistence, and resilience I was able to overcome these hurdles and get the product launched.
What are the benefits to using a vegan condom like GLYDE and why should a cammer make the switch?
Female-identifying GLYDE users find the brand does not cause the vaginal irritation that often occurs with conventional brands, and there is no unpleasant latex odor. They feel and smell better.
What goals do you have for the company for 2023?
Continued steady growth and finding new ways to serve our customers, while enjoying every day. We just launched a recurring subscription service on our website, and our customers are loving the convenience. Our #1 priority is always to help improve our customers’ lives.
Follow GLYDE on their Instagram @glydeamerica and Facebook @GlydeVeganCondoms. For UNION head to their Instagram @union.usa and Facebook @UnionCondoms.
Photo credit: iStock.com/LiudmilaChernetska
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Alyssa Collins hails from Minnesota, where snowy days were the perfect excuse to stay warm inside and write. Over the years, she turned that joy into a career and has authored numerous articles for various publications (under pen names). Email Alyssa via alyssa@ynot.com.
