As a domestic abuse survivor, Vicky Crone draws strength from adversity, transforming personal challenges into a powerful force for change. With three children, one of whom embraces life with Asperger’s Syndrome, Vicky embodies resilience and compassion in every aspect of her journey. Navigating the intricacies of raising a child with Asperger’s Syndrome, she champions acceptance, inclusion and advocates for neurodiversity.
As the owner of a sexual wellness store, Vicky brings an unwavering commitment to destigmatizing and revolutionizing the discourse around sexual health and intimacy. Through her curated products and expert guidance, she empowers individuals to embrace their desires with confidence and authenticity.
A fervent feminist, Vicky Crone channels her passion into dismantling societal norms that limit the potential of women. Her advocacy extends beyond rhetoric, into tangible, transformative action. Armed with knowledge of psychology and counseling, Vicky also possesses a profound understanding of the human psyche. This expertise forms the foundation of her groundbreaking work.
As the visionary founder of HERintimacy, a pioneering membership platform, Vicky is revolutionizing the landscape of sex education for women. Through curated resources, workshops and a supportive community, she empowers women to take control of their sexual well-being, fostering a culture of self-love and body positivity.
A compelling speaker, Vicky utilizes her platform to amplify the voices of survivors and advocates for domestic abuse awareness. Her engaging presentations inspire change, challenging societal norms and paving the way for a safer, more compassionate world.
Vicky Crone is not just a survivor; she is a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change, and a driving force behind a movement that empowers women to embrace their truest selves, unapologetically.
Thank you for interviewing with us today, can you introduce yourself to us?
Thank you for having me! I suppose I am a slightly disheveled, slightly unapologetic, slightly badass 33 year old wife to one and mum to three (one of which has Asperger’s Syndrome). I’m also a passionate feminist, domestic abuse survivor (although I hate the word survivor!) and lover of coffee and crisps (not at the same time though!).
Can you take us through your journey to where you are now?
My journey really started with domestic abuse. That’s where my passion has propelled me into the business world. From the age of 17 I suffered abuse at the hands of a partner in every way imaginable. I was faced with psychological abuse, gaslighting, control and coercion, rape, sexual assault, financial abuse, stalking and isolation for 10 years. Actually, 2023 sees me celebrate 10 years since coming out of my third women’s refuge! To mark the celebration I released a membership (HERintimacy) to teach women sex education. If I’d of had a comprehensive sex education growing up, would I have found myself in an abusive relationship? Quite possibly. But would I have been able to escape sooner? Absolutely. Absolutely I would have. HERintimacy enables women to learn and love themselves first. To build body confidence & self-esteem, to create healthy boundaries and learn how to recognise when something may be unhealthy.
Since starting, have you made any changes to your business model?
Oh absolutely I have! My husband and I actually started our business journey by opening an online adult retailer, namely; Cherrisilk. So we sell all manner of pleasure products and our aim here really is to enable couples who are time-strapped to rediscover intimacy. So, through our personal journey into marriage at the same time as this, we quickly realized that we wanted to make our business as passive as possible. Enter: One to Many with Lisa Johnson. One to Many is a business programme that teaches you how to utilize time in your business in order to live more freely. Exactly what we wanted. Our new business model (s) reflect this and already we can see this difference within our lives.
Have you ever had a mentor? If so, how has this benefitted you either personally or professionally?
Not a 1:1 mentor no, but I am part of a sales-focused membership with a sales coach called Charlie Day. Charlie actually introduced me to Lisa’s programme and has been nothing short of a shining beacon of light for our business this year! She has taught me strategic sales goals and actions and that’s really what my business was lacking. I would absolutely advise anyone looking or thinking about a mentor to consider what it is you’re looking to add to your business/ personal development first.
What outlets do you use for marketing?
Social media plays a big part in my business. With being in the sex toy industry and the types of topics that I cover, ads are quite restrictive for us. I therefore utilize business networking events, podcast appearances and guest speaker events. My talks are usually on raising awareness of domestic abuse and igniting change for women.
What or Who has inspired you most recently?
Me! As I grow into my confidence in sharing my story of abuse, I can see the ripple effects and how it is benefitting other women. I have had lots of women reach out to me for help and to say that my story has truly inspired them to take action and/or seek help. Sometimes as a survivor, you still question yourself. It’s the age old imposter syndrome that happens to us all. So to know that I am doing what I set out to do and using my story for positive change, means the world to me.
What is the best piece of business advice you have received to date?
Time-blocking! It sounds so simple but honestly, when you are running your own business you can absolutely get carried away with tasks that are not actually benefiting your business. Lisa Johnson once said ‘ask yourself this, is this thing you’re doing today going to propel your business forward?’ and that really stuck with me because if not, what’s the point?
How do you create an evenly balanced work and personal life?
I don’t in all honesty. My business really is intertwined with my personal life. I don’t believe in separating the two because quite often, I’ll have my best ideas when I’m enjoying down time. Time-blocking allows me to have periods of focus on my business and then the rest is always free for whatever I feel at that moment. My husband and I really do not like to be constrained by what society tells us our lives should look like. The goal is for our business to be as passive as possible, so if I have to process an order while I’m lying on a beach soaking up some sun, then I am totally cool with that.
Name a seminal point in your career so far?
Definitely completing One to Many the business programme. It really has allowed me to recognise what I value in my life, and that really is time. Time is the one thing none of us get any more of. I want to be able to put the laptop down whenever I want to whisk the children away for a last minute holiday together.
What gives you ultimate career satisfaction?
Raising women to be equals. I’m such a passionate feminist. I love that my career revolves around igniting change for women and that’s another reason my business is so intertwined with my personal life. I’m raising daughters.
Are there any leading entrepreneurs or SME leaders that you admire and if so, why?
Have I mentioned Lisa Johnson?! I admire everything she stands for. Her story is one of being raised with no money on a council estate. She’s now a multi-millionaire and an advocate for anti-bullying. I resonate so much because I too was raised on a council estate and am now well on the way to completely changing that life for my children. This, as well as the domestic abuse I endured, means that I can appreciate every single gift that I am given by life. I’m grateful everyday for the wonderful life I live now.
How do you define your own success?
Although I have many goals I’d like to reach, I already feel wildly successful. Success for me is waking up everyday with a home full of love and laughter. If my children go into school happy and confident beings, I am a success. Having said that, I don’t do failure. Failure is not a word I hold in my vocabulary. Mistakes are lessons and opportunities of change. Personal growth is an absolute must. Therefore, everyday I am here I am a success.
Finally, what can we expect from you next?
My book! I am currently writing my story to share with the world. It covers everything from narcissistic parents and the domestic abuse I suffered to what I think of patriarchy and how society should change to better protect women and children. It’s been a slog for sure. I’ve had to relive all the traumatic experiences and so am having therapy whilst doing so. I want to ensure that telling my story doesn’t come at the expense of my wellbeing. I’ve worked so hard to bring myself out of that dark hole that he left me in, I’m not going back! So if there’s one thought I can leave you with today, let it be that. Your wellbeing is quite literally worth a lifetime of happiness and contentment. Protect it at all costs.
