Meeting the Goddess Erotic Interview with Raye Andrews, Owner of Aphrodite's Toybox
by Lisa Iris
How do the words “Adult
Store” make you feel as a woman, mildly embarrassed or disappointed?
Perhaps at such a place you experienced a less than nurturing environment
where your needs were not met.
rather imagine a “Sensuality Boutique” where you’d
bring your
friends - a celebratory oasis dedicated to women’s pleasure,
health and self-expression. As you venture
within, you’re surprised by the upbeat sense of community and
plethora of activities. Imagine art exhibits, book signings, dance
classes, catered
bachelor-ette, birthday, divorce parties and Sunday champagne brunches
as fare du jour.
Imagine your eyes
sweeping across a girls’ clubhouse of wood, stained glass,
burgundy curtains and mirrors, a cozy alcove
for reading or dishing, a riot of costumes and accessories for all
themes and variations.
As you sway
to music that greets you at the door, “All acts of love and
pleasure are My ritual” whispers in your ear.
Meeting Raye, you’re embraced by a warm and generous heart.
Wise in all things erotic and esoteric, her conversation is sensitive
to your path along amor’s adventures. With spiraling tresses,
a honeyed voice and lynx-like eyes that change color, Raye is a charismatic
presence, an imposing avatar of Mighty Aphrodite and a savvy business
woman. Lisa: Raye, your vision and how you created your store is the stuff
of legend! How did the schism between sex and spirituality occur
and how do we heal it? Raye: In my opinion, the schism was created by the advent of patriarchal
monotheism that stipulated that sex is solely for the purpose of
wedded procreation. The teachings of modern organized religion deny
the spiritual components of sexuality for the purpose of controlling
human behavior. The healing needs to begin within each individual
by removing the preconceived taboos about sex and by ultimately embracing
healthy sexuality as part of your spirituality. Spirituality is an
integral part of our whole. It empowers us. It supports us and reconciles
issues of guilt and suppression that we have wrapped around our sexuality. Lisa: What is the connection between sex, self-knowledge and creativity? Raye: They are all part of our individual freedoms. And, this can
only be discovered by fully embracing our capacities for sex, creativity
and self-knowledge. Lisa: A woman recovering from a loss, an illness or a bad relationship
can reconnect with her creativity and spirituality, laugh again and
get her groove back. Do you consider your vision a healing center? Raye: Absolutely! Additionally, it is a happy, healthy, helpful environment
that promotes individual empowerment. The more that you can empower
yourself the better you can heal yourself. It is a large part of
the process of healing. Our desire to aid in healing is part of why
we offer dance classes because it brings joy, happiness and fulfillment.
Lisa: Is it true that
Victoria’s Secret sends their customers
to you? Raye: Yes they do for a couple of reasons. They
know that we carry a variety of styles of intimate apparel, hosiery
and shoes that they don’t. They also know that we carry apparel
to fit larger sized women. When they make a referral they understand
that they can comfortably send women to us and feel assured that
we will meet their needs. Lisa: Why do we fear our fantasies? If couples could play more, would
there be less conflict in the world? Raye: It’s not so much that we fear our fantasies but more
fear the rejection or judgment or disapproval of our fantasies from
others. Of course, if we played more laughed more enjoyed more were
more fulfilled in general we would have less conflict in our lives
which could translate into less conflict in the world. Lisa: What do you see in your future? Raye: Plans for a metaphysical line have always been part of my vision.
We’ve spent our first year laying the foundation and now we
are ready to implement the part of the plan directly related to spirituality.
To offer a metaphysical line, in my mind, is a natural and necessary
progression. We already offer scented oils, decorative burners, candles,
and aromatherapy. We will carry books related to spirituality. And,
we plan to offer information and education including classes in Tarot
reading. Lisa: As the world becomes more Orwellian, is fully
experiencing our sexuality a means of sidestepping
oppression? Is this part of activating the paradigm of a Goddess
culture of beauty and balance? Raye: Anything that empowers you (spirituality,
sexuality, creativity, connectivity, validation, and support), anything
that raises you above the fray and supports clarity of mind will
help you avoid oppression and/or overcome it. But, no, fully experiencing
our sexuality is not a means of sidestepping oppression because someone
who fully experiences sexuality will want to end oppression, not
simply sidestep it. In essence and as a matter of fact yes it is
[a part of activating the Goddess culture].
The inclusive haven you’ve dreamed of exists!
Aphrodite’s
Toy Box
3040 N. Decatur Rd
Scottdale GA 30079
404-292-9700 aphroditestoybox.com
The passionate creation of Raye Andrews.
Lisa Iris is an Atlanta
artist who is internationally known for her magickal art work. Her
work has been featured on the cover of numerous magazines (including
regularly on Oracle 20/20), album covers, calendars and books.
