PURE ROMANCE HISTORY
The History of Pure Romance
In 1983, while on maternity leave from her job as a medical assistant for four pediatricians, Patty Brisben took a break at home to watch The Phil Donahue Show. On that particular day, it featured a company that was recruiting women to sell adult bedroom toys in home party settings. Intrigued, Brisben realized she identified with these women. As a divorced mother of four, she was always looking for a viable solution which would provide for her family, yet still allow her to remain actively involved in her children's lives.
Shortly after watching the show, Brisben signed up as a distributor and was so successful after the first year, she left her medical assistant job to pursue her new full-time career.
After years of profitably working with a multi-level marketing company, the company folded leaving Brisben and her down line stranded. Determined to draw on her years of experience and lead the way for her down line, Brisben decided to open the doors to her very own in-home party plan, Slumber Parties, Inc.
In 1993, with only $5,000 and 55 Consultants, Patty self-funded and motivated the launch of Slumber Parties. During the first years, Patty filled orders from the basement of her home; now employees fill orders from a 40,000-square-foot distribution center in Loveland, Ohio (a suburb of Cincinnati).
For years Slumber Parties led the industry for in-home party plans specializing in relationship enhancement. In 2001, Brisben brought on her eldest son, Chris Cicchinelli, to run the day-to-day operations. The two formulated a five-year plan that would take Slumber Parties to a new level. Brisben and Cicchinelli realized that Slumber Parties had become more than just a party plan; it had become a practical resource for women who wanted to take responsibility for either their financial means or their sexuality. Not only would Slumber Parties launch a national marketing campaign, within two years the company would change its name to Pure Romance.
In the Fall of 2003, Brisben and Cicchinelli began the process of re-branding the new name, first throughout the West Coast and Southwest, then moving on to tackle the East Coast, and Midwest. The venture led to a total overhaul of over 60 markets. By the beginning of 2004 - Pure Romance was in full swing, and took the nation by storm. Currently in over 100 markets, Pure Romance has truly become America's number one reason for a girls' night in.
Still leading the industry, Pure Romance continues to raise the bar with their fresh designs, production of high-quality product, unique packaging as well as commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment for their Consultants and customers. It continues to maintain a concept that emphasizes values and versatility.
Annually, Pure Romance spends over $3 million in advertising and training for the company and its Consultants. As for Patty, all four of her children now share her passion. Each hold distinguished positions within the company including President: Chris Cicchinelli, Director of Operations: Nick Cicchinelli, Advertising Coordinator: Matthew Brisben and Editorial Assistant: Lauren Brisben.
The company's financial projections for the fiscal year of 2005 are expected to exceed over $50 million in retail sales.
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