With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Julia Westgate and her fiancée, Craig McClain, are stocking store shelves.
The couple own and operate Twisted Tulip, an adult novelty store at 543 Rambow Dr. Opened in November 2021, the 1,000-square-foot specialty shop sells products for sexual health, wellness and pleasure along with bachelorette items, gag gifts, games, and a wide selection of lingerie ranging in size from extra small to 2XL. Larger sizes require special ordering.
Customers must be 18 or older to enter the store and proper identification is required.
“We are continually getting new items in weekly, and if there’s a special request for an item, I will try to get it ordered for you,” Westgate said. “When shopping for items for myself, I realized there was a need for a place where you could touch and feel an item before purchasing. To see if you like the material it’s made of … If it’s well made and if it’s in your budget.”
Ineffective communication and adding spice to a struggling or dormant relationship are often reasons customers shop at adult novelty stores. However, Westgate does not agree.
“I think people of all ages have started to shift their attitude when it comes to (adult) toys and are celebrating their sexuality and exploring different kinds of pleasure. I think couples have great communication if they are shopping together and are open about their needs, wants and desires,” she said.
As a shop owner, Westgate wants her customers to feel comfortable when patronizing the store.
“If a customer feels uncomfortable about coming in the shop for the first time I would recommend a few things. First, I would recommend shopping with a friend. Shopping alone in a store like ours can be overwhelming at first. Bring a friend to ease your worries,” Westgate said. “My second suggestion would be to shop online or give the store a call. I am available to help with any questions or concerns. My third suggestion would be to come closer to opening hour or our closing hour. Visiting our store then may ensure a more personal and quiet experience. I want customers to leave our store feeling confident, excited and doubt free.”
For a customer’s privacy, purchases are placed in black bags and online items are shipped discreetly with only a return address on the package.
Westgate said one goal as a business owner is to offer romance enhancement and education to her customers. The 47-year-old Tecumseh resident is currently taking classes for certification in sexual health. Her goal is to help educate her patrons, become a trusted shop with returning customers and lift the stigma that surrounds adult novelty shops.
Westgate realizes the nature of her business may draw some critics.
“You are allowed your opinion. It’s your right not to shop at my store, just as it is someone else’s right to shop with us,” she added. “However, our doors will be open and ready when you change your mind.”
Twisted Tulip
Location: 543 Rambow Dr.
Owner: Tecumseh residents Julia Westgate and Craig McClain
Business started: November 2021
Services:  Adult novelty store sells products for sexual health, wellness and pleasure along with bachelorette items, gag gifts, games, and a wide selection of lingerie.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twistedtulipmonroe
Website: http://www.twistedtulipmonroe.com/

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