Love and Science Familiar Bedfellows on Valentine's Day

CINCINNATI, Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Love and science have always had a special relationship, spanning from concocting ancient potions and continuing right through online compatibility computer matching services. Today couples seem more willing than ever to explore exactly where their romantic chemistry comes from, including an ever expanding line of products developed to extend intimacy long after honeymoon photos have been filed away. In 2011 "couple chemistry" is still big business, which includes the development of neurotransmitter-friendly chemical compounds ranging from lubricants, stimulants and brain-induced endorphins, opiates and dopamine; to flavors, scents and bedroom accessories invented solely to intensify the sexual experience.

Researchers at Pure Romance – over a $100 million company that has dedicated the past 17 years to helping couples find successful and enduring intimate relationships – work at square one. And though their job is being a chemist when at work, outside the lab they're like everyone else: focused on finding and sustaining fulfilling personal relationships.

Pure Romance CEO Patty Brisben sometimes finds herself surprised at how quickly the category has grown. Brisbane founded Pure Romance (aptly located in Loveland, Ohio) in her home in 1993, when she was a single mother looking for a way to help support her family.  Today it has become one of the world's fastest growing woman-to-woman businesses with more than 70,000 independent sales consultants throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The company has been recognized for excellence, winning distinctions such as Inc magazine's Inc. 500 award, Deloitte and Touche's Rising Star Award, and being named Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year. 

"There's no doubt that sexuality has never been more mainstream," she said.  "In a pretty short time as a society we have moved from Victoria's Secret opening retail locations in shopping malls, to primetime commercials promoting Viagra, condoms and stimulant creams on TV."

In recent years Brisben has become a sought-after speaker on the topics of sexuality, relationships and female empowerment, earning a reputation as a frank-speaking grass roots guru.  In 2006 she established the Patty Brisben Foundation, a not-for-profit charitable organization that gives back to women and couples by improving the quality of sexual health.  The Foundation is charged with conducting much-needed research to understand how people develop and sustain relationships, seek and obtain information about their bodies and how women in particular manage complex sexuality issues.

"On Valentine's Day and every day of the year people need to remember that sex is supposed to be fun," she said. "It's an idea we never stray very far away from. For years Cupid only had an arrow. Thankfully today we have a lot more choices."

About Pure Romance:  Founded in 1993, by Patty Brisben, as a way to support her young family from her home, Pure Romance is an in-home party company that sells a premier line of relationship aids, including lubricants, heighteners, and bedroom accessories. Pure Romance products are not available in stores; they may be purchased online or through our network of more than 70,000 independent sales consultants throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Pure Romance has grown into a multi-million-dollar company.

SOURCE Pure Romance