Picture this: a college kid in the early ’80s, invited to a pleasure products party, expecting some sleazy, awkward gig. Instead, she’s blown away by a nurse practitioner dropping knowledge about sexual health like it’s no big deal. That’s where Melinda Myers got her spark, and damn, did she run with it. Fast forward to 2025, and her brainchild, Good Relations, is a cornerstone of sex wellness in Eureka, California, celebrating over four decades of breaking taboos and building community.
A Legacy of Pleasure and Connection
Back in 1983, Myers didn’t just start a business—she kicked off a movement. Her home-based pleasure-party company, Good Relations, threw 2,000 parties in 12 years, with Myers personally hosting half. By 1995, demand was too hot for living rooms, so she opened a brick-and-mortar boutique in Arcata, later moving to Eureka’s 329 2nd Street. Now, it’s a sexual wellness mecca, stocked with toys, lubes, lingerie, and even edible aphrodisiacs.
What Makes Good Relations Tick?
It’s not just about selling dildos and massage oils. Myers, a former clinical psychologist and professor at Cal Poly Humboldt, brings serious cred to the table. Her team’s concierge service is the real game-changer—think personal shoppers for your bedroom fantasies, matching customers with products that fit their desires and budgets. Whether it’s a $20 lube or a splurge-worthy vibrator, they’ve got you covered without breaking the bank.
Not everybody’s got $90 or $100 or $150 to spend on a bra. Where I live, that’s a stretch.
– Melinda Myers
Myers keeps prices real because Eureka ain’t Beverly Hills. Her “splurge” items? Moderately priced compared to big-city boutiques. It’s a hustle to stay affordable amid inflation, supply chain chaos, and new tariffs, but she makes it work.
Shifting Vibes: More Men, Smarter Shoppers
Here’s a twist: more dudes are walking through the door. Myers credits the shop’s upscale vibe—no sticky floors or creepy backrooms here. Guys tell her they’re done with seedy adult stores and want a place that feels legit. It’s a sign of the times: sexual wellness isn’t just for women anymore. Society’s catching up, and Good Relations is riding that wave.
Customers are also savvier than ever. They’re hunting for toys that sync with apps or VR, and they’re picky about materials—nobody wants sketchy chemicals in their personal massagers. Myers loves it. “They’re more educated about ingredients than a couple decades ago, which is awesome,” she says.
Storm Clouds: The Comstock Act Threat
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Myers is eyeing a dark cloud on the horizon: the Comstock Act. This 1873 anti-obscenity law, which bans mailing “obscene” materials like contraceptives or sex toys, is being dusted off by right-wing groups. If enforced, it could make shipping products from California to states like Texas a felony. Myers is blunt:
The things that are considered obscene under the Comstock Act would shock you.
– Melinda Myers
It’s a chilling prospect for adult retailers nationwide. The law’s vague standards could crush e-commerce and limit access to pleasure products in conservative regions.
The Secret Sauce: People First
So, how does a sex shop thrive for 40 years in a small town? It’s the people, stupid. Myers’ three-person crew, all long-timers, are pros at making customers feel seen. They build personal connections that keep folks coming back, often surprising them with thoughtful touches. Myers puts it best: “We can often do something unexpected for somebody that they find delightful.”
- Curated product recommendations tailored to individual needs.
- An inclusive, judgment-free vibe that welcomes everyone.
- Community-driven ethos that resonates with Eureka’s values.
In a world of faceless online retailers, this human touch is gold. Myers knows her community. “If I sold crappy products, I wouldn’t last. If I treated my employees badly, I wouldn’t last,” she says. Her shop mirrors Eureka’s spirit—quirky, real, and fiercely independent.
What’s Next for Good Relations?
As Good Relations looks to the future, Myers is doubling down on what works: quality products, fair prices, and a killer customer experience. She’s also bracing for legal battles, like the Comstock threat, while keeping an eye on trends like tech-integrated toys. One thing’s clear: this isn’t just a store. It’s a sex wellness revolution, and Myers is still leading the charge.
Eureka might be a speck on the map, but Good Relations proves you don’t need a big city to make a big impact. Here’s to another 40 years of pleasure, positivity, and pushing boundaries.
