Let’s talk about sex, baby
Behind a secret door in Surfers Paradise’s iconic Condom Kingdom waits a shopping experience like no other. The brainchild of sisters Charlotte and Mollie O’Sullivan, Hall of Harper is on a mission to make sex cool again.
We were lucky enough to catch up with Mollie ahead of Hall of Harper’s recent launch event, to talk sex, sexuality and why we need to think differently about both of them.
What was the inspiration behind Hall of Harper? Why did you feel driven to make a business like this?
We’ve been watching the industry for a long time – we knew it would be the next space to grow. Everyone has sex, but it’s traditionally been sheltered behind a funny little group. Charlotte and I would always wonder when we’d start having more conversations about it.
So, how long was Hall of Harper in the works?
Probably like five years. We’d both been doing a lot of research – I even bought a big scientific journal about the sexual health and wellness industry. We knew it was really just a matter of finding the right time to go for it.
And how did you know the timing was right?
A pivotal moment for us was the ‘Sex, Love and Goop’ TV series. It was the first time a female orgasm was shown live on TV, and we realised the timing was right, culturally. We wanted to start a new conversation around sexual wellbeing – one that got away from the dingy, fluorescent lights.
TikTok has actually been amazing. It’s very PG-friendly so you need to use these weird words – like ‘seggs’ instead of ‘sex’ – to get around the censorship. But even so, there are amazing creators who talk about things you’ve probably never heard of, and they have, like, two million followers.
It’s been incredible. The more I learn, the more I realise that everyone has such a different experience. It’s a huge, rich conversation.
Tell us about going into business with your sister. How did that conversation start?
Our dad owns Condom Kingdom so, for us, this industry is nothing new. We love how Condom Kingdom has always been a gift and novelty shop, rather than a ‘sex shop’. It’s playful and chaotic and lively and colourful. It’s just a place to have a great time.
When COVID happened, Surfers took a big hit. A lot of businesses closed down, including the shop next-door to Dad’s. When that opportunity came up, we realised we could add an extra element that we could really make our own. Once we had the physical space, things happened pretty quickly from there.
Charlotte with their range of Aussie and international products.
What were you both doing before this?
We both have backgrounds in marketing, videography and photography, and we’ve worked for small businesses across the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. My sister also studied Chinese medicine, so we’re bringing a lot of different elements to Hall of Harper.
Even just by being women in this space, we’re creating a new lens to look at the industry through. It’s always been so male dominated and portrayed in a dirty, grimy way, which is something we’re always trying to overcome. We did a shoot recently and really struggled with the ‘male gaze’. We have to keep asking ourselves what’s actually sexy and get to the root of what turns people on, and why. There’s something a little bit sacred about it.
When you’re creating a business around sexual wellness, where do you start?
We started by looking for our hero products and by asking ourselves what would set us apart. We offer lingerie, sex toys and glass toys, so it’s not super kinky or full on. We wanted a luxury store that Charlotte and I would be proud to work for and create for. There are a few brands that really align with us. Lelo, for example, is an award-winning luxury brand that has been around for decades. They’ve won product design awards that have never been won by sex brands before.
We stock a Ukrainian brand called Anoeses that makes the most amazing corsets. We’re the only Australian shop to stock them, and they’re one of the biggest latex creators in the world. They have such an amazing eye – their pieces could be worn in the bedroom or to a festival. And they’re based in Kyiv, going about business as usual even with everything that’s going on. They’re amazing.
Hall of Harper’s ‘love dice’, their first original product – but hopefully not their last.
There are probably more preconceptions about this industry than any other. Has it been hard for you to break the mould?
It’s hard to say because we’re still so new. Instagram has been kind of hard because it doesn’t let us tag our products. The industry is set back because no one wants to be associated with sex. I understand why social media is that way, of course, but it’s something we need to work around.
Did you have any role models or sources of inspiration that you’ve looked to?
Our biggest inspiration is the conversations we have with our friends. We want to offer those conversations to our customers – the ones you might not have otherwise. I feel like I’m becoming a counsellor. It’s so cool.
Why do you think the Gold Coast needs a boutique like Hall of Harper?
Everyone needs a boutique like Hall of Harper! The Gold Coast is great. We’ve had so many people move here since COVID, and we have such an amazing lifestyle. Having such a rich tourism industry means we get to talk to so many people from all over Australia and even the world. It’s cool to connect with people who are getting away from their day-to-day life and injecting this little extra experience that they may not have known they needed. When they call back and tell you that they loved it, it’s even better.
Hall of Harper is open now at 3222 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, with private shopping experiences available by appointment. Speak to a staff member to gain access.
