We believe in sophisticated sexual wellness.

Meet Madeline

Madeline is a certified sex educator and sexologist specializing in LGBTQIA+ sex education. With a social media network of over a million followers and millions of views across platforms, she's spent years creating inclusive, science-based sex education content and working with brands to develop affirming, effective messaging. She has a private practice where she takes clients that need help navigating intimacy.

At Ink & Intimacy, Madeline curates the education and sexual wellness offerings, ensuring every product reflects real bodies, real pleasure, and real inclusion.

Meet Sarah

Sarah is a retired lawyer, lifelong book lover, and the president of B.E. Tolliver's Books for Book Nerds; a nonprofit that awards scholarships to Kentucky college students for textbooks. Her organization was created by Kentuckians, for Kentuckians, and exists to make college education more accessible.

At Ink & Intimacy, Sarah curates the book selection, bringing her love of storytelling, her commitment to accessibility, and her belief that everyone deserves a space where they can explore freely and without judgment.

What Sets Us Apart

A “sex store” that’s classy

We aren’t a regular sex store, we are a cool sex store. Or rather, we are a retail store that specializes in wellness. Technically we are not an adult store. We only carry 25% sexual wellness products. Technically- we are a book store. Our sister store; Intimate Editions, is our online adult store. Ink & Intimacy didn’t have what you were looking for in store? No biggie! Our sister store Intimate Editions will have it! Order in store (on our handy dandy tablet) and pick it up same day!

Community and education

A big reason we started Ink & Intimacy is because we saw a need for sex education and community events. As lovers of learning, we want everyone to feel included and informed. Community events will include everything from book clubs, to sapphic events, to couples yoga. Educational classes happen often, If there is a subject you are interested in please reach out. Madeline’s background in academia is always up for creating a new workshop or lecture. Interested in a private party? We host bachelorette parties, divorce parties, and birthday parties! Check out details on our Events page.

Sexual freedom

For too long women, AFAB, and LGBT+ people alike have been sexually shamed, pushed aside, and all around forgotten. Not anymore! We understand that sex stores should not be a one side fits all. We understand this might be your very first vibrator or it might be your 8th strap-on. We want you to feel comfortable to touch products, ask questions, and mozy your heart out. We are sick of the overly plastic and overwhelming adult stores here in Louisville. Ink & Intimacy is curated, clean, and classy.

How We Came To Be…

How Ink & Intimacy came to be…

Sarah and Madeline found each other the way many women do in their thirties- on the playground of their kids' school. Their daughters were best friends in kindergarten, and the families clicked immediately. Sarah, a retired attorney and book lover who runs a nonprofit providing textbook scholarships to Kentucky college students, and Madeline, a sexologist with over a million followers across social platforms, had been joking for a couple of years: "We should start a sex store together."

The dream stayed a joke until 2025, when Madeline overheard a group of women talking about Louisville's sex stores. They all said the same thing: the stores felt designed for the male gaze, or the staff was judgmental, or the atmosphere was overwhelming- or just plain icky.

Madeline texted Sarah. Sarah texted back: "Let's do it."

And that was it. After a couple of meetings in Days Coffee Shop- papers were signed, a vibe was created, and dreaming started. No overthinking. Just two women who saw a gap and decided to fill it.

Ink and Intimacy along with their sister store Intimate Editions opened in 2026 as Louisville's first queer-owned, woman-owned bookstore and sexual wellness shop built for people who deserve better than what's been offered before.

Store and Company Policies

  • All customers must be 18 years or older to shop in store, online, and/or pick up items in store. Classes, book clubs, and events are assumed to be 18+. If they are not, it will be specified.

  • Due to the intimate nature of our products, all sales are final (we do not accept returns). We stand behind the quality and safety of everything we carry, and we're happy to answer questions before you purchase. Most products have a manufacturer guarantee so we encourage you to reach out to the brand.

  • We offer in-store pickup and local shipping within the Louisville area. Shipping is discreet and professional.

  • Ink & Intimacy is a welcoming, judgment-free space. We will not tolerate sexual harassment, inappropriate conduct, or any behavior that makes staff or customers feel unsafe. Any sexual advances or acts in-store will result in a permanent ban and authorities being called.