Hidden Gems: Meet W. Jones of The Stockroom

Today we’d like to introduce you to W. Jones.

Hi W., so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The Stockroom was founded in 1988 and has remained one of the most enduring privately-owned small businesses in the adult industry and in Silverlake/Echo Park. It began as a personal project by the founder Joel Tucker but has become a space that helps shape modern kink, fetish and alternative fashion, BDSM education, and provides a home for creators, learners, and explorers across the globe. More than 37 years later, we are still independently owned, still community-driven, and committed to building the future of fetish culture.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been an easy road. Particularly over the past few years, increasing censorship and the challenges that come with operating an adult-oriented business have made things more complicated. From restrictions on social media and advertising to payment processing and simply getting our work in front of the people who are looking for it, there are obstacles that businesses in our industry face that most people never see. At the same time, those challenges have made us more resourceful and more committed to what we do. We’ve learned to adapt, find new ways to reach people, and focus on building genuine relationships within the community.

As you know, we’re big fans of The Stockroom. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Stockroom has been part of the kink and fetish community since 1988, and I think what sets us apart is that we’ve never seen ourselves as simply a retailer. We’re an independently owned, Los Angeles-based business that designs and manufactures much of our own gear, supports independent makers, provides education, and creates spaces where people can explore kink, learn, connect, and express themselves.

Craftsmanship is a huge part of who we are. More than half of our products are still made in-house here in Los Angeles, and many members of our production team have been with us for more than 20 years. There’s an incredible amount of knowledge and skill behind what we make, and we’re proud to continue producing pieces with that level of care in an industry that has increasingly moved toward mass production.

We’re also very proud of the role we’ve played in supporting independent creators. Whether it’s giving a new maker a table at one of our flea markets, carrying an emerging brand in our boutique, collaborating on a pop-up, or helping a small brand reach a larger audience, we want The Stockroom to be a place where creativity within the kink community can grow.

Education is another important part of that. Through Stockroom University, we bring experienced educators and practitioners into our space for hands-on classes covering everything from introductory exploration to more advanced disciplines. We believe access to knowledgeable, responsible kink education makes the entire community stronger.

Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is that after more than 37 years, we’ve maintained our independence and our identity. We’ve grown and evolved alongside the community without losing sight of where we came from.

The Stockroom has a lot of history, but we don’t want to be defined only by our history. We’re proud of the legacy we’ve built, and we’re equally excited about helping shape what comes next.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
One thing we’d love readers to know is that our Echo Park boutique isn’t just for experienced kinksters. We really want it to be a place where anyone who is curious about fashion, leather, latex, sexuality, or simply exploring something new can walk in and feel welcome.

Fashion is actually a big part of our history. Our Syren Latex brand has an incredible legacy of its own and is perhaps best known for creating Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic Catwoman suit for Batman Returns. That connection between fetishwear and fashion continues to be part of who we are today. Whether you’re a latex lover, a leather enthusiast, a fashionista looking for something you won’t find anywhere else, or someone who’s simply curious, there’s something to discover in the store.

And you certainly don’t have to identify as kinky to visit us. We carry a wide variety of sex toys and products for people who simply want to explore their sexuality, try something new with a partner, or find something that makes them feel good.

More than anything, we want people to know that you don’t need to arrive with experience or a label. Curiosity is enough. Come in, look around, ask questions, and discover what speaks to you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stockroom.com
• Instagram: @stockroomretail @syrenlatex

Image Credits
@rope.top.kitt Instructor featured in the first photo.