Even so, starting a company that focussed on women sexual health wasn’t seen in a good way. “Along the way, I did very much encounter stereotypes—people who had certain ideas about women like me who sold intimacy products,” says Patty. “Some people wouldn’t let their children play with my children, and even my own family didn’t always believe in me.” But that didn’t stop Patty from building a multi-million-dollar international company and a potent resource for women looking to take control of their sexuality and finances. In addition, as an advocate for improving women’s sexual health education and research in 2005 she launched The Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health. The foundation since its founding has raised more than $4 million, aiming to elevate awareness about these sensitive subjects while working with health care providers to help them improve the quality of life for women everywhere. Furthermore, throughout the last year, Patty has been actively working with the foundation’s board and local physicians/sexual health experts to launch a speaker series, called “Sexual Health Matters.” This series gives the public a chance to learn about various sexual health topics and get their questions answered by professionals in the field. It has been a huge success and was very well received by the Greater Cincinnati community. “Everyone has discouraging days, but in the end, my passion for the people and our mission always wins,” says Patty. Although Patty has distinguished herself as a catalytic leader in addressing important issues facing women today, she believes in to learning continuously and innovating to find better solutions. As a result, she can be found relentlessly attending several conferences, industry shows and working closely with the Product Development team at Pure Romance. This is because, as she puts it -- success is a continuous journey. “The day you think you’re a success is the day you stop growing,” says Patty. “Even though I’ve been in this business for more than 25 years, I believe 100 percent in staying a student every single day because there’s always something new to learn and accomplish. There’s always an opportunity to be better.”

As for naysayers throughout it all, she always recalled what she calls “why”, her reason for being a consultant, her reason why she started. So she didn’t let the naysayers keep her from fulfilling her dreams. “I always took the high road and told those people that I’m helping my customers own their bodies and desires, and I’m giving other women like me the opportunity to start a business and change their lives, too,” affirms Patty. All the while she learned from her journey that, “There are always going to be naysayers who think they understand your life and your struggles better than you do. You have to develop blinders to that kind of negativity. They’re not the ones standing at the plate; you are,” asserts Patty.