Nicole Daedone

Last updated

Nicole Daedone is an American writer and business executive. She founded and became the CEO of OneTaste in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Contents

Early life and education

Nicole Daedone was born in Los Gatos, California, [1] she holds a bachelor's degree in communication studies[ clarification needed ] from San Francisco State University. [2] [3] She studied with teachers of yoga and Buddhist meditation, and with Ray Vetterlein, who was in turn inspired by Morehouse, a community of which Daedone was a member. [4] [5] Former students of Baranco set up their own practices and groups, among them The Welcomed Consensus. She lived at The Welcomed Consensus, a community formed by former Morehouse students for two years. Morehouse and the Welcomed Consensus, regarded themselves as "the elite connoisseurs of exquisite gourmet sex." [5] "The Welcomed Consensus had no desire to be mainstream. But Daedone had bigger ideas" according to Ken Blackman, a member of Welcome Consensus and later Onetaste. [5]

Career

Daedone published her first book, Slow Sex, in 2012. Since 2022, she published a number of books on a range of topics. Daedone draws parallels between slow sex and the Slow Food movement associated with chef Alice Waters. [6] With sex as with food, she says, people can overindulge without getting nourishment, or go from one extreme of consuming mindlessly to the other extreme of self-denial. [7] The principles of her philosophy are in her book, Eros Sutras, Volume 1: Principles which has become an Amazon.com best seller in women's spirituality. [8]

OneTaste

OneTaste was cofounded in San Francisco by Nicole Daedone and Robert Kandell. Daedone stated that a Buddhist monk introduced her to orgasmic meditation before she started OneTaste, though she did not name the monk nor the lineage the monk studied under. [9] OneTaste trademarked the "orgasmic meditation" (OM) procedure delivered through the company's classes.[ citation needed ]

OneTaste originally operated two communal-style "urban retreat" centers, one in San Francisco's Soma District and another in Lower Manhattan. [10] OneTaste then expanded to Los Angeles and London. [11] The company produced media, workshops, weekend retreats, and a coach training program. In 2014, OneTaste was listed as an Inc. 5000 fastest growing company. [12]

Investigations

In 2015, a former employee received a six-figure settlement for sexual assault and harassment. [13] OneTaste was then investigated by the FBI for prostitution, sex trafficking, and violations of labor law. [14] The company made $12 million in revenue in 2017. [13] In 2018, OneTaste closed all of their U.S. locations and stopped hosting in-person classes. [11]

In June 2023, Daedone and former head of sales Rachel Cherwitz were indicted on charges of conspiracy for forced labor. [15] Daedone, who was the company’s chief executive officer, was charged by federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, New York. Rachel Cherwitz, OneTaste’s former head of sales, was also charged. According to the government, Daedone and Cherwitz claimed to be able to help those recover from past sexual trauma or abuse but instead manipulated their victims into debt. [15] [16]

Former members of the organization testifying about their experience at OneTaste said it "resembled a kind of prostitution ring" where managers frequently ordered staffers to engage in sexual relations with customers. [13] According to NBC News, the company’s staffers sometimes were told "to engage in sexual acts they found uncomfortable or repulsive as a requirement to obtain 'freedom' and 'enlightenment' and demonstrate their commitment to OneTaste and Daedone", the indictment claims, and "resistance … was not tolerated". [17] Meanwhile, according to the indictment, OneTaste did not pay promised wages and commissions to members-turned-workers. [17]

Arrest and indictment

Daedone was charged with engaging in a years long conspiracy to manipulate victims of past sexual trauma and abuse into providing forced labor. [18] Former OneTaste sales chief Rachel Cherwitz was arrested in northern California on June 21, 2023. [19] Both were indicted on a forced labor conspiracy charge. [20] As of February 2024, a federal judge in Brooklyn has tentatively set a trial date for January 2025. [21]

In the media

Daedone is the focus of the 2022 Netflix documentary Orgasm Inc: The Story of OneTaste. [22]

Publications

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fellatio</span> Oral sex on the penis by a sexual partner

Fellatio is an oral sex act consisting of the stimulation of a penis by using the mouth. Oral stimulation of the scrotum may also be termed fellatio, or colloquially as teabagging.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orgasm</span> Intense physical sensation of sexual release

Orgasm or sexual climax is the sudden discharge of accumulated sexual excitement during the sexual response cycle, resulting in rhythmic, involuntary muscular contractions in the pelvic region characterized by sexual pleasure. Experienced by males and females, orgasms are controlled by the involuntary or autonomic nervous system. They are usually associated with involuntary actions, including muscular spasms in multiple areas of the body, a general euphoric sensation, and, frequently, body movements and vocalizations. The period after orgasm is typically a relaxing experience, attributed to the release of the neurohormones oxytocin and prolactin as well as endorphins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sex position</span> Position of the body used for sexual activities

A sex position is a positioning of the bodies that people use to engage in sexual intercourse or other sexual activities. Sexual acts are generally described by the positions the participants adopt in order to perform those acts. Though sexual intercourse generally involves penetration of the body of one person by another, sex positions commonly involve non-penetrative sexual activities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Woman on top</span> Sex position in which a woman is on top of another person

Woman on top is any sex position in which the woman is on top of her sexual partner during sexual activity. The position most commonly associated with the woman on top is often called the cowgirl or riding position, which derives its name from the image of the woman "riding" the man as a cowgirl rides a bucking horse. In that position, a man typically lies on his back with his legs closed, while the female partner straddles him, usually in a kneeling position facing either forward or back, and either the man or woman inserts the man's erect penis into the woman's vagina or anus. The cowgirl position is commonly cited as one of the more popular sex positions, especially by women, because it gives them control over the rhythm and pace of vaginal stimulation and the extent and duration of penetration and because of its ability to adequately stimulate the clitoris. There are other positions in which the woman may be on top, including the 69 position and the pompoir sex position.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doggy style</span> Sex position

Doggy style is a sex position in which one participant bends over, crouches on all fours, or lies on their abdomen, for sexual intercourse, other forms of sexual penetration or other sexual activity. Doggy style is a form of a rear-entry position, others being with the receiving partner lying on the side in the spoons sex position or the reverse cowgirl sex position. Non-penetrative sex in this position may also be regarded as doggy style.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Betty Dodson</span> American sex educator (1929–2020)

Betty Dodson was an American sex educator. An artist by training, she exhibited erotic art in New York City, before pioneering the pro-sex feminist movement. Dodson's workshops and manuals encourage women to masturbate, often in groups.

Erotic sexual denial is a popular form of sexual activity whereby sexual gratification for one or both partners is delayed or "denied" sexual experiences in order to increase erotic arousal and/or tension. It is commonly used as sex play within the context of a mild dominance and submission relationship, though it can also be a solo practice. When used in the context of dominance and submission, the dominant partner is often encouraged to prioritize their own sexual pleasure over that of their submissive partner. The submissive partner receives gratification from providing sexual pleasure to their partner and from the feelings of vulnerability and tension that come from having their own sexual pleasure controlled by another. The prohibited sexual experience can be narrowly or broadly defined for a specific or indeterminate length of time, depending on the practitioner. The experience withheld can be any favored or desired sexual activities, such as specific acts or positions, provided it is something the practitioner wants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edging (sexual practice)</span> Orgasm control technique

Edging, sometimes also referred to as gooning or surfing, is a sexual technique whereby an orgasm is controlled. It is practiced alone or with a partner and involves the maintenance of a high level of sexual arousal for an extended period without reaching climax. Orgasm control involves either sex partner being in control of the other partner's orgasm, or a person delaying their own orgasm during sexual activity with a partner or through masturbation. Any method of sexual stimulation can be used to experience controlled orgasm.

<i>Kama</i> Concept of pleasure, enjoyment and desire in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism

Kama is the concept of pleasure, enjoyment and desire in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It can refer to "desire, wish, longing" in Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh literature, however, the term also refers to any sensory enjoyment, emotional attraction and aesthetic pleasure such as from arts, dance, music, painting, sculpture, and nature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fingering (sexual act)</span> Use of fingers to sexually stimulate

Fingering is sexual stimulation of the vulva or vagina by using the fingers. Vaginal fingering is legally and medically called digital penetration or digital penetration of the vagina. The term "digital" takes its significance from the English word 'digit', which refers to a finger, thumb, or toe. Fingering may also include the use of fingers to stimulate the anus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sensation play</span> Erotic activities meant to impart physical sensations

Sensation play, also known as sensual play or sensory play, is an act where senses are engaged in various ways to heighten erotic pleasure and induce sensuality. As an activity, it is meant to impart pleasurable and arousing sensations upon a partner, usually during an intimate interaction.

Neotantra, navatantra, or tantric sexuality is a Western new religious movement influenced by the Eastern esoteric spiritual traditions of Tantra. Rooted in elements of Hindu and Buddhist tantras, neotantra blends New Age interpretations with modern Western perspectives, often emphasizing the sexual aspects of these ancient traditions. While some proponents reference traditional texts and principles, many utilize tantra as a broader term encompassing sacred sexuality, occasionally incorporating unconventional practices. However, neotantra does not always adhere to the complete range of Indian tantric practices, particularly the reliance on a guru.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pompoir</span> Sexual intercourse technique

Pompoir is a sexual technique in which the woman uses her vaginal muscles to stimulate the man's penis. Both partners remain still, while the woman strokes the man's erection using rhythmic, rippling pulses of the pubococcygeus muscles, so this practice is best performed in a woman on top position.

Joani Blank was an American sex educator, entrepreneur, author, videographer, cohousing enthusiast, philanthropist, and inventor in the field of sexuality. She used publishing, her sex store, and other endeavors to promote sex-positive feminism. Her papers are part of the Human Sexuality Collection at Cornell University Library.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ava Cadell</span> Hungarian actor and writer

Ava Cadell is a former actress, writer, producer and currently a therapist and speaker on issues of sexuality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexual practices between women</span> Sexual activity between women

Sexual activities involving women who have sex with women (WSW), regardless of their sexual orientation or sexual identity, can include oral sex, manual sex, or tribadism.

OneTaste Incorporated was a business primarily dedicated to teaching the practices of orgasmic meditation (OM) and slow sex. Though it embraced ideas based in Eastern philosophy, the central focus was a meditation practice around the sensation of a man touching a woman's genitalia. It was founded by Nicole Daedone and Robert Kandell in San Francisco. The company started to receive more widespread attention around 2007.

Lafayette Morehouse is an intentional community conceived in 1968 in Lafayette, California. The lifestyle it practices is often referred to as “Morehouse”. Inspired by its founder Dr. Victor Baranco and his first wife Dr. Suzanne Baranco, and now by his widow Dr. Cynthia Baranco, Morehouse has been a continuous experiment in group living for over 50 years, one of few such communities still in existence from the 1960s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lakireddy Bali Reddy</span> American criminal, landlord and investor (1937–2021)

Lakireddy Bali Reddy was an Indian and American landlord, convicted felon, and chairman of the Lakireddy Balireddy College of Engineering in Andhra Pradesh. Reddy exploited the Indian caste system to bring young Indian women and girls to Berkeley, California. From 1986 to 1999, he and his family members and associates forced them into servitude and sexual slavery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Susan Lydon</span> American writer

Susan Gordon Lydon was an American journalist and writer, known for her 1970 feminist essay "The Politics of Orgasm", which brought the female fake orgasm into popular discussion.

References

  1. ↑ Spicuzza, Mary (4 April 2007). "Sex and Sensuality". SF Weekly. Archived from the original on 10 June 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2014. Alt URL
  2. ↑ Mary Spicuzza (2007-04-04). "Sex and Sensuality". SF Weekly. Retrieved 2014-06-25.
  3. ↑ "Nicole Daedone". WishSummit.com. Retrieved 6 September 2014.
  4. ↑ Brown, Patricia Leigh; Pogash, Carol (2009-03-13). "The Pleasure Principle". The New York Times.
  5. 1 2 3 Brown, Mick (2021-04-24). "Inside the multi-million dollar orgasm cult endorsed by Hollywood". The Telegraph. ISSN   0307-1235 . Retrieved 2023-09-30.
  6. ↑ Spicuzza, Mary (April 4, 2007). "Sex and Sensuality". San Francisco Weekly. Retrieved April 14, 2009.
  7. ↑ Cometto, Maria Teresa (April 20, 2008). "Vuoi fare OMing con me?". Grazia (in Italian). pp. 93–94.
  8. ↑ "Amazon Best Sellers: Best Women's Inspirational Spirituality". p-nt-www-amazon-com-kalias.amazon.com. Retrieved 2023-08-04.
  9. ↑ Weiss, Suzannah (2016-08-23). "Can You Orgasm Your Way to Enlightenment?". Complex. Retrieved 2018-03-08.
  10. ↑ "OneTaste". OneTaste Incorporated. Archived from the original on 2011-02-02. Retrieved 2011-02-04.
  11. 1 2 Huet, Ellen (2018-10-19). "OneTaste Stops 'Orgasmic Meditation' Classes, All Locations Set to Close". Bloomberg News. Retrieved 2021-04-24.
  12. ↑ "OneTaste - San Francisco, CA". Inc.com. Retrieved 2021-04-24.
  13. 1 2 3 Ellen Huet (18 June 2018). "The Dark Side of the Orgasmic Meditation Company". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 28 August 2019.
  14. ↑ "FBI Investigates 'Orgasmic Meditation' Company OneTaste: Report". The Daily Beast. 2018-11-14. Retrieved 2021-04-24.
  15. 1 2 "US founder of 'orgasmic meditation' startup indicted on forced labor charges". The Guardian . June 6, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  16. ↑ "CEO of sexual wellness firm is charged with exploiting clients". Fortune Well. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  17. 1 2 "Founder of sexuality-focused women's wellness company pleads not guilty in forced labor case". NBC News. 2023-06-14. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
  18. ↑ "Founder of SF-based sexual wellness startup OneTaste charged with exploiting abuse victims". The Mercury News. 2023-06-07. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
  19. ↑ Scarcella, Mike (2023-09-21). "Lawyers for 'orgasmic meditation' company founder refute prosecutors' ethics concerns". Reuters. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  20. ↑ Jennifer, Peltz (2023-06-13). "Founder, ex-executive of edgy sexual wellness company OneTaste charged with forced labor conspiracy". ABC News. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
  21. ↑ Scharf, Rachel (2024-02-01). "OneTaste Forced-Labor Trial Unlikely To Start Before 2025" . Law360. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
  22. ↑ "Orgasm Inc: The Story of OneTaste". Netflix Inc. June 12, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.