A Woman’s Touch is a thriving woman-owned and operated sexuality boutique based in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. Operated by a AASECT certified sex educator, it offers a unique combination of expertise in sexual health and pleasure.

Through promotion of knowledge about sexual health and healthy pleasure we are asked a variety of questions almost daily (sometimes hourly). To read some of these answers, check out the Sexual Health & Science section and Sex Education & Relationships for the answer to common questions.

We hope you enjoy your visit and let friends and family members know about us.

The Owner

Ellen Barnard

Ellen Barnard M.S.S.W., is an entrepreneur, long range planner and ASSECT certified Sex Educator. Ellen spent the first 15 years of her career supporting people with developmental disabilities, and helping them find a way to live in their (own) homes in their community. Her specialization was in finding ways to fill in the gaps so that un-met needs could be addressed.

She began this business this way:

“In 1995, while I was trying to decide what I wanted to do next in life, I realized that the Midwest didn’t have a comfortable place for women to celebrate and explore our sexuality. Upon telling my grandmother this, she replied ’…well, get working on it, because I can’t wait to tell my friends that my grandaughter runs a sex store!’ Although my grandmother died a week before A Woman’s Touch opened, she always believed in me, and was proud of what I was doing. So, this store is for grandma Ruth, and all the great, feisty women like her.”

Ellen is interested in cooperative business ventures (networking again, is she?), and increasing the total quantity of pleasure in the world. She enjoys spending her free time cooking, playing with her Newfoundland dogs, and community organizing to make her neighborhood a better place for everyone to live.