Wicked Sensual Care leaders Cassie Pendleton and Jessica Drake, collectively known as “Cassica,” have received the Brand Leader of the Year award at the inaugural STIMULATE+ Awards.
The award was presented August 3 in Nashville, recognizing the duo for their leadership, innovation and contributions to the sexual wellness industry. The honor highlights their work in expanding Wicked Sensual Care beyond its established reputation for premium lubricants and into a broader range of intimate wellness and educational initiatives.
Under Pendleton and Drake’s leadership, the brand has increasingly focused on addressing a wide range of topics affecting consumers, including sexual health, aging, menopause and LGBTQ+ wellness. Their efforts have also emphasized the importance of accessible, accurate and inclusive sexual education.
Pendleton said the recognition was particularly meaningful because Wicked Sensual Care operates with a relatively small team. She credited the company’s success to collaboration between its employees and emphasized the complementary strengths she and Drake bring to their leadership partnership.
Drake similarly described leadership as more than simply developing a successful commercial brand. She highlighted the importance of listening to consumers and industry professionals, adapting to changing needs and using a company’s platform to make a positive contribution to the wider sexual wellness sector.
The award also provided an opportunity for the Cassica team to recognize colleagues whose work supports the brand behind the scenes. Drake specifically expressed appreciation for Steve Orenstein and Nicole Talley, as well as employees working across warehouse operations, accounting, office management and other areas.
The STIMULATE+ recognition comes at a time when sexual wellness brands are increasingly positioning themselves around education, inclusivity and overall intimate health rather than focusing exclusively on individual products. Wicked Sensual Care’s expansion reflects this broader movement within the industry.
For Pendleton and Drake, the award represents both a personal achievement and recognition of the collaborative effort behind the brand. Their approach combines product development with education and advocacy, positioning Wicked Sensual Care as a participant in larger conversations about intimacy and sexual wellness.
The inaugural STIMULATE+ Awards recognition therefore marks an important milestone for Cassica and Wicked Sensual Care, while underscoring the growing importance of leadership, education and consumer-focused innovation within the sexual wellness market.
