Chicago — Wicked Sensual Care leaders Cassie Pendleton and jessica drake, known collectively as “Cassica,” were named Brand Leader of the Year at the inaugural STIMULATE Awards, held August 3, 2026, at Nashville’s Woolworth Theatre.
The honor recognizes Pendleton- official title: Director of Business Development and Head of Marketing and Product Development drake’s shared leadership of Wicked Sensual Care and their work advancing the brand through product innovation, sexual wellness education, industry advocacy and a continued commitment to serving consumers and retail partners.
“Receiving this award together feels especially meaningful because we are a small but mighty team and everything we do at Wicked Sensual Care is built on collaboration,” said Pendleton. “jd and I challenge each other, support each other and bring different strengths to the table, but we’re always working toward the same goal: elevating the intimacy category and helping people feel more informed, comfortable and empowered in their intimate lives.”
Under Cassica’s leadership, Wicked Sensual Care has continued to grow beyond its roots in premium lubricants, expanding its focus on intimate wellness, education and products designed to support consumers throughout different stages of life.
Their work has also helped position Wicked Sensual Care as a brand willing to engage directly with conversations around pleasure, aging, menopause, LGBTQ+ communities, sexual health and access to accurate, inclusive education. As Wicked celebrates its 14th anniversary, the recognition is especially meaningful—honoring not only Cassica’s leadership today, but the vision and commitment they have brought to the brand for more than a decade.
“Leadership in this industry is much more than just building a successful brand,” drake added. “It’s about listening, evolving, and using the platform you have to make the industry better for consumers, retailers and the people working within it. We’re incredibly grateful to STIMULATE for recognizing that work, and for seeing the teamwork and synergy between us. Steve Orenstein has given us constant encouragement to grow and evolve, and we also love and appreciate Nicole Talley for her tireless road warrior skills combined with her talent for representing the brand. We also give thanks to the entire team behind the scenes, from our warehouse to accounting, office management and everyone in between. Everyone is important. Everyone is necessary to the brand.”
The inaugural STIMULATE Awards celebrated standout leaders, brands and innovators across the sexual wellness industry, with the August 3 ceremony bringing together professionals from throughout the sector in Nashville.
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About Wicked Sensual Care
Wicked Sensual Care creates premium personal lubricants and intimate wellness products with a focus on quality formulations, inclusive education and pleasure across every stage of life. Through thoughtful product development, industry partnerships and ongoing advocacy, Wicked Sensual Care works to make intimate wellness more approachable, informed and accessible.