He’s the man behind SkyHi, one of the UK’s major mail order and wholesale distribution companies that keeps us in aromas, dildos, lubes, bondage gear and all manner of quality kinky products.
QXMEN only wanted a quick one. But as you can see, Carlo from SkyHi prefers a long session…
QXMEN: Hi Carlo. Can you tell us how long SkyHi has been in business and what made you go into this ‘unusual’ line of work?
Carlo: You call me Carlo… to some I’m known as Mr Fist!
I started SkyHi in 2003. And is it an unusual line of work? Everyone has sex don’t they? And sex has always fascinated me. In Italy, much like the UK, sex is hardly discussed, and the gay movement is a long way behind here. Opening SkyHi was my way of delivering a service to others – the sort of service that I would want to use, selling the sort of stuff I would want to buy. The idea was no more complicated than that! And we began with literally just a handful of products, working from my spare bedroom, growing quickly to the monster that the company is today.
What did you do before SkyHi?
First job, age 14, Stella Bar, Rome. At 18 I came to the UK and my first job in London was in catering at the Park Lane Hotel. I’ve had many jobs since, but running SkyHi is top of the list . . . so far!
Being surrounded by dildos, aromas and sex toys all day long, do you still get turned on by it all?
I’m not that old thanks – I do get turned on from time to time. And the image you paint of an office full of sex toys is a great vision, but no reality. Looking round me now, I see computers, invoices, orders, oh and yes in the corner there’s a pile of new products to try – so take that back – pause a while whilst I investigate! Seriously though, the fact that you’re dealing with dildos, aromas, lubes and toys does not define the way business is done. It would be easy to swap them with any other commodity. What is more important is buying them at the right price, and getting them to the client when he needs them and making sure he’s happy with the service you offer.
Guys might be surprised to learn that the King of Sex Toys lives on a rural farm! Is that how you balance your life?
Definitely! Up at 6.30am every morning to feed the pigs. Collect the eggs from the chickens, open up the ducks, and check on all the rest of the animals. And I enjoy growing fruit and vegetables too – there’s nothing better than cooking with produce from your own garden. In fact, for the summer months we become almost self-sufficient. The farm in the Chilterns used to be covered in fruit orchards, and each year I am replanting the old fruit trees so that one day the land will be returned to its former glory.
You’ve had some great exclusive products over the years. Where do you find them?
Keep it personal, what do I want, what would I buy, how much would I pay, what do I expect to get. I think it’s really that simple. And being lucky enough to travel around Europe and the world each year, I’ve always got my eyes open for the next big thing.
What’s your biggest seller and why do you think that is?
We launched Stretch dildos in November 2014, and the ‘stretch more than your imagination’ campaign has been the most successful we have launched in a while. We always knew the range of dildos would sell, but not in the quantities that they did. Why such a success? The colour, the quality, the price, or maybe just the whole package!
Who’s your favourite porn star?
I first become aware of Ilona Staller when I stumbled across my father’s porn stash, hidden in his Fiat, back when I was 8. Ilona Staller, better known by her stage name Cicciolina, is a Hungarian-born, Italian porn star, politician, and singer. Most famously, she continued making hardcore porn films while a member of the Italian parliament. Now in her 60’s we have become great friends, and I’m only jealous of all the fabulous cock she’s had during her career!
Who’s been your favourite SkyHi model?
We’ve had so many over the years, and when you say favourite are you talking personality or looks, because that’s two separate lists!
Tate Ryder ticked both boxes, professional, great sense of humour, and looks a hundred dollars.
If you could have anyone in the world in your marketing campaign, who would it be and why?
And we didn’t have to pay? Okay, what about Liam Hemsworth (Hunger Games) or Dylan O’Brien (Teen Wolf) or Alex Pettyfer. They’re all top actors, and look fucking hot. Attach them to a brand and you’re away.
What does SkyHi have planned in 2015 that our readers NEED to know about?
Basically, we’ve got loads planned for 2015. Some project have a hell of a long lead time, so we’re always planning many months ahead, and like the last few years, 2015 will be crammed with new stuff. I don’t want to give too much away in advance, but readers need to know, we’ll be giving them more things to stuff up their holes, more stuff to lube up their holes, more stuff to put round their cocks more stuff to wear, more leather, more sportswear… And all of it the same high quality and great value you’re used to.
If the world were to end tomorrow what would you rush out and do?
No brainer! I’d want to be with my family and friends. There is nothing more important to me. So get me onto a plane, and hopefully there’s time to return to Rome to be close to them all.
Finally Carlo, describe yourself in three words…
LITTLE RUDE ITALIAN… Well, that’s how much of the industry sees me I know, and I wouldn’t what to let them down! But maybe a few people I’ve had the great pleasure to meet and work with over the years, have seen a different side to me, and would find 3 different words for their description, who knows?
• Check out Carlo’s huge range of quality products at www.skyhi.me.uk
