Natalie Rich is the founder of Rich Sensations; a company that produces fab audio CDs with erotic stories and poetry. After enjoying the delights of the CD (which come with a rose-quartz crystal and incense cone to help set that sensual mood) Cliterati thought we'd chat to the woman behind the business to find out more.

So what made Natalie decide to launch Ear-otica?

"I had thought about it for a while; the sex industry and women’s relationship with it had always interested me. An experience of date rape last year, coupled with my experience of the dating mediums of phone lines and internet dating, spurred me on to create a ‘safe and secure’ way for women to explore their fantasies. Rather like ‘phone sex’, the aural sensation is a real turn on, except that with Ear-otica there is none of the associated risk.

As opposed to erotic literature, where the very act of reading necessitates a rather less than erotic atmosphere (lights on, book in hand, eyes down), the audio approach allows the listener to create a completely relaxed atmosphere so important for many women when exploring their sensual/sexual side.

The purpose of Ear-otica is not to alienate men, but to be enjoyable both on your own or with your partner. It also aims to help relax a woman and get her in the mood - as for some women it’s difficult to switch off and relax when you’ve just come home from a bad day, for instance. I want women to start enjoying and loving themselves and be open about what turns them on. Women have the capacity to be sensual, spiritual AND sexual all at the same time and it’s this quality that I want us to learn to truly appreciate and enjoy."

The voices on the CD are obviously important and they certainly are sexy; from an Irish lilt to caddish tones. So how did she pick the voice artists?

"Once my concept was out there I had no shortage of offers to contribute, surprisingly. I found myself with a good choice! Some are actors, some are not – but all have been complimented on their voices, by women, at some point in their lives! What is interesting is that their voices allow you to build your own image of them, however you want them to be (but I can tell you that they are all gorgeous!).

Through the experiences of producing these CDs, and the contacts I have made or have retained from my time as a TV producer, I have also recently started a Voice Agency for actors and actresses for TV and Radio."

So tell us more about the CDs "All the stories aim to take women on a journey, wherever that journey might lead. Whilst my stories explore women taking and relinquishing control the company ethos does not allow the exploration of any fantasies that involve children, animals or non-consensual sex.

I write all the material. Some are based on my own fantasies or real life experiences, but I talk to women all the time and explore their fantasies - I also read various forms of erotic literature for added inspiration. I will keep producing more and more. I am currently writing the next 3, one specifically of Erotic Poetry. I am also looking at producing CDs specifically for gay and bi-sexual women."

So where can you buy them?

"I have had interest from various outlets offering joint branding and requesting exclusive rights to stock the CDs and I’m considering these options. However, I have created an Ear-otica website, http://www.earotica.co.uk - where you can buy the CDs online and where all my future erotic products will be available. Customers can also take part in a regular forum where they can offer up their views on topical sexual issues. I’m also encouraging women to share their fantasies, and am planning to offer our visitors the chance to record their fantasies on CD! – all very exciting stuff, check it out! The CDs are also available via the parent company website at http://www.richsensations.com."

What do Natalie's friends and family think?

"They love it. My family have been very supportive. My mother gives me a lot of ideas to write about. She is also my company secretary, so is involved in the business on a practical level too. I’ve had offers from girl friends to share their fantasies and – as mentioned before - no end of offers from my male friends to feature on the CDs!"

The CDs are clearly designed to aid female masturbation. Does Natalie think this is still a taboo subject?

"I’m sure it still is: the notion of women actually enjoying and pursuing sex still seems to shock people and female masturbation remains very secretive and hidden. It is my hope that Ear-otica will ultimately encourage women, those still shy of their ‘sexual being’ as well as those who are confident, to explore their sexuality, sensuality and spirituality and send a clear message to both men and women that women ARE allowed to enjoy sex, be sexual and masturbate."

And who does she see as a sexual pioneer?

"The media plays an enormous role in helping to change society’s attitude towards ‘women and sex’. Mainstream entertainment programs such as ‘Sex in the City’ have been incredibly influential, I think. There’s not a women I know who doesn’t have an opinion on Samantha and her attitudes! Having said this, I see anyone who is open about sex and their sexuality as pioneers."

We finish by asking what Natalie's plans are for the future.

"I plan to produce more Ear-otica CDs for women so they can start building up their collection, and will be working on a range of CDs for gay women. I am also working on a book, which will have the collection of stories and poems in. Ear-otica underwear is being made currently, as well as a range of Ear-otica jewellery. I would also like to promote the CDs in other languages for the global market."