Fresh out of college, and armed with only a computer, two Pakistani brothers were looking online, trying to start a business. When they discovered a sort-of straightjacket, they at first thought was used for psychiatric patients, the brothers quickly learned about the fetish industry. After being rejected by several Pakistani banks, the brothers secured a loan from an American bank.
Since 2001, the brothers have been manufacturing gag balls, lime-green corsets, thonged spanking skirts and other bondage items. Yet the employees don't quite know what they're making, or what they're making them for. Recently one asked about the purpose of a sleep sack—used for bondage—and was told it was a body bag for the American military in Iraq.
Now, Adnan and Rizwan Qadeer have a booming fetish business, selling products to sex shops and to individuals via ebay. Seventy, percent of their customers, according to their own market research, are middle-to-upper-class Americans, mostly Democrats.
"We really believe that if you are persistent and hard working, there is an opportunity, in any harsh environment, even in an economically depressed environment like Pakistan,” Rizwan said.
A major perk, they admit is attending international fetish trade shows. You know, to see how the products hold up.
“I go to Sin City every year,” said Rizwan, referring to Las Vegas in a sheepish laugh. It’s all business, he said. “Clients know our country and culture, and they don’t invite us to participate. We’re a little bit shy.”
[NY Times: Lacy Threads and Leather Straps Bind a Business]
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