ABOUT
Beth
Passionate About Pleasure
Hello! I am Beth Hankes (she/her), Founder and CEO of Earth and Salt, the modern adult store, and an AASECT-Certified Sex Educator.
After concurrent years of self-repression, questioning my sexual desires, and sexually-impactful health issues, I was inspired to open Earth and Salt, a pleasure-centered adult store in Burlington, VT. With Earth and Salt, my goals are to normalize sex and pleasure as parts of daily life, provide vital sex education, and champion other business owners and sexuality professionals, especially those from marginalized groups.
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With Earth and Salt Sex Education Coaching, I aim to provide individuals with the information, knowledge, and freedom they deserve so that they lead the most pleasureful lives available to them.​
Positionality
Self-awareness is key both in personal change and in helping others, and in that light I want to share my identities.
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I am a White, cisgender, heterosexual woman who grew up in the Mid Atlantic, with parents from the Midwest. I am in a conscientious and ethical non-monogamous May-December relationship, and have intentionally chosen to not marry.
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I have experienced chronic health issues at points in my life which have affected my relationships and sexual health, and have also dealt with the effects of fatphobia and diet culture.
Education and Training
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AASECT Certification, 2025
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Certified Holistic Sex Educator (CHSE), Institute for Sexuality Education and Enlightenment, 2024
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ALM in Museum Studies, Harvard Extension School, 2015
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BA in Art History and Studio Art, Mount Holyoke College, 2008