We live in a world where it can feel like everything has already been invented. At the same time, we’ve forgotten so much of what has already been discovered. We’re always searching for the new — the exciting, the innovative, the what’s next.
When Vicki and I began exploring ideas for a new business, one thing was clear from the start: whatever we created had to have purpose. It had to work, and it had to do exactly what it said on the tin.
We knew we wanted to create a product brand and design and develop our own beautiful products, but we didn’t yet know where that journey would take us. The idea for AYA — and the products we’ve launched — evolved naturally over time.
With backgrounds in retail and years spent helping other brands grow, starting AYA felt like the right moment to create something of our own and step into our roles as founders.
The ROCK
The first product shape we chose was the ROCK.
In August 2023 I travelled to Japan and spent time with friends in Osaka and Tokyo, visiting stores and exploring products as part of their business distributing to Japanese retailers. During my time there, I fell in love with the culture, the simplicity of design, the attention to detail, and the ritual of hotel spas. It was an incredible experience. I even had the opportunity to sleep on a traditional Japanese roll mat in a beautiful seaside hotel. It was eye-opening and unlike anything I’d experienced before.
While in Tokyo, I came across a rock shape I recognised from stacking children's games, but this time it was being marketed as an acupressure tool for the hand. There was a basket of smooth wooden rock shapes, each one different. When held and rotated in the palm, they applied pressure to different acupressure points.
This concept is simple and ancient. The rock shape has been used for acupressure and massage for centuries - hot stone massage is a perfect example. While wood is a beautiful material, it does have limitations. So we reimagined the rock massager using super-soft, tactile, body-safe silicone, enhancing it with vibration speeds and guided breathing patterns.
The POINT
Our second shape was inspired by a tool I purchased during my recovery from a broken ankle.
In April 2024, I broke my ankle and spent two months housebound in plaster, followed by three months of recovery and physiotherapy. During this time, I was searching for tools to help with massage and trigger-point stimulation for my legs and feet.
I came across many different trigger-point tools designed for deep tissue massage, but the one that worked best for me had a wide base and a pointed tip. This shape allowed weight to be applied through the base, driving focused pressure into the body.
From my research, this type of tool is believed to have originated in India as part of ancient Ayurvedic practices, where deep, sustained pressure is applied to specific muscle knots to release tension. We explored many variations before refining the AYA Point finding the perfect balance of size, shape, and portability for effective, on-the-go massage.
The STAR
Once we had inspiration for two shapes, we began researching other massage tools with a long history of helping people. We explored many shapes and materials, testing and refining as we went.
One tool consistently stood out: the Thai star massager.
Traditionally made from wood, this simple six-pointed star has been used in many forms and sizes. It’s incredibly versatile and ideal for trigger-point work, hand massage, and rolling under the feet or along the legs and arms.
We reimagined this shape in the same soft, body-safe silicone and evolved the design to make it uniquely AYA.
Ancient Shapes, Modern Technology
All three shapes are inspired by tools that have been used for over 2,500 years. While it’s difficult to pinpoint their exact origins, their influences clearly stem from Indian and Chinese healing traditions.
At AYA, we’ve elevated these shapes by introducing modern materials and technologies. They can be used without vibration, just as the original wooden tools were. Adding vibration, however, introduces a completely new dimension.
Lower speeds offer gentle massage and sensory distraction, while higher speeds deliver powerful vibrations that, combined with trigger-point pressure, can help release deep tension.
Breathing Patterns
We also wanted to go beyond vibration alone. This led us to develop four guided breathing patterns:
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Heartbeat — a simple on/off rhythm that mimics a heartbeat. Ideal for grounding and distraction during moments of anxiety, such as flying or dental appointments.
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Box Breath — four seconds on, four seconds off, encouraging controlled breathing through holding and releasing.
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Deep Breath — a slow inhale, pause, and release on repeat, designed to calm the nervous system.
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Wave Breath — mimics natural breathing patterns, helping to centre and ground you through the rise and fall of vibration.
Reimagined, Not Reinvented
We haven’t reinvented the wheel at AYA — we’ve reimagined it.
Using ideas rooted in history, we’ve brought them into the modern day. We’ve created massagers that are intuitive, discreet, and powerful. They fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, travel easily, and can be used anywhere - on a train, a plane, or even while sitting in a café with a friend.
They can be used for body massage, but also as a calming distraction during times of stress or anxiety. In a world that often feels overwhelming, AYA offers a moment of peace.. a gentle reminder to pause and breathe.
We hope you love them as much as we do - Bonny.
