Since launching in 2007, OhMiBod has skyrocketed to fame as a pioneer in the design and manufacture of technology-enabled pleasure products and creator of the firstever iPod “acsexsory.” The story behind the brand begins with its founder, Suki Dunham — who previously worked for Apple in product marketing, in addition to maintaining a marriage of 22 years and raising two children. The concept for OhMiBod originated with her husband Brian who bought Suki a Christmas present that consisted of a new iPod along with a new vibrator.
The dynamic duo of products opened Suki’s eyes to the power of music when it comes to setting a mood; and combining the two for a unique sensual experience and utilizing innovative technology set OhMiBod apart from other pleasure product products.
I have always been of the mindset, ‘stick to what you know’ and push the boundaries there.
“OhMiBod’s philosophy is really pretty simple,” Dunham said. “[It is] to integrate technology and design into really extraordinary and affordable pleasure products.
OhMiBod products feature a chip that translates the audio from a song or a caller’s voice into electronic pulses that drive the product’s motor. The vibrators pulsate to the beat of a song or the rhythm of a loved one’s voice.
Drawing inspiration from mainstream industries such as beauty or technology, Suki develops all of OhMiBod’s product designs and concepts, as well as the company’s marketing and PR.
“I’m our ‘master beta tester’ so I’m very involved in our product designs and concepts,” Suki said. ”OhMiBod strives to develop products that meet the needs of the 21st century woman. When we are developing our designs and concepts, I am always asking myself, ‘how would I use this product? What is compelling about this product?’”
According to Suki, the road to establishing the OhMiBod brand as one of a kind was marked with dedication to the company’s principles.
“It is easy to get distracted and veer off course from your main objectives,” she said. “I have always been of the mindset, ‘stick to what you know’ and push the boundaries there. When you jump around and try to please everyone, in the end, I think you end up with a compromised product/business model.
“I have to say I love this industry,” Suki continued. ”It is dynamic and filled with smart and life-loving people. Most everyone seems to be extremely supportive and more importantly, respectful of each others’ visions. I think most people know that ‘a rising tide floats all boats.’ If one succeeds, we all will succeed.
“The only real challenge has been overcoming the misconstrued social dogma around what products like ours are all about, who uses them and their benefits.”
Having made its way into Grammy Awards swag bags at a gifting event for the 52nd annual event in 2009, receiving several nods of support by mainstream publications, including Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Nylon, Gizmodo.com and Inc.com; and being named Best for Phone Sex by Women’s Health’s Second Annual Sex Awards, it can be said that OhMiBod is breaking down barriers into mainstream.
OhMiBod recently made another move towards mainstream by partnering up with Kandi Burruss, a Grammy award-winning artist and star of cable network Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Atlanta” for the Bedroom Kandi line of luxury personal pleasure products.
The six-piece collection includes a dual stim contemporary splashproof “rabbit” style massager that works with or without music called Happiness & Joy; a splash-proof external massager designed to resemble a powder puff and compact case called Make Me Over; an external waterproof bullet massager called Kandi Kisses; a waterproof couple’s ring called Rise and Shine; a set of four Kegel spheres — called Hold On To Me, and a botanically infused water-based lubricant courtesy of Sliquid.
All of the products are rechargeable, with three of them rechargeable via USB, made of body-safe silicone and come with a standard one-year warranty.
“I’m really excited about Bedroom Kandi, the new line of products that we just released for reality TV star Kandi Burruss,” Suki said. “The products are so luxurious and discreet and I really think consumers are going to fall in love with them. I believe we have really pushed the envelope in regards to manufacturing fit and finish. They are top-notch quality at a good price and demonstrate design with a tremendous attention to detail.”
As OhMiBod charges in the New Year and beyond, Suki said the company will continue pursuing its mission of progressively impacting the market.
“Our main objective is to play a part in reducing the negative stigma associated with our industry, while increasing the level of education around pleasure products, in general,” she said. ”It might take a few more years, but slowly we think it’s working. It’s really amazing how fast things are changing. Just take a look at what has happened in just the few short years since we’ve been in this industry and the vast improvements in overall product quality, design and marketing. All of the progress is extremely beneficial to the end customer and improves people’s perceptions about the industry — and that turns us on and keeps us pushing.”
