In 2027, Shakti turns 20. For us, this is more than just a birthday. It’s the perfect moment to look back: on an unusual idea, a five-year journey around the world, and the moment we knew we’d found our passion project.
We are Glynn and Stephanos. Since 2017, we have brought the Shakti Mat to Germany, Austria, France, Spain and Portugal. But its story began back in March 2007.
So next year, we will not only be celebrating ten years of Shakti in Europe, but 20 years of the Shakti Mat. Over the coming months, we want to take you on a journey through its story.
2007: The birth of the Shakti Mat
The story begins with Om Mokshanada, a young massage therapist from Sweden. At the age of 21, Om left his home country and travelled to the Himalayas to become a monk. There, he immersed himself in yoga, meditation, Ayurveda and the traditional Indian bed of nails.
He recognised the potential of this ancient tradition and transformed it into a mat for modern life: intense enough to create a noticeable sensation, yet simple enough to use at home. And just like that, the Shakti Mat was born.
Together with his mother Nadine, Om had the first 500 mats made in India in 2007. In March, they were presented to the public for the first time at a health fair in Stockholm.
Visitors could try the mat for themselves. Before long, more and more people were lying on the spikes in the middle of the exhibition hall - and by the end of the summer, all 500 mats had been sold.
What began as a small family project quickly grew. Today, acupressure mats come in countless shapes and forms. But Shakti was the first acupressure mat of its kind designed for use at home. It was, and remains, the original since 2007.
More than just a mat
From the very beginning, Shakti was about more than the product itself. Following the successful launch, the Gratitude Factory was established in Varanasi, India. Shakti Mats are still made there by hand today. Every single mat is carefully sewn, fitted with spikes and inspected by hand.
From day one, the factory employed women from the local area. The aim was to provide them with a secure income, financial independence and new opportunities.
This idea remains at the heart of Shakti today. It is no coincidence that our brand is called "Shakti", a Sanskrit word associated with energy, life force and creative power. It reflects exactly what we want to pass on with every mat. A Shakti Mat should not only benefit the people who lie on it, but also the people who make it.
Our story begins with a backpack
Our own journey to Shakti began in 2012. We left our careers in London behind and set off with our backpacks. What was meant to be a gap year became five years filled with encounters, new perspectives and experiences that changed our lives.
We lived in different countries and spent time in Buddhist monasteries, alternative communities and on permaculture farms. Along the way, it became increasingly clear what we were looking for: a project we could genuinely believe in. One that helped people, was made responsibly and created positive change.
Then we discovered the Shakti Mat.
Love at first spike
It was one of those rare products that immediately made us think: this is something special. When we tried the mat for the first time, we were instantly fascinated. Of course, there was the sensation itself - the shift from that initial intensity to the moment when the body slowly begins to let go. But we were just as inspired by the story behind it.
Here was a product rooted in an ancient tradition, handmade in India and perfectly suited to modern life.
In 2017, we finally brought Shakti to Europe, based out of our home in Berlin. We were convinced that many people here, too, were looking for simple ways to unwind more mindfully and make time for themselves in their daily lives.
From one mat to a community
Those first orders gradually grew into an ever-expanding community. People recommended the mat to others, gave it as a gift or made it a regular part of their daily lives. Shakti found its way into bedrooms, living rooms, yoga studios and offices. The mat became an evening ritual, a way to unwind after work or simply a mindful moment in the middle of a busy day.
Today, our community includes hundreds of thousands of Shakti Mat lovers across Germany, Austria, France, Spain and Portugal. Almost like a cult. Just cooler. And with a lot more spikes.
At the same time, Shakti has long since become more than a single mat. Over the years, we have introduced new intensity levels, pillows and products for different areas of the body and different routines. But the core idea has remained the same: creating mindful moments when everyday life briefly takes a pause.
Shakti turns 20 in 2027
In March 2027, the Shakti Mat will turn 20. For us, this anniversary shows what can grow from one unusual idea. Five hundred mats became millions. A small exhibition stand became an international community. A traditional bed of nails became a modern self-care ritual.
That is why we do not want to celebrate for just one day. Over the coming months, we will keep diving into the story of Shakti. We will show you how the mat has evolved, share more about our production in India and look back at special milestones and encounters along the way.
Of course, you can also look forward to special offers, new content and one or two surprises. That is all we are revealing for now.
Thank you for 20 years of spiky moments
When we look back today, we see above all the people who make Shakti possible. Om and Nadine, who had the courage to begin with 500 mats in 2007. The women in our production facility in India. Our team, who continue to develop Shakti every day. And, of course, you - our community.
You have tried Shakti, recommended it, given it as a gift and made it part of your everyday lives. Without you, Shakti would not have become the company it is today. Thank you for being part of this story.
Shakti turns 20 in 2027. And we are only just getting started.
Glynn & Stephanos
Co-Founders of ShaktiMat GmbH
