OUR STORY
This is how a moment’s embarrassment changed my life.
Back in 2010, when I was expecting my first baby, I was working full time and suffering from terrible morning sickness. One of the only things that helped was wearing acupressure wristbands constantly. Unfortunately, the only ones on the market were these ugly, sweat-band-looking things that were very conspicuous in an office setting. I was not yet ready to share the news of my pregnancy with my coworkers, so I tried to hide the bands by wearing a suit jacket, even when the muggy, Washington DC heat made it unbearable.
Turns out I shouldn’t have bothered. One day, the wristbands peeked beyond my sleeves and a male colleague recognized them. “Hey!” he called out, loud enough for everyone to hear, “I didn’t know you were pregnant!”
That was the moment I first thought: “why can’t they make acupressure bracelets that look like regular jewelry?”
Blisslets founder Katie Aparicio with daughter Sofia, cause of her first bout with morning sickness.
Fast-forward to 2017: expecting once again, I was finding my regular job to be increasingly incompatible with the needs of my growing family.
At the same time, as I battled morning sickness yet again with the same old frumpy bands, I realized that there was still no alternative that was comfortable, stylish, and inconspicuous. I decided to take the plunge, and nine months later (talk about fitting!) Blisslets was born.
On the way, my husband Bernardo and I teamed up with an industrial designer, consulted medical professionals, reviewed the scientific literature that supports the use of acupressure for nausea relief, and gathered focus groups to give feedback on the products currently available for nausea on the market. Our study participants reported significant improvements in their nausea with the use of acupressure, but told us they would like to see a product that was not only effective, but also stylish and comfortable.
With their input, we designed Blisslets to be a product people would want to wear: one that worked, felt good, and looked good.
We will be adding to our collection regularly, so make sure to stop by myblisslets.com frequently to check out our latest models. Have an idea for a design you’d like to see? We’d love to hear about it. Keep in touch and let us know how you like your Blisslets by connecting with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Here's to many beautiful adventures!
Katie Aparicio, Founder
Caution: This Product Contains Natural Rubber Latex Which May Cause Allergic Reactions. Use only as directed. The bracelets should be worn only on the P6 point, and use in another location will not relieve nausea. Nausea and vomiting may be associated with serious conditions and you should consult a doctor if symptoms persist. You should consult your doctor before wearing them if you have problems with reduced circulation, carpal tunnel syndrome, or neuropathy. While acupressure may be effective on its own or combined with other approaches, do not use it as a replacement for medically prescribed treatment. Wear your bracelets in a way that is snug but comfortable and does not interfere with circulation. If you experience swelling, pain, skin irritation, or numbness in your fingers, you should stop wearing the bracelets and consult a medical professional. Keep out of the reach of young children. If snaps or beads are removed they can be a choking hazard. Acupressure may provide relief of nausea symptoms but does not cure underlying causes. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.