We are the wife and wife duo who lovingly hand-dye, cut, package, and ship your Dyes That Bind rope. Aria (she/her) is a research scientist by day and puppy girl by night (ok, she’s always a puppy girl at heart). She is the chemist behind the color blends, the entrepreneur behind the business, and the dog who is always chasing a car, not knowing what to do when she finally catches up to it! Christine (they/she) is the organizer, the networker, and the voice of reason to Aria’s antics.
It all started out of an apartment kitchen in 2020 when most people in lockdown were learning to bake sourdough bread, we went with a kinkier hobby. Aria, a raver girl at heart, wanted UV reactive rope, but couldn’t find what she was looking for online. She dyed a few lengths of neon pink and posted the leftovers on her socials which sold out in hours! Repeat and rinse, and now we’ve managed to run a successful Etsy shop, sell internationally, travel to sell at events from Chicago to Atlanta, and now have our own website.
Since then, we’ve purchased a house where we live with our pup Hazel, and turned our basement into a full on textile dyeing facility. All our rope is hand dyed in small batches, giving it a personal touch while reflecting our belief that "bondage is better in color!" We think it's some of the finest 100% solid braid nylon rope around, that you’ll have to see (and feel) to believe!
The story behind our mission:
Through working and playing with nylon rope, we have discovered certain elements about it that we have leaned into and have become part of our mission. Nylon rope is a synthetic fiber which is inherently counter to the traditional Japanese Shibari rope materials of jute and hemp. We believe in and greatly respect the traditional Japanese art of Shibari that stays within the bounds of certain knots, ties, and materials. Though this can be and certainly is intimidating to many people hoping to try their hands at the art. The lower cost, vibrant colors, ease of care and cleaning, and enduring strength make nylon a more accessible and attractive option for beginners and seasoned riggers alike.
We adore how these qualities cater to a culture of people who lean into modernity and an even more progressive style of rope play. When people see our rope, they come for the colors but stay for the silky feel, the durability, and the approachable nature of nylon. We have found that nylon is excellent for people with grass allergies or those with sensory aversions to the scratchy feel of natural fibers. (Don’t get us wrong, there is definitely a time and place for the rough feel of rope across your skin 😉). Nylon is also known for being a bit stretchier, which is especially beneficial for plus-sized bodies and long term wear. Because bodies are diverse, materials matter. Nylon lets more bodies participate
As an openly queer couple, it is important that we use our business and platform to help people of all identities express themselves, whether it is through the connection of tender moments or the bold colors of their flag worn at Pride. We are also keenly aware of the normative bodies that flood rope images, and we aim to uplift marginalized identities and bodies in our social media and outreach.
For these reasons, our mission has developed into one of inclusivity and accessibility through offering the highest caliber products we can create.
