In a world where traditional spirituality and groundbreaking business ventures often seem at odds, Anjuli Ayer stands as a unique bridge between the two. An Indian American woman with a deep-rooted spiritual background, Ayer has dedicated her life to a path that merges her heritage with a bold entrepreneurial spirit. As the CEO and owner of OneTaste, a company centered around the controversial practice of Orgasmic Meditation (OM), Ayer’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment.
Early Life and Spiritual Foundations
Anjuli Ayer’s story begins with a rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual influences. Her father, a South Indian Brahmin from Mumbai, emigrated to the United States in 1969 with just $8 in his pocket. He eventually rose to become the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, embodying the immigrant success story. Ayer’s mother, whose roots trace back to the Mayflower, brought a deep American heritage to the family. Together, they created a household where spirituality was paramount, with both parents practicing Transcendental Meditation and other advanced techniques since 1971.
Growing up in Connecticut, Ayer was immersed in the stories of the Mahabharata and Ramayana, two of India’s most revered epics. These narratives, filled with lessons of dharma (righteousness) and moral duty, shaped her worldview from a young age. Despite being one of the few Indian American children in her predominantly white community, Ayer found strength in her cultural heritage. “Even though I stood out from my peers,” she reflects, “I always felt like I knew something they didn’t.”
This spiritual foundation, combined with her father’s lessons in business ethics and integrity, set the stage for Ayer’s future endeavors. Her upbringing taught her the importance of staying true to one’s principles, even in the face of adversity—a lesson that would prove crucial in her later years.
The Journey to Orgasmic Meditation
Ayer’s life took a dramatic turn when she encountered the world of Orgasmic Meditation. Struggling with an autoimmune disease that left her feeling powerless and disconnected, she found herself at a crossroads. Traditional medicine and self-help methods had failed her, leaving her searching for a deeper, more holistic approach to healing.
It was during this time of crisis that Ayer’s brother suggested she explore the practice of OM. Skeptical at first, she eventually decided to give it a try. “In that first OM, I felt so much,” she recalls. “I desperately wanted to climb out of my body. It was this deafening level of heat and aching and hunger… this is what you are always trying not to feel.”
This profound experience marked the beginning of Ayer’s transformation. Orgasmic Meditation, a structured practice where one person gently strokes the clitoris of another for 15 minutes while both focus on the point of contact, opened her up to new levels of awareness and emotional healing. Research has shown that OM can enhance emotional regulation, increase positive emotions, and even create states of oneness and flow. For Ayer, the practice became a pathway to reclaiming her health and vitality.
Leadership and Controversy at OneTaste
In 2017, Ayer, along with her brother Austin and a close friend, purchased OneTaste from its co-founder Nicole Daedone. With Ayer at the helm, the company aimed to expand the reach of Orgasmic Meditation and empower women through this transformative practice. However, the journey was far from smooth.
OneTaste quickly became a lightning rod for controversy. The media vilified the company, with sensationalized stories that painted OM as a cult-like practice. Former customers came forward with allegations that fueled a growing public outcry. Ayer, who had poured her heart and soul into the company, found herself under siege.
“The media’s accusations against my company,” Ayer argues, “are part of a broader war on women and on sexuality itself.” She views the attacks as a deliberate effort to undermine a movement dedicated to healing and empowerment. Despite the challenges, Ayer remains steadfast in her commitment to OM. “I could not stand to the side while the government sought to undermine a movement to heal and empower women,” she declares.
A Vision for the Future
Despite the ongoing controversies, Ayer continues to champion Orgasmic Meditation as a powerful tool for personal and collective transformation. She points to the more than 13,000 people worldwide who have learned the practice and the six peer-reviewed studies that support its benefits. For Ayer, OM is not just a business; it is a mission to bring healing and empowerment to as many people as possible.
In her leadership of OneTaste, Ayer embodies the lessons of her upbringing—principles of integrity, spiritual depth, and the courage to stand up for what she believes in. She draws inspiration from her Indian heritage, particularly the stories of the Ramayana, where an entire nation goes to war to defend the dignity of a woman. “They cannot win,” she says with conviction. “I will take the example of Indian American women willing to stand up for their Dharma and apply them until justice is served.”
As Ayer continues to navigate the complexities of running a controversial company, she remains focused on her ultimate goal: to create a world where women are empowered to explore their sexuality and embrace their fullest potential. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, spirituality, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s truth, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
