The Universal Pleasure Device

An Interview with Shay Martin of Magic Wand

The Magic Wand was not my first vibrator ever, but it WAS the very first vibrator that helped me orgasm on my own! I cannot stress how life-changing the acquisition of this wand was (and still is) for me. It is not only a masturbation staple, but it is also a partnered sex staple, and at this point, I have one in every room in my house. That’s how serious my passion for this toy is.

Truly nothing compares to the intensity, deep rumble, and flexibility of the head of this toy, and still to this day, it is my all-time favorite vibrator.

Like many other first-time vibrator buyers, I went with a very small unassuming vibrator on my first go. Because it was such a small vibe, I found it underwhelming. The vibrations did absolutely nothing for me, and if I hadn’t decided to try out the Magic Wand, I might have written off vibrators all together. Truly nothing compares to the intensity, deep rumble, and flexibility of the head of this toy, and still to this day, it is my all-time favorite vibrator.

The size of the Magic Wand may make others shy away from picking it, just like I did, but I now find that the size is exactly what does make it so awesome. With the long handle, you can get a two-hand grip on it, and control the exact angle and pressure of stimulation a lot more easily. Many people also find the sensation of vibrators vibrating directly in their hand a bit much, and the handle provides some distance so that your hands won’t be vibrating more than your genitals.

This is the most powerful handheld vibrator you can find, and while there is also a rechargeable model, the fact that it plugs in means that you get consistent, uninterrupted vibrations, and no dead batteries. Even the Rechargeable can be used while plugged in, so you never have to wait when you need it most!

This shape has been around since the 1968, and there’s a reason it has stayed the way it has.

This shape has been around since the 1968, and there’s a reason it has stayed the way it has. The head of it has now become a universal size for wand attachments, and it’s a standardized shape. It allows you to transform this otherwise external vibrator into an internal one, or one with unique textures.

So if you weren’t already aware of why Magic Wand is so iconic, that’s a bit of background from an enthusiastic user! I was very excited to have the opportunity to interview Shay Martin, Co-Owner and Vice President of Vibratex, CMO of the Magic Wand Brand, so that I could get more insight on my favorite vibrator and what goes on behind the scenes.

Leaving behind a burgeoning career in research biology, Shay Martin chose to join the family business founded by her mother. That business just happened to be a major name in the world of sex toy manufacturing! As the second generation of women to lead Vibratex and the famous Magic Wand brand, Shay and her husband Dan have spent the last 24 years building one of the most successful sexual wellness businesses in the country. I spoke with her over email, and absolutely loved hearing more about Vibratex and the Magic Wand empire!

We’ve seen the Magic Wand provide people the confidence to explore their sexuality and even overcome the difficulties of menopause and sexual intimacy.

What’s it like being the leader of the company responsible for an iconic vibrator that has brought so many people to orgasm and helped them find their orgasm?

I absolutely love it. We’ve worked with therapists, hospitals, counselors, and sex educators to integrate sexual wellbeing with overall wellbeing. I love helping someone deal with sexual trauma, lack of understanding of their own body, needs, and desires. We’ve seen the Magic Wand provide people the confidence to explore their sexuality and even overcome the difficulties of menopause and sexual intimacy. To me, this impact is the most important part of my job.

This silhouette has been around since the 70s, and there’s a reason it’s stuck around! Why is that? How many prototypes were there before settling on the final masterpiece?

I was just a kid when the first Magic Wand was introduced in 1968 so I can’t say much about its development, but what you see as the Magic Wand Original today is pretty much unchanged – including the iconic toggle switch and blue switchplate. And, even though I wasn’t there, I like to think everyone behind the product was shocked at how it quickly became admired as the “masterpiece” you refer to!

What’s changed for Magic Wand in the decades since Vibratex began managing the brand?

When Magic Wand became part of our “family,” Vibratex was already well known for manufacturing our own toys – and Magic Wand was primarily being marketed as a massager. We were able to effortlessly move the product into the sexual wellness space. Since then, we’ve worked to maintain the Magic Wand Original’s iconic status and introduce two more models – the Plus and Rechargeable.

Magic Wand is like a universal pleasure device!

Why is it so important for a multi-purpose, non-genital-specific vibrator to exist? 

Quite simply – because pleasure isn’t bound by gender or body part. Every human perceives physical stimulation differently, and luckily, most of us enjoy the way vibrations feel. That’s the beauty of the Magic Wand – everyone can experience it differently. Its size and power make it great for direct stimulation, indirect stimulation, over your clothes, on your skin, solo, or with a partner – Magic Wand is like a universal pleasure device!

 

The wand is also a favorite for those trying to learn to squirt.

People assume that the Magic Wand is exclusively a clit toy, but I know many people use it on penises, perineum, butt holes, etc. Tell us a bit about the versatility of this shape, and some fun ways to think outside of the box when using it!

First, let’s start with safety. Magic Wands are meant for external use only and they’re not waterproof. But as long as you’re safely following the safety instructions, the sky’s the limit. The product’s true “magic” comes from its deep, rumbly vibrations that can penetrate deep below the skin. This means that for clitoral stimulation, even though you’re using it externally, you can actually achieve a blended orgasm. Find the right position and the deep waves will stimulate the head of the clitoris AND the internal clitoral legs simultaneously! The wand is also a favorite for those trying to learn to squirt. Lots of videos out there featuring the Magic Wand. For those with prostates, using the wand on your perineum can provide strong enough vibrations to stimulate the prostate. Just take your time and listen to your body – it will tell you what it wants!

Magic Wands are by far the most featured toy I see in porn throughout the years. Is there a particular way you’ve seen it used that you found particularly funny, creative, or different?

Two things usually stick out to me when I see the Magic Wand being used in a performance. Occasionally, I’ll see one partner using the wand on the other and think, “that can’t possibly feel good.” And usually at that second, the receiving partner grabs the wand to take over and I’m SO relieved! The other is during solo performances. We all know that many of the orgasmic reactions are sometimes, um, exaggerated… But not when they’re using a Magic Wand. You can immediately tell that what you’re seeing is the real deal.

I love the attachments and universality of the wand head’s size and dimensions. The first toy that blew my mind was a rabbit attachment for the Magic Wand! Tell me a bit about all the various accessories that are out there, and how the Magic Wand shaped an entire market for attachments.

The fact that The Magic Wand has not only inspired others to develop complementary products but that it has actually set the standard for size and use is mind-blowing. The range of attachments out there is crazy – and they only make our product more versatile!

As possibly the most counterfeited product in sexual wellness, what can consumers do to ensure they’re buying an authentic Magic Wand?

The easiest way to do that is to purchase from a source you trust. Stores like Spectrum Boutique work directly with us and sign agreements that ensure our high standards are met. From customer service to warranty questions to pricing, authorized Magic Wand retailers work as hard as we do to protect consumers. So, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid it.

I see so many jokes and memes about how the Magic Wand, or powerful vibrators, will exhaust/destroy/obliterate your clit. While I appreciate the fact that we all need breaks from time to time, obviously vibrators do not harm our bodies. How do you dispel this myth for your customers?

I’ll sometimes use this analogy – if you eat pizza three meals a day every day, you may get tired of it, but it’s not going to ruin your ability to taste. Moderation is key. Just switch up your pleasure routine when you need a change.

It was more important to perpetuate the iconic status than to try to change things.

In a world where so many over-designed high-tech shapes keep coming out, how do you maintain the brand identity of a shape that is proven and requires minimal upkeep/redesign?

At some point many years ago, the Magic Wand brand kind of took on a life of its own. It became this symbol of independence and pleasure, and its shape seemed to represent the ‘idea’ of all sex toys. When that happened, it became our job to just support that symbolism. It was more important to perpetuate the iconic status than to try to change things. We’ve innovated with new models, but we stick to the formula that everyone knows and loves.

Could the Magic Wand actually be used as the name states, to cast spells and hexes?

Yes, although doing so voids the warranty.

What’s next for Magic Wand & Vibratex?

We’ll continue to make evolutionary changes that keep the magic alive. Hopefully, when you see whatever comes next, you’ll feel like it’s been there all along.

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