Alfie!
Thank you so much for joining me today for another episode of my blog series, Tea For Two with Melanie Rose. I always look forward to these chats with people who just radiate creativity: the artists, designers, and educators who pour their passion into everything they do. And you certainly fit into that category!
I’m genuinely excited to be sharing a cup of tea with you this afternoon! And I have to say, I was over the moon when the Tantra Chair made its appearance on my Netflix show, How To Build A Sex Room. Did someone give you a heads-up about the feature, or did you stumble across it by surprise? And, I have to ask: did you notice any changes in sales after the episodes aired? I am the proud owner of a Tantra Chair and you know how much I love it. I’ve told you that my viewers absolutely loved it; it was a total fan favorite. I still get so many questions about it.
Thank you so much for joining me today for another episode of my blog series, Tea For Two with Melanie Rose. I always look forward to these chats with people who just radiate creativity: the artists, designers, and educators who pour their passion into everything they do. And you certainly fit into that category!
I’m genuinely excited to be sharing a cup of tea with you this afternoon! And I have to say, I was over the moon when the Tantra Chair made its appearance on my Netflix show, How To Build A Sex Room. Did someone give you a heads-up about the feature, or did you stumble across it by surprise? And, I have to ask: did you notice any changes in sales after the episodes aired? I am the proud owner of a Tantra Chair and you know how much I love it. I’ve told you that my viewers absolutely loved it; it was a total fan favorite. I still get so many questions about it.
Dearest Melanie, thank you so much for your continued kindness and for including me in Tea For Two. This is a great honor and I truly and sincerely appreciate you for thinking of me, Melanie. Regarding the Netflix series, we had no idea until after it aired! While reviewing our website traffic data one evening, I was astonished to discover an exceptionally high number of visitors. This surge in traffic steadily grew, accompanied by a rise in inquiries about the design and, ultimately, an overwhelming increase in sales. Thank you!
But before we dive into all things Tantra Chair, I’d love to rewind a bit and let our readers get to know you better. You were born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a city famous for its steel industry and that classic industrial vibe. Now you’re in Scottsdale, Arizona, which couldn’t be more different with its spa resorts, golf courses, and those gorgeous desert hills. Talk about a lifestyle change! It is a part of the country I absolutely love, and I’m sure you find it inspirational.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and I can’t help but feel lucky every day for the incredible mix of cultures that shaped my childhood. The city’s soul is alive with Irish, German, Italian, and Polish roots — you can see it everywhere, from the streets to the buildings to the way people connect. Scottsdale, Arizona, on the other hand, feels like stepping into a completely different world. Its golden desert light and sleek modern vibe bring a calm that encourages fresh starts and bold dreams. Pittsburgh gave me a sense of history and belonging, while Scottsdale taught me the beauty of space and possibility. Living between these two places has opened my eyes to the magic of honoring where you come from while embracing where you want to go.
Fast forward to today, and you’re a world-renowned furniture designer. The Tantra Chair really took off in 2010, going global and reaching people in just about every corner of the world. It’s racked up some serious awards too, like the Home & Garden Award for Excellence in Stylish Furniture Designs in 2022, and the Platinum Winner of the Architecture & Design Collection Awards in 2023. People call the Tantra Chair one of the world’s finest pieces of functional art. Honestly, wow!
Thank you, Melanie. I'm deeply honored by the accolades, but my true joy lies in guiding couples to strengthen their relationships. Though it may sound cliché, this is my genuine intention. Touching hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide feels like an immense blessing.
But here’s something our readers might not know: beyond the Tantra Chair, you’ve also created meditation chairs for tens of thousands of people—everyone from Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Andrew Weil, to The Oprah Winfrey Show, Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup series, and you even created a chair for His Holiness The Dalai Lama. That’s quite the client list!
I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and I can’t help but feel lucky every day for the incredible mix of cultures that shaped my childhood. The city’s soul is alive with Irish, German, Italian, and Polish roots — you can see it everywhere, from the streets to the buildings to the way people connect. Scottsdale, Arizona, on the other hand, feels like stepping into a completely different world. Its golden desert light and sleek modern vibe bring a calm that encourages fresh starts and bold dreams. Pittsburgh gave me a sense of history and belonging, while Scottsdale taught me the beauty of space and possibility. Living between these two places has opened my eyes to the magic of honoring where you come from while embracing where you want to go.
Fast forward to today, and you’re a world-renowned furniture designer. The Tantra Chair really took off in 2010, going global and reaching people in just about every corner of the world. It’s racked up some serious awards too, like the Home & Garden Award for Excellence in Stylish Furniture Designs in 2022, and the Platinum Winner of the Architecture & Design Collection Awards in 2023. People call the Tantra Chair one of the world’s finest pieces of functional art. Honestly, wow!
Thank you, Melanie. I'm deeply honored by the accolades, but my true joy lies in guiding couples to strengthen their relationships. Though it may sound cliché, this is my genuine intention. Touching hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide feels like an immense blessing.
But here’s something our readers might not know: beyond the Tantra Chair, you’ve also created meditation chairs for tens of thousands of people—everyone from Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Andrew Weil, to The Oprah Winfrey Show, Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup series, and you even created a chair for His Holiness The Dalai Lama. That’s quite the client list!
Absolutely! My unwavering commitment is to develop innovative designs and concepts that deeply resonate with and support the meditation community. By focusing my creative efforts in spiritual communities around the world, I aim to foster a profound sense of love, enriching our shared global experience.
Let’s go back to the beginning for a second. Most furniture is designed for sitting, lounging, or sleeping, but the Tantra Chair is in a league of its own. It’s got this complex, almost secret “program” or purpose. How did you manage to design something so functional for intimacy, but also beautiful and subtle enough to blend into any room?
This is a compelling question, as it highlights the most significant challenge I encountered in the design process. Drawing on my expertise in sports medicine, anatomy, and physiology, I meticulously applied this knowledge to perfect the ergonomics of the design. For the design aesthetics, my focus was uncompromisingly on quality. I sourced the finest, most luxurious, and Eco-friendly materials globally to bring The Tantra Chair to life, ensuring it met the highest standards for placement in homes and spas worldwide.
Let’s go back to the beginning for a second. Most furniture is designed for sitting, lounging, or sleeping, but the Tantra Chair is in a league of its own. It’s got this complex, almost secret “program” or purpose. How did you manage to design something so functional for intimacy, but also beautiful and subtle enough to blend into any room?
This is a compelling question, as it highlights the most significant challenge I encountered in the design process. Drawing on my expertise in sports medicine, anatomy, and physiology, I meticulously applied this knowledge to perfect the ergonomics of the design. For the design aesthetics, my focus was uncompromisingly on quality. I sourced the finest, most luxurious, and Eco-friendly materials globally to bring The Tantra Chair to life, ensuring it met the highest standards for placement in homes and spas worldwide.
What first sparked your interest in designing furniture for intimacy, anyway? And those curves! The Tantra Chair has such a unique silhouette—what inspired that shape?
The inspiration for The Tantra Chair is richly layered and deeply intentional. My foremost ambition was to create a design that not only heightened the delight of an intimate experience but, more profoundly, nurtured and enriched the spiritual connection between devoted partners. This vision gave rise to its association with the Kama Sutra, reflecting a harmonious blend of physical, emotional and spiritual intimacy. The chair’s elegant, flowing curves are inspired by the timeless grace of the feminine form, which has enchanted and inspired me since childhood with its inherent artistry and classical beauty.
I’m also super curious about the nuts and bolts (literally). Without giving away any trade secrets, what went into making sure the chair’s frame could handle, let’s say, a lot of movement, without creaking or wobbling? That’s got to be tricky!
Indeed, the architecture of The Tantra Chair is truly unparalleled. I devoted meticulous attention to its strength and structural integrity, driven by the clear necessity for durability, resulting in a creation capable of supporting over 1,500 pounds—far exceeding any human requirement. Perhaps my childhood in a city adorned with magnificent bridges sparked this inspiration. I frequently marveled at these remarkable structures, captivated by their resilience and engineering brilliance. My grandfather, a masterful architect, created extraordinary structures and intricate design features within structures. His legacy includes collaborating with Frank Lloyd Wright on the renowned Fallingwater in Pennsylvania. My grandfather’s architectural drawings and works were ever-present in our home, their intricate details and elegant lines profoundly shaping my appreciation for the craft. This constant exposure to the essence of architectural design ignited a deep inspiration within me, rooting my passion in the precision and artistry of its fundamental elements.
And then there’s the upholstery. I know how important fabric choice can be. What were your must-haves when picking materials: things like how it feels, how durable and easy to clean it is, and how it interacts with skin?
The inspiration for The Tantra Chair is richly layered and deeply intentional. My foremost ambition was to create a design that not only heightened the delight of an intimate experience but, more profoundly, nurtured and enriched the spiritual connection between devoted partners. This vision gave rise to its association with the Kama Sutra, reflecting a harmonious blend of physical, emotional and spiritual intimacy. The chair’s elegant, flowing curves are inspired by the timeless grace of the feminine form, which has enchanted and inspired me since childhood with its inherent artistry and classical beauty.
I’m also super curious about the nuts and bolts (literally). Without giving away any trade secrets, what went into making sure the chair’s frame could handle, let’s say, a lot of movement, without creaking or wobbling? That’s got to be tricky!
Indeed, the architecture of The Tantra Chair is truly unparalleled. I devoted meticulous attention to its strength and structural integrity, driven by the clear necessity for durability, resulting in a creation capable of supporting over 1,500 pounds—far exceeding any human requirement. Perhaps my childhood in a city adorned with magnificent bridges sparked this inspiration. I frequently marveled at these remarkable structures, captivated by their resilience and engineering brilliance. My grandfather, a masterful architect, created extraordinary structures and intricate design features within structures. His legacy includes collaborating with Frank Lloyd Wright on the renowned Fallingwater in Pennsylvania. My grandfather’s architectural drawings and works were ever-present in our home, their intricate details and elegant lines profoundly shaping my appreciation for the craft. This constant exposure to the essence of architectural design ignited a deep inspiration within me, rooting my passion in the precision and artistry of its fundamental elements.
And then there’s the upholstery. I know how important fabric choice can be. What were your must-haves when picking materials: things like how it feels, how durable and easy to clean it is, and how it interacts with skin?
Yes, that’s exactly right, Melanie! From the very beginning, I prioritized the feel, durability, and ease of maintaining a clean, safe environment—consistently and effortlessly. The material we use is exceptionally high-quality and luxuriously tactile, yet remarkably low-maintenance. In fact, it’s the very same material used in luxury yachts and vehicles, chosen for its resilience and resistance to the elements.
In your experience, how does furniture actually shape intimacy between partners? Have you heard any fun or surprising stories from users about how the chair changed their relationship? I’d love to hear a few!
Oh wow, that’s such a great question. As you know better than anyone, furniture really does have the power to shape the mood of a room. And in this case, The Tantra Chair completely sets the tone—it brings this incredible mix of excitement and allure that makes the whole space feel warm, inviting, and a little bit electric. Melanie, the stories we hear? Let’s just say The Tantra Chair has been turning bedrooms into bliss zones left and right. Our inbox is practically a confessional—full of couples reaching brand new heights (and then some). And while our lips are sealed thanks to our very firm privacy policy, trust me… if walls could talk, they'd be blushing right along with us.
In your experience, how does furniture actually shape intimacy between partners? Have you heard any fun or surprising stories from users about how the chair changed their relationship? I’d love to hear a few!
Oh wow, that’s such a great question. As you know better than anyone, furniture really does have the power to shape the mood of a room. And in this case, The Tantra Chair completely sets the tone—it brings this incredible mix of excitement and allure that makes the whole space feel warm, inviting, and a little bit electric. Melanie, the stories we hear? Let’s just say The Tantra Chair has been turning bedrooms into bliss zones left and right. Our inbox is practically a confessional—full of couples reaching brand new heights (and then some). And while our lips are sealed thanks to our very firm privacy policy, trust me… if walls could talk, they'd be blushing right along with us.
Was there a moment when you realized this was more than just a business, that maybe you’d created something truly transformative?
Fifteen years ago, something unexpected happened. Someone came across our How It Works film for The Tantra Chair—the very same one we still share today—and posted it in a massive online forum, mocking it with the words, “Is this a joke? Is this for real?” What followed was an avalanche of ridicule. Hundreds of thousands joined in, dismissing both the product and the message behind it. I was devastated. It felt like everything we had built was unraveling before my eyes. But then, in the middle of that chaos, an executive from a fortune 500 company spoke up and said, “I don’t believe this is a joke. I think it’s absolutely beautiful. This may be the greatest product and the greatest marketing I’ve ever seen.” In that instant, everything changed. The tone shifted from cynicism to curiosity, and then to genuine admiration. That single moment became a turning point—a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is one person who truly sees you to change the entire trajectory of your journey. Turns out, our How It Works video didn’t just spark conversation—it sparked curriculum. It’s now studied in top university marketing programs. Still wrapping our heads around that one.
Fifteen years ago, something unexpected happened. Someone came across our How It Works film for The Tantra Chair—the very same one we still share today—and posted it in a massive online forum, mocking it with the words, “Is this a joke? Is this for real?” What followed was an avalanche of ridicule. Hundreds of thousands joined in, dismissing both the product and the message behind it. I was devastated. It felt like everything we had built was unraveling before my eyes. But then, in the middle of that chaos, an executive from a fortune 500 company spoke up and said, “I don’t believe this is a joke. I think it’s absolutely beautiful. This may be the greatest product and the greatest marketing I’ve ever seen.” In that instant, everything changed. The tone shifted from cynicism to curiosity, and then to genuine admiration. That single moment became a turning point—a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is one person who truly sees you to change the entire trajectory of your journey. Turns out, our How It Works video didn’t just spark conversation—it sparked curriculum. It’s now studied in top university marketing programs. Still wrapping our heads around that one.
Have you ever thought about creating a whole collection of furniture with the same vibe as the Tantra Chair?
This is something I’ve considered from time to time. However, I’ve intentionally chosen a more focused approach, as I feel that too many options can dilute the clarity and purpose of The Tantra Chair. In an online environment already saturated with choice, we believe we’ve created a calm and confident space by offering what we feel is the perfect balance. Still, I remain open to new ideas that align with the integrity of the experience we’re offering.
What’s one thing about the Tantra Chair that people always seem to get wrong?
One thing people often get wrong about The Tantra Chair is thinking it’s just a novelty or some kind of bedroom prop. It’s really not that. This chair was designed with intention—to support connection, comfort, and exploration in a way that feels natural and deeply human. It’s not about acrobatics. It’s about presence. The form allows the body to relax so the mind can soften, and partners can really be with each other. That’s where the magic lives.
And just for fun: if you had to pick a song as the “soundtrack” to the Tantra Chair, what would it be?
“Open” – Rhye
Okay, I think it’s time for a tea break! I’ve picked out three options for you; let me know which one sounds good:
White Peony (Bai Mudan): Delicate, floral, and just a little sweet; it reminds me of the refined sensuality of the Tantra Chair.
Shou Pu-erh: Earthy, velvety, and grounding. This one lingers, just like the chair’s impact.
Rose & Tulsi Herbal Infusion: Soft rose petals with the peppery warmth of tulsi for a heart-opening experience.
So, tea? Yes or no? And if yes, sugar? How many lumps or spoons?
Yes! I would love a cup of Shou Pu-erh….no sugar, please.
This has been such a lovely conversation, Alfie. Thanks again for joining me!
Thank you, Melanie, for the grace of your kindness and the truth of your heart. Through your genuine spirit, you have gently unraveled the shadows that often cloak sexuality and sensuality, illuminating them with a new light of understanding and acceptance. I am beyond grateful for you and deeply honored by our friendship. Thank you with all of my heart.
This is something I’ve considered from time to time. However, I’ve intentionally chosen a more focused approach, as I feel that too many options can dilute the clarity and purpose of The Tantra Chair. In an online environment already saturated with choice, we believe we’ve created a calm and confident space by offering what we feel is the perfect balance. Still, I remain open to new ideas that align with the integrity of the experience we’re offering.
What’s one thing about the Tantra Chair that people always seem to get wrong?
One thing people often get wrong about The Tantra Chair is thinking it’s just a novelty or some kind of bedroom prop. It’s really not that. This chair was designed with intention—to support connection, comfort, and exploration in a way that feels natural and deeply human. It’s not about acrobatics. It’s about presence. The form allows the body to relax so the mind can soften, and partners can really be with each other. That’s where the magic lives.
And just for fun: if you had to pick a song as the “soundtrack” to the Tantra Chair, what would it be?
“Open” – Rhye
Okay, I think it’s time for a tea break! I’ve picked out three options for you; let me know which one sounds good:
White Peony (Bai Mudan): Delicate, floral, and just a little sweet; it reminds me of the refined sensuality of the Tantra Chair.
Shou Pu-erh: Earthy, velvety, and grounding. This one lingers, just like the chair’s impact.
Rose & Tulsi Herbal Infusion: Soft rose petals with the peppery warmth of tulsi for a heart-opening experience.
So, tea? Yes or no? And if yes, sugar? How many lumps or spoons?
Yes! I would love a cup of Shou Pu-erh….no sugar, please.
This has been such a lovely conversation, Alfie. Thanks again for joining me!
Thank you, Melanie, for the grace of your kindness and the truth of your heart. Through your genuine spirit, you have gently unraveled the shadows that often cloak sexuality and sensuality, illuminating them with a new light of understanding and acceptance. I am beyond grateful for you and deeply honored by our friendship. Thank you with all of my heart.
What you are going to need
Shou Pu-erh tea (loose leaf or compressed cake/brick)
Filtered or spring water
Teapot, gaiwan, or small brewing vessel
Optional: Tea pitcher (cha hai), strainer
Suggested Ratio
5–7 grams tea per 150 ml (5 oz) water
Water Temperature
95–100°C (203–212°F) — fully boiling
Instructions
Break apart a portion of Pu-erh if using a cake or brick
Use a Pu-erh knife or blunt butter knife to gently pry leaves
Try to keep the leaves as whole as possible
Place the tea in your brewing vessel
Rinse: Pour boiling water to cover leaves, swirl for 5–10 seconds, then discard water
Add fresh boiling water, cover, and steep for the recommended time
Pour out into a serving pitcher or cup
Repeat infusions, gradually increasing steeping time
Sip slowly. Notice the earthy richness, notes of wood, dark chocolate, or dried fruit, and the smooth, lingering finish.
Shou Pu-erh tea (loose leaf or compressed cake/brick)
Filtered or spring water
Teapot, gaiwan, or small brewing vessel
Optional: Tea pitcher (cha hai), strainer
Suggested Ratio
5–7 grams tea per 150 ml (5 oz) water
Water Temperature
95–100°C (203–212°F) — fully boiling
Instructions
Break apart a portion of Pu-erh if using a cake or brick
Use a Pu-erh knife or blunt butter knife to gently pry leaves
Try to keep the leaves as whole as possible
Place the tea in your brewing vessel
Rinse: Pour boiling water to cover leaves, swirl for 5–10 seconds, then discard water
Add fresh boiling water, cover, and steep for the recommended time
Pour out into a serving pitcher or cup
Repeat infusions, gradually increasing steeping time
Sip slowly. Notice the earthy richness, notes of wood, dark chocolate, or dried fruit, and the smooth, lingering finish.
