From the Aegean to Australian bathrooms

We’re Melissa and Mark. A Pilates instructor and a chippy from Melbourne who definitely didn’t have “start a sea sponge business” on the life plan.

But here we are.

It started in Greece

Through Mark’s Greek family, we were introduced to a tradition that has been part of island life for generations: natural sea sponge diving.

Melissa was given sea sponges by family and local divers and started using them in the shower.

That was the lightbulb moment.

After more than 20 years working in health and wellness, Melissa had spent a lot of time thinking about how we look after our bodies. But neither of us had given much thought to the plastic shower puffs and synthetic sponges hanging in bathrooms everywhere.

Once we did, they suddenly made very little sense.

Here was something grown naturally in the sea, harvested by hand and used for generations. And back home, we were buying plastic versions of it.

So we started asking questions

We spoke with Mark’s family, sponge divers and people who had worked with natural sea sponges for generations. We learned about the different varieties, how they grow, how they’re harvested and traditionally prepared, and why a good sponge can last for months.

Then we came home to Australia and started Aqua Zoi.

Not because the world needed another bath accessory.

Because we thought Australian bathrooms deserved a better one.

The sponge is the hero

Our natural bath and shower sponges are hand harvested in Greece using traditional methods that allow the sponge to regenerate.

Each one is shaped by the sea, so no two are exactly alike. They create a beautiful lather, feel incredible on the skin and, with proper care, can be used for months.

No synthetic mesh. No plastic puff destined for the bin every few weeks.

Just something nature was already making rather well.

Greek heritage. Australian owned.

Aqua Zoi means Water Life in Greek.

Our sponges begin in the waters of Greece and make their way to Sponge HQ in Melbourne, where we sort, prepare and pack every order ourselves.

What began with one sponge has grown into a collection for body, face, baby and home, and we’re only getting started.

We’re proud to bring a small piece of Greek bathing tradition into Australian bathrooms and give people a natural alternative to something most of us never thought twice about.

Until now.

Melissa & Mark 🤍

Founders, packers, sponge obsessives and occasional arguers over box sizes.