The Team
To promote health, community, happiness, and innovation by supporting and encouraging hooping, flow arts, play, technology, wonder, and the transformational communities we are a part of.
B.J. first picked up a hoop in the late 90s at the Gaian Mind psytrance festival, and was later gifted his first hoop in 2007 at Toast!, the Arizona regional Burning Man event. He was instantly hooked. With a background in computer programming and electrical engineering, it wasn't long before his geek side kicked in and he started work on an LED hoop.
By the Spring of 2010, that obsession had led to the creation of some nicely refined designs — and Astral Hoops was born. Hooping had already added so much to B.J.'s life. Starting Astral allowed him to take that a step further by trading in his corporate career for something he had genuine love and passion for, while giving back to the hooping and flow arts community.
Outside of designing high tech hoops, B.J. enjoys cycling, snowboarding, and pinball.
Jay has been with Astral since the very beginning. He met B.J. at psytrance parties in Arizona and jumped on board after seeing the first LED hoops come to life. Our wand production lead and go-to medic for hoops in need of service, Jay's favorite prop is the levi wand. Outside of Astral, he's a resident DJ at Milk Bar and plays venues around the city.
Tyler spins dragon and contact staff, poi, and more — and is also a juggler, aerial performer, stilt walker, and character artist. He coordinates events at Augmented Entertainment when he's not in the shop, and loves spending time with his pup Sokka.
When John's not making hoops or spinning almost any prop you can think of, he gigs as a clown and practices other circus arts — truly wearing all the hats. He enjoys nature, camping, and hanging out with his pup Zuko.
Catherine manages our social media and Sponsored Artist Program while providing the stellar customer service we're so proud of. She's been hooping for over 10 years, including fire spinning and performing. With a deep love of live music, she also works at the Black Box when she's not in the office.
Dave discovered his love for hoops in 2006 after finding a stack of them at a friend's place. He started making his own shortly after, and grew attached to a little 23" hoop he took everywhere. Years later he found himself living around the corner from Astral, heard they needed a new hoopsmith, and jumped at the chance. Outside of the shop he loves spending time outdoors with his dog Blu.