Five Reasons I Didn't Open a Public Sauna Company (And Why I'm Glad I Didn't)

If a person you were interested in asked to meet, would you tell them you have to build a sauna company? I did. More on that later. Today, I want to share with you the five reasons why I didn’t open a public sauna company. Trust me, it’s been quite a journey, filled with laughter, introspection, and a lot of sweating.

Reason 1: The Messy Business of Public Saunas

Maintaining a public sauna requires a different approach compared to private ones. In a private setting usually attached to a spa, the staff is trained and invested in the space, ensuring proper care and cleanliness. However, in a public sauna, visitors may only frequent the facility once, expecting to be pampered without appreciating the small details. This often leads to arrogance and a lack of personal responsibility. Imagine if there was a scoreboard for personal cleanliness and social contribution during a sauna session – it might just change people’s behavior!

Reason 2: The Lack of Industry Standards

Unlike yoga studios, gyms, or salons, the sauna industry lacks a set standard. Each sauna company has its own unique offerings, from cold plunges to social hours. As a potential entrepreneur, educating consumers about the different sauna cultures would have been a challenging task. While variety is exciting, it also makes it difficult for customers to know what to expect.

Reason 3: The Cost-Effectiveness Conundrum

Opening a public sauna company requires a significant investment, especially if you have a specific vision and want to create a luxurious experience. Researching, building brick and mortar businesses, and exploring various locations made me realize that the cost-effectiveness outside of luxurious tourist destinations or large metropolitan areas was questionable. Sometimes, it’s better to appreciate the freedom of experiencing different saunas rather than being tied down to one location.

Reason 4: Personal Freedom and Fluidity

For me, the joy of sauna lies not just in the physical benefits but also in the social interactions and the opportunity to learn from others. Traveling between saunas, appreciating their differences, and offering my energy in various places has been incredibly beneficial. It has allowed me to connect with individuals from different backgrounds, learn new things, and gain diverse perspectives. The experience would not have been the same if I had my own sauna company, tailored solely to my needs.

Reason 5: The Queen of the Sauna Syndrome

While I could have opened the door to my sauna company every day, controlling the environment to my liking, I didn’t feel it would be the most beneficial path for me. I realized that assimilating with others and sharing my practice in spaces not specifically designed for me it had its own charm. In hot yoga studios, where like-minded practitioners thrive together, a new member to the studio might be intimidated. In the sauna,  I can connect with people on a more personal level, answering their questions and inspiring them to try something different than they have seen in the sauna before.