We recently connected with Dana Nunnally and have shared our conversation below.

Dana, appreciate you joining us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

I opened the first sauna studio in my hometown of Athens, GA. Essentially, I’m in the business of selling heat, which can be a huge challenge in the summer months. Not only are we located in a college town that transitions into a ghost town for the summer, but we’re in the Deep South where the sun turns the thermostat all the way up during this time. Infrared sauna aficionados are well versed on the benefits of sauna therapy in the summer months, but aficionados are few and far between in a town that has only had a sauna studio for such a short time.
My biggest challenge has been finding and educating people on the benefits. Once they’re there, they get it though. They feel it right away.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey to become founder and owner of Drench Sauna Studio started in the world of education, where the bureaucracy and red tape left me craving something more. So, I charted a path to create a haven for holistic wellness in my community. I needed a career that aligned with my passions – spending time with my kids, exploring the world, teaching yoga, and, most importantly, nurturing my own well-being. For years, I’ve harbored a dream of building a space where healing, self-care, and better health flourish. The vision became clearer over time. My heart was captured by the incredible benefits of infrared sauna therapy. Athens was missing a place where folks could discover these benefits. That’s how Drench came to be. My dream of fostering holistic wellness found a home in reality.

Drench offers private sessions in state-of-the-art, full spectrum, infrared saunas. It’s a sanctuary to rest, restore, and recharge.
We stand out from the crowd in a few ways. First, we’re a local gem, a small business where we know our clients by name, and they know ours. Second, our studio exudes relaxation with its warm and inviting atmosphere, setting us apart from the typically bright and sterile sauna studios. Finally, our saunas, crafted by Sunlighten, are in a league of their own. With eco-friendly, non-toxic wood, third-party verified low VOC and low EMF heating technology, and patented FULL-SPECTRUM infrared technology, Sunlighten stands head and shoulders above the rest. It’s all about giving our community the best self-care experience possible.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I grew up in a small cookie cutter town. Everybody was essentially the same. I knew from very early on that I didn’t fit into that box, but I thought, for a long time, that I needed to try. I thought I was supposed to get married, have kids, get a house, and job that provided benefits. Unlearning the idea that I needed to fall in line was liberating and empowering. I began to slowly embrace my individuality and question societal norms and expectations. I began to learn and embrace what truly mattered to me, what I valued, and what brought me fulfillment I accepted that those things didn’t have to align with conventional standards. So far, it’s led to a more authentic, fulfilling life. It’s been a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, and il so grateful for this nonlinear path that I’ve taken.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Here are some things that I’m learning along the way: 1. Lead by Example: Be a role model. Demonstrate the work ethic, attitude, and behavior you expect from your team.
2. Effective Communication: Foster open and transparent communication. Encourage team members to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas.
3. Set Clear Expectations: I missed the mark on this one in the beginning, and learned from the mistake. I’m still learning. Define roles, responsibilities, and goals. Ensure everyone understands what’s expected of them. Always. Clarity is kindness (I took that from an employee handbook at a yoga studio where I teach).
4. Recognition and Appreciation: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, and contributions.
5. Flexibility: Be understanding of personal circumstances and offer flexibility when needed.
6. Gratitude: Express gratitude and appreciation regularly. Regularly. It’s as important for you as it is for the team members.
7. Foster wellness: This one is easy for us because we’re literally a wellness sanctuary.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.drenchsaunastudio.com
• Instagram: @dana_nunnally and @drenchsaunastudio
• Facebook: drenchsaunastudio

Image Credits
Liz McShane/Repurposed Photography