We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shane Hart a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shane, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Our mission is pretty straightforward–it’s to help folks be healthier and happier. My background is in natural products and my partner Andy, in addition to being a master carpenter, worked as a scientist on preclinical therapies for pediatric cancers. We have decades of experience in the wellness space, and both of us have experienced extraordinary health challenges in our family’s lives–these difficulties fueled a calling to help others. Thermotherapy, or Sauna, is a powerful wellness tool. From a historical, and medical perspective, sauna therapy can be a useful part of an overall wellness regimen. Modern research indicates benefits such as:
o stress reduction
o weight loss
o enhanced immune function
o cardiovascular improvements
o skin health
o better sleep
o increased stamina
o muscle repair

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

Shane Hart
I’m a natural products & lifestyle authority. I’ve lived and studied throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and have been at the forefront of the wellness industry for over 30 years. As a boy, I suffered from chronic asthmatic bronchitis and severe allergic rhinitis, a debilitating condition my doctors called incurable. An introduction to natural products and alternative health care in 1987 led to changes in my diet and lifestyle, I kicked my pharmaceutical regimen—and experienced a near complete recovery from a “cureless condition”. I’ve managed some of the largest wellness brands in the natural products industry, and I am known for leading several of the most successful awareness initiatives in the channel. Originally from San Diego, I’ve called the Pacific Northwest home for decades, and spend as much time as possible with my wife, daughter, and 2 sons. I’m a diehard nemophilist, and during my free time you’ll find me running trails, rock balancing, reading sci-fi, or at the local Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym.

Andy Woods
Originally from New Hampshire, Andy grew up learning construction skills from his father and working on a trail crew in the White Mountains. After college, he worked as a carpenter at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, where he built field camps for scientists on the polar plateau, honing his skills in one of the most challenging and extreme climates on the planet! He loves, and specializes in, unique structures such as geodesic domes, treehouses, yurts, and composting toilets. After 15 years of running a tile and stone construction company in Bozeman, MT, Andy and his family moved to the Pacific Northwest, where he worked as a scientist focused on preclinical therapies for pediatric cancers. He eventually returned to his roots and took up sauna construction as a way to combine his love for building and promoting good health. He currently lives with his wife, 2 daughters, 2 cats, a dog, a parrot and small flock of chickens in southern Washington, where in his spare time he enjoys noodling on his guitar, skiing, hiking, gardening, and reading about architecture, and cancer biology.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Nukk was a bit of a fluke. 2 guys, living 2 hours apart, met by chance and started a company 2 months later. Andy Woods, a scientist focused on pediatric cancers, started making saunas as a way to get back to his love of building. Shane Hart, a natural products specialist, was looking for someone to build him a real Finnish quality sauna—not some single walled barrel or kit. The two collaborated on a design, and quickly discovered they had much in common; a deep respect for quality craftmanship, a commitment to the environment & sustainability, and an interest in helping people find a way to step back, take care of themselves, and connect with their family and friends. They realized they worked well together…and Nukk was born.
The name Nükk is a portmanteau. It’s a tribute to the Pacific Northwest, and the Finnish traditions we draw inspiration from. It comes from the First Nations word Chinook (a warm wet wind that sustains the climate of the PNW), the word nook (a corner or recess providing seclusion and safety), and the Finnish work nukkua, (a deep rest).

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of clients for us have been via Instagram, Facebook, and Google.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nukksauna.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nukksauna/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nukksauna

Image Credits

All photos Nukk 2024