We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anna Shulgina and Dasha Grankina a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Anna and Dasha, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
At Bodhi Salt, we pride ourselves on offering a unique experience that sets us apart from the industry standard in the wellness and salt therapy sector. Here’s how we diverge from the traditional mold:
1. Unlike many wellness centers that treat salt rooms as an ancillary service, Bodhi Salt integrates them as a core part of a comprehensive wellness program. Our treatments blend traditional methods with innovative technologies, such as Steam Cedar Barrels and individual wellness booths featuring light, sound, and aromatherapy. We also design spaces to be kid-friendly, allowing families to experience the benefits together—a rarity in our industry.
2. We focus on creating a luxurious atmosphere that’s still accessible. Guests can relax in beautifully designed spaces while benefiting from affordable treatments. This “affordable luxury” model ensures more people can experience premium care without financial strain.
3. Our brand is deeply rooted in education and community outreach. We actively work to inform the public about the health benefits of salt therapy and alternative wellness, something often overlooked by competitors. This educational focus helps build long-term relationships with our clients. We also engage in community support and partnerships, creating a network of trust and collaboration that enhances our impact.
4. Bodhi Salt was born from a deeply personal journey of overcoming health challenges. This origin story resonates with clients seeking authenticity and care in their wellness providers.
Why This Matters:
In the fast-paced modern world, stress and health concerns are universal. By combining premium services, a welcoming atmosphere, and innovative, evidence-based treatments, we not only improve our clients’ physical and mental health but also provide them with a place of strength and rejuvenation. This personalized and empathetic approach ensures that every visit to Bodhi Salt feels like a step toward lasting well-being.
Anna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
About Bodhi Salt: Our Story, Vision, and What Sets Us Apart
Who We Are:
Bodhi Salt is a wellness centerlocated in Kentucky, USA, specializing in salt therapy and holistic relaxation treatments for individuals and families. Our mission is to balance mind and body by offering premium wellness services that combine natural recovery methods with innovative therapies.
Our story is rooted in personal experience. In 2023, one of our co-founders, Anna, faced severe allergies and health challenges after moving to a new region with her son, Gary. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality alternative treatments, Anna joined forces with Dasha, a certified yoga and pranayama instructor with years of experience in holistic health. Together, they envisioned Bodhi Salt as a sanctuary where physical and mental health are prioritized and celebrated.
How We Got Started:
The inspiration came from real-life struggles with health and the realization of a significant gap in the wellness market. While salt caves existed, they lacked the premium service, educational approach, and community focus that could make them truly impactful. By combining our passion for wellness, innovation, and a deep understanding of client needs, we set out to create Bodhi Salt—a center where people can heal, relax, and recharge.
Our Services and Solutions:
We offer a comprehensive range of products and services aimed at improving both physical and mental well-being:
1. Salt Rooms: Designed for adults and children, our salt rooms help alleviate respiratory issues, reduce stress, and improve immunity.
2. Steam Cedar Barrel: A detoxifying steam treatment with natural herbs and oils to boost metabolism and vitality.
3. Individual Wellness Booths: Featuring light, sound, and aromatherapy, these booths cater to clients seeking private relaxation and mental health support.
4. Relaxation Procedures: Including Shirodhara oil treatment, aromatherapy, light therapy, and restorative yoga to promote deep relaxation and overall health.
5. Specialist Consultations: Professional advice to help clients create personalized wellness plans (coming soon).
What Problems We Solve:
1. Respiratory and Allergy Relief: Our salt therapy is highly effective in alleviating symptoms of asthma, allergies, and respiratory conditions.
2. Stress and Anxiety Reduction: We offer therapies that calm the mind, restore balance, and reduce the pressures of a fast-paced lifestyle.
3. Holistic Health: Our treatments integrate physical and mental wellness, allowing clients to rejuvenate fully in a single session.
What Sets Us Apart:
– Personalized Care: We tailor every service to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring they receive the maximum benefit from our treatments.
– Innovative Offerings: Our use of cutting-edge wellness technologies, such as light and sound therapy, makes us pioneers in our field.
– Family-Friendly Services: Unlike many wellness centers, we cater to families, providing kid-friendly environments that make health a shared experience.
– Educational Approach: We’re committed to raising awareness about alternative health methods, empowering clients with knowledge to make informed decisions.
What We’re Most Proud Of:
– Building a space where health and well-being come first, inspired by our personal journeys.
– Providing innovative, high-quality treatments that have tangible benefits for our clients.
– Fostering a sense of community and belonging, where clients feel cared for and supported.
What We Want You to Know:
Bodhi Salt isn’t just a wellness center; it’s a movement toward holistic health and mindful living. We want every client to leave feeling refreshed, empowered, and inspired to take charge of their well-being. Whether you’re seeking relief from allergies, a sanctuary from stress, or a way to recharge your energy, Bodhi Salt is your personal “place of strength” to find balance and peace.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
The story of how Anna and Dasha met is one of serendipity and shared aspirations, rooted in a chance encounter that would eventually lead to the creation of Bodhi Salt.
When Anna moved to the U.S. with her family, she was navigating a new chapter in her life. Like many parents, she was focused on finding activities and opportunities for her young son, Gary, that would support his growth and development. This search led her to a local math school, where she met Dasha, who was the principal at the time.
Dasha, a seasoned educator and certified yoga instructor, was running the school with her signature blend of professionalism and care. As they connected, Anna and Dasha discovered they had much in common, particularly a deep commitment to family and wellness. Anna shared her story of Gary’s health struggles, which included severe allergies that had become a constant challenge since their move to the region. She expressed her frustration at the lack of effective and family-friendly wellness services available locally.
At the same time, Dasha was beginning to explore new opportunities for herself. Having successfully managed the school, she was eager to embark on a venture that aligned with her personal passion for holistic health and mental well-being. Their conversations became more frequent, and it wasn’t long before Anna’s vision of a wellness space began to take shape with Dasha’s insights and expertise.
What started as a casual connection between a mother and a school principal grew into a partnership driven by shared goals and complementary skills. Anna’s practical, business-oriented approach, combined with Dasha’s expertise in wellness and her natural ability to connect with people, created the foundation for Bodhi Salt. Their mutual desire to create a space where families and individuals could find balance, health, and relaxation was the catalyst for turning an idea into reality.
This partnership is a testament to the power of chance meetings and the transformative potential of shared dreams. Together, Anna and Dasha have built Bodhi Salt not just as a business but as a reflection of their combined experiences, values, and aspirations. It is a space designed to inspire, heal, and nurture—just as their journey together has done for them.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Both Anna and Dasha have drawn inspiration from a variety of books, videos, and resources that have significantly influenced their approach to management, entrepreneurship, and wellness. Here are some key resources that have shaped their philosophy and business practices:
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Anna’s Influences
As a practical and strategy-focused entrepreneur, Anna values resources that combine actionable insights with visionary thinking.
1. Books on Strategic Thinking and Management:
– “Your Strategy Needs a Strategy: How to Choose and Execute the Right Approach” by Martin Reeves, Knut Haanaes , Janmejaya Sinha
This book helped Anna assess the competitive landscape of the wellness industry and tailor Bodhi Salt’s approach by focusing on differentiation, innovation, and a personalized client experience to stand out in a niche market
– “The New Leader’s 100-Day Action Plan” by George B. Bradt, Jayme A. Check, Jorge E. Pedraza
This book helped Anna structure the launch of Bodhi Salt by providing a clear roadmap for setting priorities, building a cohesive team, and delivering quick, impactful results to establish credibility in the wellness industry
– “Blue Ocean Strategy” by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
This book inspired Anna to differentiate Bodhi Salt by creating a unique value proposition: blending salt therapy with luxury wellness and personalized care.
2. Wellness and Family-Oriented Business Essays:
– Articles from Harvard Business Review (HBR) on customer-centric business models and the psychology of consumer behavior helped Anna refine Bodhi Salt’s offerings to address clients’ pain points effectively.
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Dasha’s Influences
With her background in yoga, mental wellness, and community leadership, Dasha is drawn to resources that emphasize mindfulness, holistic thinking, and people-centric leadership.
1. Books on Mindfulness and Leadership:
– “The Art of Happiness” by the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler
This book influenced Dasha’s emphasis on creating a business rooted in compassion and emotional well-being.
– “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott
It helped Dasha balance care and directness when managing teams and working collaboratively with Anna.
– “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
This book aligns with Bodhi Salt’s mission to help clients find balance and purpose in their lives.
2. Essays on Wellness and Entrepreneurship:
– Articles from Mindful.org and Yoga Journal shaped Dasha’s perspective on incorporating wellness into everyday life, not just as a service but as a lifestyle.
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Shared Influences for Both Anna and Dasha
1. “Conscious Capitalism” by John Mackey and Raj Sisodia
This book resonated with their shared philosophy of creating a socially responsible business that prioritizes client well-being, sustainability, and community impact.
2. “Good to Great” by Jim Collins
The concept of building enduring businesses by focusing on people, discipline, and innovation helped the duo set high standards for Bodhi Salt’s operations.
3. Wellness Innovation Research:
– Studies and reports on salt therapy and alternative wellness methods provided the scientific foundation for Bodhi Salt’s offerings. They frequently consult wellness publications and white papers to stay informed.
4. Videos and Documentaries:
– TED Talks on mindfulness and mental health, particularly by speakers like Jon Kabat-Zinn and Brené Brown, deeply resonate with Dasha.
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These resources reflect Anna and Dasha’s dynamic partnership—Anna’s focus on business strategy and execution, paired with Dasha’s commitment to mindfulness and community building. Together, they’ve created a philosophy that balances purpose, innovation, and care, making Bodhi Salt a truly transformative experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bodhisaltcenter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodhisaltcenter.louisville?igsh=OHBxZ2F3ajZweDhm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bodhisaltcenter?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/bodhisaltcenterlouisville/
