October 17, 2024

Client Spotlight: sēk Sauna Studio

Meet John and Cat Bryson, the founders of sēk Sauna Studio, where the focus is on helping people feel their best through wellness therapies. John and Cat share how sēk combines cutting-edge treatments like infrared saunas, LED light therapy, and cold plunges with a calming, spa-like atmosphere. They also talk about the studio’s journey from its beginnings in Franklin, Tennessee, to the decision to franchise and bring their unique approach to more communities.

A fun and uplifting atmosphere at sēk Sauna Studio, where wellness goes hand-in-hand with community

SMB Franchise Advisors: In a few sentences, describe what your brand does and what your company is all about.

John Bryson, sēk Sauna Studio: At sēk Sauna Studio, we’re all about helping people prioritize their wellness in a calm, inviting space. We offer services like infrared saunas, LED light therapy, pressotherapy, and cold plunge therapy—all designed to help people feel better from the inside out. It’s not just about relaxation, though—that’s a big part of it—but also about delivering real health benefits like reducing stress, boosting immunity, and aiding recovery.

SMB: What makes your service/product unique?

Cat Bryson: What makes us stand out is our combination of high-tech, effective treatments in a serene, spa-like environment. We’re not just a place to unwind—we’re a place where you come to heal and recharge. We also use top-tier equipment, like the Celluma LED light panels, and offer things like body contouring that you won’t find just anywhere. It’s that mix of cutting-edge technology and personal touch that really sets us apart. Plus, we’re all about our clients—everyone gets individualized care, and we make sure they feel like they’re part of the sēk family.

SMB: What inspired you to franchise your business?

Cat: Franchising was a natural next step for us. We’ve seen firsthand how powerful these therapies can be, both personally and through our clients’ stories. We wanted to share that with more people. The response we got at our Franklin studio was so positive, we knew we had something special. Franchising lets us expand that wellness community and help others bring this kind of relief and rejuvenation to their own towns.

SMB: Why did you partner with SMB Franchise Advisors?

John: We knew we couldn’t do it all on our own, and SMB Franchise Advisors came highly recommended. They really understood what we were trying to do and made the franchising process less intimidating. They’ve helped us with everything from logistics to strategy, and we’ve felt really supported the whole way. We’re confident we partnered with the right team to make our vision a reality.

SMB: How many units did you have before SMB? How many units have you grown to since partnering with SMB?

Cat: We started with just our one location in Franklin, Tennessee. It’s been our baby from the start, and it’s where we tested and perfected everything we offer today. We’re still in the early stages of expansion, but we’ve had incredible interest from potential franchisees across the country. We’re working on opening more locations and are excited about the path ahead. The goal is steady, thoughtful growth with the right partners.

SMB: What are your long-term goals for your franchise? How big do you want to grow your brand?

Cat: We have big dreams for sēk! We’d love to see sēk Sauna Studio locations in key cities across the country—places where people can really benefit from the therapies we offer. Ideally, we’re aiming for 50+ locations in the next few years, but we want to grow in a way that keeps our quality and the personal touch we’re known for. It’s all about finding franchisees who share our vision and are just as passionate about wellness as we are.

Relaxing at sēk Sauna Studio, where clients enjoy personalized wellness experiences

SMB: What advice do you have for people looking to franchise?

John: First, make sure your business model works and that it’s scalable. It’s easy to get excited about franchising, but it’s a serious commitment. Also, find good advisors, like SMB Franchise Advisors, who can guide you through the process. Most importantly, don’t lose sight of what makes your brand special—keep that at the heart of your growth. And remember, it’s all about building relationships. Your franchisees are a part of your extended family, so choose wisely!

SMB: Is there anything else you would like for us to share about you and/or your brand?

John: sēk Sauna Studio really started from our personal passion for wellness. After my own experience with LED light therapy, which helped me recover from a serious burn, and Cat’s journey with infrared saunas, we knew we had to share these therapies with others. We’ve built sēk from the ground up with care and attention to detail. And as we grow, we’re excited to keep that spirit alive with each new location. It’s more than a business to us—it’s a community, and we’re proud of that.