The Iconic Podcast

Alter: Bootstrapping a Hot and Cold Studio

The Iconic Podcast | Jennifer Szpigiel

In today’s episode, Jen welcomes Aleya and Melissa, the co-founders of Alter, a sauna and ice bath studio in Toronto. Together, they share their remarkable journey of building a brick-and-mortar wellness business with their partners. The conversation highlights the complexities and joys of launching a business with close friends, while also exploring the benefits of hot and cold therapies. Aleya and Melissa walk us through how they brought their vision to life, the importance of adaptability, and how they’ve cultivated a supportive community around their unique wellness practice.

Today on the show:

  • How Alter came to life and the power of co-founding with friends
  • The personal and wellness benefits of hot and cold therapy
  • Balancing the creative and financial aspects of a capital-intensive business
  • Creating an approachable, community-centered space for wellness
  • The value of focusing on quality and personalization in the wellness industry
  • Insights on how the team prioritizes customer experience and growth

Learn more about Alter:


Connect with Jen: