We were lucky to ask SAVU Sauna Co- Founder, Nicole Sweeney a few questions. We’re dove into the origins of the Hula-SAVU Sauna partnership, lessons from an entrepreneur, and the values that continue to drive SAVU forward. Nicole offered some incredibly rich insights that really hit home. Keep reading to see what she had to say!
One of the most unexpected challenges I faced while building SAVU was navigating the emotional toll of setbacks. There were moments when opportunities that seemed like sure things fell through at the last minute, forcing us to start from scratch. It wasn’t just the practical aspects of rebuilding but also managing the disappointment and the weight of feeling like progress had stalled.
What helped me overcome this was twofold: first, learning to embrace resilience and view setbacks as redirections rather than failures. This mindset shift allowed me to stay open to new opportunities, even when plans didn’t go as expected. Second, I leaned heavily on the power of storytelling and connection. Sharing our vision and passion with others often sparked renewed momentum, whether through finding new partners, rallying support from our community, or simply reigniting my own enthusiasm.
The lesson? Challenges are inevitable, but staying grounded in your "why" and leaning on the people who believe in your mission can turn even the most unexpected hurdles into stepping stones for growth.
What’s a piece of advice you once ignored but now wish you had listened to earlier?
In the early days of SAVU, I felt like I had to have my hands in every detail to ensure the business succeeded. I thought delegating would dilute the vision or slow things down. But the reality is, trying to do it all led to burnout and bottlenecks. It wasn’t sustainable, and it wasn’t fair to myself or the team.
It took time (and some hard lessons) to realize that trusting others and building a strong team isn’t about losing control—it’s about creating space for growth. When I started leaning on people who shared my passion and trusted their expertise, everything changed. SAVU became stronger, more innovative, and better equipped to handle challenges.
Now, I fully embrace the value of collaboration and delegation. No one builds anything great alone, and the sooner you trust in others, the further you’ll go.
A core value I consistently uphold is authenticity. For me, authenticity means staying true to the heart of SAVU’s mission—to create meaningful experiences that connect people and foster well-being—while ensuring that every decision aligns with our values.
As we prepare to grow as a company, maintaining authenticity becomes even more critical. Growth often brings pressure to scale quickly or compromise to meet demands, but staying authentic ensures that every new site, partnership, or offering reflects who we are at our core. It’s about holding onto the soul of what we’ve built, no matter how big we get.
Huge thanks to Nicole. Book a visit at SAVU by clicking here!
