Meet Alisa Cardenas | Sauna-preneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alisa Cardenas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alisa, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
While many people are becoming more familiar with the physical health benefits of sauna, there’s still a gap when it comes to understanding the cultural importance of sauna, especially as a practice for connection, finding inner peace, and simple enjoyment. We’re aiming to bring these deeper aspects to life by making sauna accessible and approachable. We do this through community pop-up sessions across West Michigan and private sauna rental experiences, where we not only provide the experience but also share how sauna works and how to make the most of it.

One of my favorite things is introducing first-timers to the world of sauna, giving them the knowledge and confidence to fully enjoy the experience. Often, it’s those who are new to sauna who share and appreciate how incredible it feels and how much it benefits them, physically and mentally.

Sauna can play an important role in thriving through harsh winters, which I think could be a real game changer for us Michiganders, once the word gets out. During the colder months, people tend to feel more isolated, and symptoms of anxiety or depression can increase. We see sauna as a remedy for this—helping people not only stay well but also connect with others and nature, even in the depths of winter. We’re here to nurture physical, mental, and social well-being all year long, but especially when people need it most.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What truly sets us apart is our location flexibility. We operate a beautifully crafted, wood-burning Finnish mobile sauna, designed to embrace the wild spirit in all of us and we can bring it anywhere! Our sauna isn’t just a wellness tool—it’s an invitation to step into a space where you can be yourself fully, surrounded by nature, community, and warmth.

What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve created so far. There’s nothing quite like hosting a community sauna session, listening to laughter and conversation from people—often strangers—connecting inside. It’s that sense of joy and togetherness that drives us. And the feedback from our customers has been heartwarming, with many sharing how our sauna sessions have exceeded their expectations.

Bringing this experience to life wasn’t easy, and like many entrepreneurs, the journey began with overcoming the fear of starting the business itself and taking that first leap of faith. From there, the challenges have continued—each one different from the last. Every step has required flexibility and problem-solving. The biggest challenge we’re working through now is how can we continue to build the sauna culture in West Michigan and provide these unparalleled sauna experiences to the community while also balancing our own lives. Finding that harmony is an ongoing process, but the passion for what we do keeps us grounded.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you have to choose a business that allows you to do what you truly love. The work will never stop, and the demands will keep coming, but if you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work at all.

At Howl at the Moon Sauna Co., we want people to feel renewed. We want them to experience the magic of sauna as we have, and to leave feeling better physically, mentally, and socially. It’s about more than just warmth—it’s about nurturing well-being, creating community, and helping people reconnect with themselves and each other.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For eating, I’d suggest: a low key/high vibe dinner at The Commons, dinner on the patio at Condado tacos, breakfast at Littlebird or Basalt, lunch at Gaia House Cafe. But, my absolute favorite is grabbing up a Poke bowl at Poke Toki- they are the BEST!
For drinks, head to: Speciation Cellars for a craft beverage and to enjoy their impressive list of events/happenings, Broadleaf Westside for unique drinks and the outdoor vibes, an old fav of mine Founders.
For things to do, and because I love the outdoors and staying active, try: a show at the Intersection, hit the mountain biking trails at Luton Park, pickleball at Broadleaf Brewery, a SUP outing on the Rogue River, a Saturday morning stroll through Fulton Street Farmers Market, head for a hike at Pickerel Lake and catch a community sauna session with us at Howl at the Moon Sauna Co.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We’d like to give a big shout-out to Timber Sauna Company in Lansing, Michigan, for helping us bring our mobile sauna dream to life. We’re also incredibly grateful for our amazing community partners who have shared in this journey with us, including Detach Primitive, Wave Tone Studios, Chloe Haddad Yoga, Speciation Cellars, Pour Michigan Wine Barn, and Rooted in the Wild to name a few. Each of these partnerships helps us bring wellness, connection, and joy to the people we serve.

Website: https://www.howlatthemoonsaunaco.com

Instagram: @howlatthemoonsaunaco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552340240717