Hidden Gems: Meet Katie Moore of Sisu Mobile Sauna

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Moore

Hi Katie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I live in Livonia with my husband Ryan and six year old son Cooper. I work full time from home for a large insurance company in addition to running Sisu Mobile Sauna since April 2024.

I’ve always been interested in the idea of starting my own business, though I wasn’t sure what it would look like. In January 2023, I attended a women’s retreat filled with inspiring women embarking on their own entrepreneurial journeys and paths of self-discovery. I left the retreat wondering how I could carve out my own space in this world. Just a few days later, an idea struck me: what if I could bring a sauna to events like the healing and wellness retreat I had just experienced?
As someone who is 50% Finnish, saunas have been a part of my life since childhood. I had also been using the sauna at my local gym, which was far from ideal. I thought, “What if I could offer people a sauna experience right where they are, eliminating the need to endure a stuffy gym?”
Thus, the concept for my mobile sauna business, Sisu Mobile Sauna, was born. “Sisu” is a Finnish term that embodies strength of will, determination, perseverance, and the ability to act rationally in the face of adversity.
I started researching companies that could build a mobile sauna and quickly realized that this was going to be a significant investment. As a middle-class family still recovering from the pandemic, I wasn’t sure how I would secure the funds needed to make this dream a reality. But I pushed ahead, gathering quotes and reminding myself, “It’s going to happen.”
By summer 2023, I began looking into small business grants and made a list of organizations to explore. I stumbled upon Michigan Women Forward, which was promoting a business pitch competition open to both established businesses and new ideas.
Excited yet anxious, I contemplated entering the competition, but my imposter syndrome nearly held me back when I missed the initial deadline. Thankfully, an email announcing an extension arrived just in time, and I seized the opportunity.
In October 2023, I proudly took first place in the 53 Voices competition. My 53-second video pitch for Sisu Mobile Sauna received the most public votes among nine other incredible local businesses.
I raised the remaining funds through a crowdfunding campaign and purchased my mobile sauna unit in April 2024.
Since then, hundreds of people in our local community have enjoyed our sauna experience. We’ve hosted pop-ups at local gyms, wellness retreats, yoga festivals, private events, and company gatherings, making wellness accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey to establishing Sisu Mobile Sauna has not been easy. Finances were my first major hurdle. Starting a business requires significant investment, and at first, it felt daunting. Thankfully, the grants and support I received provided crucial support and helped me navigate this challenge.
Time has also been a obstacle to work through. My husband, Ryan, and I both work full-time jobs, which means we dedicate our evenings and weekends to the sauna business. Balancing our careers with entrepreneurship has demanded a lot of us, but it has all been worth it.
To effectively run my business, I immersed myself in various entrepreneurial communities. These connections have been invaluable, offering advice and insights that have shaped my business approach and direction.
Engaging in business masterminds and building a supportive community has been essential for maintaining my confidence during tough times. These networks not only provide encouragement but also remind me that I’m not alone in this journey. Despite the challenges, I’ve found strength and resilience through these experiences, which continue to fuel my passion for Sisu Mobile Sauna.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sisu Mobile Sauna?
Absolutely! Sisu Mobile Sauna features a traditional wood-fired sauna that comfortably accommodates 6 to 8 people, complete with a changing room for added convenience. We specialize in delivering this unique sauna experience directly to your home, business, retreat, or any private event. Whether you’re looking to host a wellness gathering, a relaxing evening with friends, or a corporate team-building activity, our mobile sauna brings the rejuvenating benefits of a sauna right to your doorstep. It’s an ideal way to enhance relaxation and well-being in a setting of your choice! We offer overnight rentals, as well as hourly rentals. Additional pricing and availability are listed on our website.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Many of my favorite childhood memories include traveling across Michigan with my family. We spent countless weekends boating on Elk Lake, enjoying the beautiful scenery and making lasting memories on our boat together. I also cherish the adventures we had traveling to the UP visiting family in Marquette, including my grandfather whom our sauna is named after. These experiences instilled in me a love for exploration and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of our state, which continues to inspire me today.

Pricing:

• Overnight rentals begin at $350 per night and $100 additional night
• Local popups: $15 for 15 minutes or $35 for 45 min
• Hourly rates available as well
• $100 for cold plunge add on

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sisumobilesauna.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sisumobilesauna/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558192653625
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiemichellemoore/

Image Credits
Erin Goodrich