Firecircle Member Feature: Crystal Hart-Drake

Meet Crystal Hart-Drake: Firecircle Member

Thermal Spa Hospitality Business Overview

As a retired medical professional with 23 years of experience as a paramedic in New Brunswick, Canada, Crystal Hart-Drake has dedicated her life to helping others in times of need. Transitioning from the intense world of emergency services, she is now channeling her passion for health and wellness into the creation of a unique thermal spa hospitality business. This venture focuses on guided hot and cold therapy using state-of-the-art sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge facilities. Crystal's goal is to provide comprehensive guidance to clients, helping them maximize the numerous health and wellness benefits associated with thermal waters.

Business Concept and Services

The core of Crystal's business will revolve around a carefully curated thermal spa experience with potential facilities including:

• Saunas: Utilizing both traditional and infrared saunas to cater to varying preferences and health needs.
• Hot Tubs: Offering therapeutic hot water immersion to relax muscles, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being.
• Cold Plunge Pools: Providing invigorating cold water immersion to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and enhance mental clarity.

In addition to these core facilities, Crystal is considering offering guided sessions and workshops designed to educate clients on the optimal use of thermal therapies. Her services will be tailored to individuals seeking to improve their physical and mental health, manage stress, and enhance their overall quality of life.

Crystal is targeting 3 main audiences with her thermal spa business idea:

Our primary target audience includes:

• Health and Wellness Enthusiasts: Individuals who are proactive about their health and regularly engage in wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, and holistic health practices.
• Fitness and Sports Enthusiasts: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to enhance recovery, manage pain, and improve performance through thermal therapies.
• Stress Management Seekers: Busy professionals and individuals experiencing high levels of stress who seek natural and effective ways to relax and rejuvenate.

The thermal spa industry in Canada is growing, driven by a rising interest in health and wellness tourism. Notable examples include the Scandinave Spa in Whistler, British Columbia, and the Kananaskis Nordic Spa in Alberta. These facilities attract both domestic and international visitors, underscoring the potential for Crystal's business to become a sought-after destination.

Crystal has done her homework through her Firecircle 5x5 Method™ entrepreneur program and is encouraged by the significant growth of the global thermal spa industry, driven by increasing awareness of the health benefits of hot and cold water therapies. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness tourism market was valued at $639 billion in 2017 and is projected to reach $919 billion by 2022. Thermal spas, in particular, are gaining popularity for their therapeutic benefits, including improved circulation, detoxification, pain relief, and stress reduction.

As a member of Firecircle, Crystal is excited to embark on this journey of building a thermal spa hospitality business that not only caters to the wellness needs of her clients but also integrates seamlessly into the tourism industry. By leveraging the growing interest in thermal therapies and offering a guided, comprehensive wellness experience, Crystal aims to create a destination that promotes health, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Crystal's commitment to quality, education, and personalized service will set her apart, ensuring that her clients receive the maximum benefits from their thermal spa experience.

We look forward to following Crystal's entrepreneurial journey and are so honoured that she has chosen Firecircle to support her along the way.  To hear a 4-minute excerpt of our interview with Crystal Hart-Drake, listen here.