One Year of Reyt Sauna: From Fear to Courage, and Everything In Between

It’s hard to believe that Reyt Sauna is celebrating its first birthday. What started as a quiet idea has grown into a space where people come to reset, breathe, and reconnect through contrast therapy.  Honestly, I still sometimes have to pinch myself that it’s real.

Where It All Began

The idea for Reyt Sauna began around the end of 2023. I’d experienced first-hand how cold water had supported my own healing journey.  I was going through a huge life transition, moving back to the UK after years abroad, becoming a single mum to three children, and navigating the emotional upheaval of a separation. I was physically home, but emotionally lost.

Cold water became my lifeline. What started as Triathlon training, eventually turned into a few minute daily morning ritual that helped me find stillness in the chaos.  As a Sports Science graduate, and having played elite level football, I understood the science of recovery, but this was something deeper. When I was in the cold water it quieted my overthinking mind and left me feeling calm. I knew I had to share that feeling with others.

I didn’t have a grand plan, just a calling to share this with others.  If more people could experience how the cold makes you feel, more people would feel better about themselves. And who doesn’t want that? 

At the time, I hadn’t used saunas regularly, but I knew the research around contrast therapy was powerful for both body and mind.  My friends in North Wales had a sauna, and I’d use it whenever I visited. Those moments of heat, breath, cold and stillness always stayed with me. I started dreaming about creating something similar closer to home in West Yorkshire.

The Journey to Farmer Copley’s

Deciding on the correct location took time and was anything but straightforward. I considered many ideas and spent months asking myself endless questions. Should I get a mobile sauna and travel to lakes? Should I find a permanent base? Would a cafe nearby help people connect after?

And then came the inner gremlins, fear, procrastination, imposter syndrome, perfectionism. The voice that whispered, What if I fail? What if I’m not good enough? What if no one comes? Why would anyone listen to me?. But alongside fear, something else showed up, courage.

Stillness became my guide, something I’d never really experienced until going through this challenging life transition. I’d go for a run, sit under a tree or by water, and do nothing. In those quiet moments, courage would always find me. I found the confidence to make the first move. I cold-called Farmer Copley’s.  A week later, I was sitting in a meeting with Heather and Rob, sharing my idea. We agreed a six-month trial, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Fast forward one year later, and Reyt Sauna has become a permanent fixture on the farm. The space has evolved through storms, new fencing, and the addition of a covered area, but the heart of it remains the same: bringing people together through the power of heat, cold, nature and connection.

Why I Started

There were three main drivers behind Reyt Sauna.

First, I wanted to share the benefits of cold water and contrast therapy with people in West Yorkshire and beyond. These tools helped me regulate my nervous system during one of the most stressful times of my life.  It was a time of uncertainty, and I often felt like I was living in a constant state of “fight or flight.”  Cold water grounded me, bringing me back to the present moment, where my worries evaporated for those few minutes.

Second, I wanted to create a life that allowed me to be there for my children, to give them opportunities. As a single mum, I wanted to build something that gave me flexibility, purpose, and the ability to show my kids that courage and hard work matter.  I want them to grow up knowing that progress, not perfection, is the key to success.

And third, I wanted to model resilience for my children, especially my daughter. I want her to grow up knowing that mums can be brave, that progress matters more than perfection, and that mistakes are part of the journey.

The reality of running a small business

Did I think running my own business would be this hard? Honestly, No!

There have been many moments when I’ve wanted to throw the towel in, especially while juggling family life, part-time work and business. But I also knew this journey wasn’t supposed to be easy. Every challenge has taught me something valuable, and provided an opportunity to grow. I’ve come to believe that growth only happens when you’re willing to sit with discomfort, and do it anyway.  Here are the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far:

What I’ve learnt in my first year

1. Sit with fear and use it as fuel

Fear never really goes away, but I’ve learned to recognise it for what it is, a sign that something matters and I’m growing. I remind myself that courage doesn’t mean not feeling fear, it means moving forward anyway.

2. Things don’t have to be perfect to start

If I’d waited for everything to be perfect, Reyt Sauna wouldn’t exist. Starting messy is better than not starting at all. Perfection is a perspective, progress is what moves you forward and is key to growing. 

3. Journaling is a powerful tool

When self-doubt creeps in, journaling helps me untangle limiting beliefs, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and find clarity when things feel chaotic.  This has been one of the most grounding practices in both business and life over the past few years.

4. Marketing is a full-time job

A year ago (before Reyt Sauna), I barely used social media. Now, I’m creating content, learning automations and funnels, and figuring out how to share my message, one step at a time. It’s been one of the biggest learning curves, but also empowering.

5. Don’t compare your journey to others

There are new saunas and cold plunges popping up all the time, but I’ve learned not to see them as competition. There’s enough space for everyone. I like to think of it like pubs, there’s one on every corner, and each has its own vibe.  Focusing on your own lane brings more peace than comparison ever could (in business & life).

Looking Ahead

One year in, I’m still learning, still growing, and still feeling grateful for this dream. Reyt Sauna has become more than a business, it’s a community, and a reminder that healing happens when we slow down and reconnect with ourselves, others & nature.

To everyone who’s stepped into the sauna, plunged into the cold, or cheered me on from the sidelines, thank you. You’ve made this first year unforgettable. Thank you for being part of this journey!