Detroit Mom’s Local Love series highlights local women and the businesses they have built. We love supporting small business! Today’s Local Love Spotlight belongs to Katie Moore, owner of Sisu Mobile Sauna.
To start, we asked Katie to share a few fun facts about herself with us!
- She is 50% Finnish.
- She is a middle child.
- She and her husband got engaged on a hot air balloon!
We asked her to share a little bit more about her business with us, too. Get to know Katie and her business, Sisu Mobile Sauna, below!
How did you come up with the idea of your business, and how did you start?
“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?
“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 impostor 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 garnered the most public votes among nine other incredible businesses. I raised the remaining funds through a crowdfunding campaign and purchased my mobile sauna unit in April 2024!”
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
“I don’t think I would have done anything differently, but I would have had more confidence in trusting in the process. I spent a lot of time worrying and second guessing myself–I think it is just all part of the process though.”
What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
“Just start. There will never be the perfect time to do anything. Now is the right time to move forward and small steps lead to big results.”
Have you faced adversity in business due to being a woman? How did you navigate that?
“Yes I have. But you can’t take it personally. It has been important for me to have a business coach that can help me navigate these difficult situations. I know that I have a lot to offer and no one can offer the same services that I can. Plus, there is enough business for everyone. I am a strong believer in community over competition.”
How do you persevere in challenging times?
“It’s the entire concept for the business, Sisu Mobile Sauna. “Sisu” is a Finnish term that embodies strength of will, determination, perseverance, and the ability to act rationally in the face of adversity.”
What impact do you want your business to have?
“I want to spread the tradition and health benefits of sauna to our communities. Sauna has so many health benefits including lowering inflammation, detoxification, cardiovascular health, etc. Not to mention the social and community benefits. Everyone needs to sauna!!!”
What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2024?
“Pros: women are really awakening to our power. There are plenty of empowering women’s circles and groups that are changing the stigma around women in business.
“Con: I don’t really see a con other than just the mental load that comes with motherhood along with managing business ownership and a career.”
What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?
“Just do it!!! Find your people and community that will support you. Do not be surprised if support is not coming from those you expected it from.”
What do you do for personal and professional development?
“I listen to a ton of podcasts, attend networking groups when I can, as well as I completed a local CEO mastermind that rocked my world in the best possible way. I also attend free trainings offered by Michigan Women forward and SCORE.”
What mantra or quote do you live by?
“Do one thing every day that scares you.” –Eleanor Roosevelt
What’s your favorite place in Detroit or Michigan?
“Upper Peninsula of Michigan.”
Where can our readers find you on social media?
You can follow Sisu Mobile Sauna on Facebook, Instagram, and on their website!
