Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali DeLaune and Shelly Glassen.
Ali and Shelly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born and raised in Carlsbad, we always had a deep love for our coastal hometown and a lifelong passion for wellness. From days at the beach to conversations about health, movement, and mindfulness, we knew we wanted to create something meaningful for our community – a space that blended warmth, healing, and peace.
Over the years, we experienced the incredible benefits of infrared sauna therapy firsthand: stress relief, deep relaxation, improved recovery, glowing skin, and that unmistakable post-sauna clarity. But we also noticed a gap: there wasn’t a truly accessible, private, and elevated sauna experience in North County. So, in the summer of 2024, Ali asked Shelly if she would be interested in opening a studio together.
Calor Sauna Studios was born out of our desire to bring people a place to pause, sweat, and reconnect, without rushing, without noise, and without distraction. We started with four private infrared sauna rooms and a clear vision: to create a sanctuary for your wellness journey, not a replacement for it.
From figuring out financials and configuring buildouts to folding towels and greeting our first clients, we’ve been hands-on every step of the way. We’re proud of the warm, intentional space we’ve created and even more excited to grow it with the people who inspire us daily.
This is just the beginning!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building Calor Sauna Studios from the ground up has been an incredible journey, but definitely not without its challenges. Like many small businesses, we hit roadblocks, especially during the buildout process. From unexpected delays in construction and permitting to navigating electrical and plumbing upgrades, we learned quickly that patience (and flexibility!) were just as essential as vision.
There were days when progress felt slow, and the finish line seemed far away, but every step taught us something. We were determined to create a space that reflected our care and commitment, and we knew rushing wasn’t the answer. With each setback, we stayed focused on our purpose: building a wellness space that Carlsbad could be proud of.
Opening our doors took a little longer than expected, but seeing our first guests walk into a fully realized studio made it all worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Calor Sauna Studios, we specialize in private infrared sauna sessions that support full-body wellness, recovery, and relaxation. Located in the heart of downtown Carlsbad, we’ve created a calming, elevated space for our community to slow down, sweat out stress, and reconnect with themselves, one session at a time.
What sets us apart is our focus on privacy, personalization, and intentional design. With four beautifully curated infrared sauna rooms, each guest gets their own peaceful space to unwind. We’re not just about physical detox, we’re about mental clarity, mood boosting, and giving people permission to pause. We’re also proud to be born and raised locals, which means our connection to the community runs deep.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the environment we’ve created: modern yet warm, approachable but luxurious. Our clients feel cared for from the moment they walk in. Whether they’re looking to ease inflammation, recover from a workout, improve skin tone, or simply take a moment to breathe, we’re here to support every step of that wellness journey.
Above all, we want people to know: Calor Sauna Studios is not a trend, it’s a lifestyle. It’s not a replacement for your workouts, routines, or rituals — it’s an addition that elevates everything you’re already doing for your body and mind.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Pricing:
- First Session $20
- Buy 3 Sessions, Get 1 Free: $90
- Unlimited Monthly: $169 (founder’s rate)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.calorsaunastudios.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/calorsauna
Image Credits
Tanya Perez Photography
Salty Social Studios
