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Hidden Gems: Meet Mia Heck of Soul Plunge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Heck.

Mia Heck

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It was 8 a.m. on a Monday morning, and I was prepping for another Zoom meeting. My heart was beating unusually fast, my lips started to tingle, tears trickled down my face, and before I knew it, I couldn’t breathe. A panic attack.

I’d had them before, but this time was different—because I was different. My practice of intentional cold exposure and breathwork had changed me.

I eventually took control of my breath, looked at myself in the mirror, and accepted that it was time to redirect my life.

Without breathwork and cold plunging, I never would have had the courage to take back control of my story. I knew others were struggling with the constant demands of modern life, and I felt called to share what I had learned.

So, I took a leap of faith. I left the safety of my corporate 9-to-5 and started Soul Plunge. It began with just a few friends in my backyard, breathing together and getting into cold water. Word spread, and our community grew. We started hosting events at gyms, yoga studios, and festivals. Eventually, we knew it was time to find a home for Soul Plunge, and on September 9, 2024, we opened our hidden gem in La Jolla.

Soul Plunge now offers yoga, breathwork, cold plunge, and sauna in a space that feels like a Moroccan seaside spa. Designed by Chelsea Ruitenberg, it was created with the intention of making your worries drip off your shoulders the moment you walk through the door. Everything—from the aesthetic and cleanliness to our authentically kind staff—creates a welcoming atmosphere where everyone is accepted just as they are.

Our goal at Soul Plunge is to create a safe space for people to find healing within themselves. We aim to empower others to step outside their comfort zones and discover the magic that lies beyond them.

Soul Plunge has become a magnet for the most amazing humans. Seeing this space grow has been an honor, and I know this is just the beginning.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This has been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done in my life. Bringing a business from just an idea in my head to a fully operational brick-and-mortar space required more grit, resilience, and adaptability than I ever knew I had. It pushed me so far past my comfort zone that I lost it entirely.

I’d say my biggest personal challenge has been finding balance—turning my passion into a business while still holding onto my own personal practices. It’s easy to pour everything into building something you love, but I’ve had to remind myself that I can’t pour from an empty cup.

I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world. And at the same time, I feel like I need to hibernate in a forest for the next three months haha.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Soul Plunge is a space for anxiety to transform into strength through yoga, breathwork, and contrast therapy (cold plunge & sauna).

What sets us apart is the intentionality behind everything we do. From the Moroccan-inspired design to the energy of our team, every detail is curated to create a space where people feel safe, seen, and supported. We’re known for blending ancient practices with modern wellness, helping people regulate their nervous systems, build resilience, and find moments of stillness in their busy lives.

At Soul Plunge, every new guest is guided through our unique cold plunge ritual. We focus on softening the experience by incorporating intentional breathwork and mindfulness. Guests are often amazed at how much longer they can stay and how much calmer they feel with the support of a guide. At Soul Plunge, you’re never alone in your journey!

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. Soul Plunge has become a home for like-minded individuals seeking growth, healing, and human connection. It’s a space where people come as they are and leave feeling empowered—whether they’re stepping off the mat, out of the sauna, or emerging from an ice bath with a whole new perspective. We’ve also collaborated with some amazing local businesses, and our events are incredibly transformative.

The magic in this space is hard to fully describe with words, so I recommend coming in and seeing for yourself!

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
My computer background for the past two years has read, “Make it happen, shock everyone.”

Leaving a well-paying job with benefits to invest my entire life savings into Soul Plunge was the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. But my vision was so clear and strong that I knew, if I kept pushing forward, it was meant to happen.

Cold plunging has been my greatest teacher in overcoming fear and realizing how much stronger I am than my self-limiting beliefs. It’s shown me that the things we fear the most are often the things that hold the key to our growth.

We’ve got one life!! Take the risk. Chase your dreams, Invest in yourself. Fail. Learn. Try again.

Pricing:

  • Intro Offer – 1 Week Unlimited Yoga/Breathwork Classes & Open Cold Plunge/Sauna Sessions – $69
  • Fully Unlimited Annual Membership (Yoga/Breathwork Classes & Open Cold Plunge/Sauna Sessions)- $2,399
  • Unlimited Annual Membership (Open Cold Plunge/Sauna Sessions Only)- $1,899
  • Unlimited Annual Membership (Yoga/Breathwork Classes Only) – $1,529
  • We also offer Drop Ins, Class Packs and Bundles!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photographer: Sydney Hickey

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