Meet Alisa Cardenas

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alisa Cardenas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alisa below.

Hi Alisa, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

Self-care has become a priority for me now more than it ever. This business was, in part, born from a desire to prioritize my own physical, mental, and social well-being while helping others do the same.

Strength training has been a game-changer for me physically. For the past eight months, I’ve trained consistently and feel stronger than ever. Unlike my previous sedentary desk job, my work now is highly physical—lifting, carrying, bending, and moving constantly. Strength is essential for sustaining this work, preventing injury, and keeping up with the demands of the business.

Mentally, I give myself permission to work with my natural rhythms instead of forcing productivity. Rather than pressuring myself to post daily on social media or stick to a rigid email marketing schedule, I embrace creative flow when it comes and step back when needed. This approach has helped me avoid burnout, stay engaged, and produce higher-quality work. When I allow space for inspiration rather than forcing it, I actually accomplish more—and enjoy the process.

Socially, I prioritize connection because I am a firm believer that community is a form of self-care too. Whether it’s meeting up with friends at the ski hill or sneaking in a mid-week SUP session on the river, these moments recharge me. Engaging with others prevents isolation, keeps me inspired, and reminds me why I started this business in the first place—to create experiences that make people feel alive and foster meaningful connections.

Before this journey, my time never felt like my own. Prioritizing myself seemed impossible. Now, self-care isn’t just something I do in my free time—it’s woven into my business, making me more effective, balanced, and energized. When I take care of myself, I show up as my best self for my family, my customers, my business, and my community.

And that’s why this industry is taking off. Self-care isn’t an afterthought in sauna culture—it’s the foundation. Thermic bathing and ritualistic wellness practices have always been about restoration, balance, and connection. As more people seek genuine ways to slow down, reconnect, and recharge, the demand for authentic wellness experiences is growing. Howl at the Moon Sauna Co. is in the business of well-being. Self-care isn’t just something we promote; it’s why we’re here in the first place.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the founder of Howl at the Moon Sauna Co., a mobile sauna company dedicated to bringing the warmth and tradition of sauna culture to the heart of West Michigan. Born from a love for the outdoors and a deep appreciation for wellness, our mission is to nurture physical, mental, and social well-being by delivering unique sauna experiences right to your doorstep.

At the heart of our business is Wildflower, a vintage horse trailer lovingly converted into a wood-burning Finnish sauna. Designed to comfortably seat up to six people, it features an open layout with several windows, allowing for natural light and expansive views—creating a spacious atmosphere that invites the outside in. This is not your gym sauna.

Before launching this venture, I found myself immersed in the corporate world, watching my own well-being take a backseat. I craved something more—something that aligned with my values of nature, wellness, and human connection. That longing led me to sauna, a practice that has been both grounding and transformative.

What excites me most is the growing resurgence of sauna culture and thermic bathing. People are rediscovering ancient communal bathing traditions and realizing that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Beyond providing mobile sauna experiences, Howl at the Moon Sauna Co. seeks to educate and inspire people to embrace the transformative power of heat, cold, and intentional rest.

We offer a range of services, including overnight rentals, hosted event rentals and community sauna pop-ups. Looking into the next 6 months we have a few really exciting things on the horizon. We’ll be participating in the inaugural Michigan Sauna Festival in Traverse City at the end of February, we have several spring retreats/events coming up and continued collaborations with Ottawa County Parks,

As we grow, we’re focused on innovating experiences—blending ancient sauna traditions with modern wellness practices and pairing sauna with other engaging communal activities. I’m also passionate about fostering deeper connections within the global sauna and thermic bathing community by attending events, collaborating with like-minded individuals, and continuously learning from other cultures.

Truthfully, my vision for Howl at the Moon Sauna Co. is ever-evolving—some days, I dream of expanding into wither a permanent space or creating a fleet of mobile saunas while other days, I envision traveling the world studying thermic bathing practices and sharing my learnings with our community. The possibilities feel endless, both exhilarating and overwhelming in the best way.

At its core, my goal is simple: to help people slow down, reconnect, and find balance in a world that constantly demands more. I’m excited for what’s ahead and for the continued evolution of this journey. If sauna culture, wellness, or unique experiences speak to you, I’d love for you to follow along and join us in the heat.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are risk-taking, relationship building, and developing a brand identity. These weren’t always strengths of mine—especially risk-taking—but stepping into entrepreneurship has shown me just how essential they are.

I’ve always been a low-risk kind of gal, but I’ve come to realize that calculated and supported risks are where growth happens. You only get one life, and if something is calling to you, why not go for it? The key isn’t reckless risk but intentional risk—having a plan, gathering the right support, and then taking the leap. For those starting out, my advice is to start small. You don’t have to bet everything at once, just take one step outside your comfort zone and build from there. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and can offer guidance because support makes risk feel less scary. And always ask yourself, what’s the worst that can happen? If you fail, you’ll learn. If you succeed, you’ll grow. Either way, you’re moving forward.

I’ve also seen firsthand how much business, and life in general, thrives on relationships. Every opportunity, collaboration, and big moment in Howl at the Moon Sauna Co. has come from genuine connections—whether it’s working with other wellness entrepreneurs, creating a memorable experience for customers, or simply showing up and engaging with people in an authentic way. Success is never a solo journey. My advice is to invest in relationships before you need them, show up, support others, and be part of communities that align with your vision. Don’t be afraid to reach out and collaborate because you never know what doors will open when you put yourself out there. Focus on making real, human connections, not just transactions—people support businesses they believe in.

Developing a brand identity has also been essential. At the core of Howl at the Moon Sauna Co.—it’s about a lifestyle, a feeling, an experience. People connect with stories more than they connect with products or services, and they want to know the “why” behind what you do. For those starting out, getting clear on your core message—what you stand for and why it matters—is key. Tell your story often, whether on social media, in conversations, or on your website. The more you share, the more people connect. Be consistent and authentic. Your brand should reflect your values, voice, and personality, and people can tell when something is forced.

None of these things—risk-taking, building relationships, or storytelling—happen overnight. They happen when you show up again and again. My best advice for anyone starting out is simple: just start. Start small, start messy, start scared—but start. Growth comes from action, and action comes from believing in yourself enough to take that first step. If you’re feeling the pull to do something different, why not try? You might just surprise yourself.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

A challenge I’m currently facing is figuring out how to expand—where I want to take this business and what direction feels right for the future. The opportunities are endless, and so are the possible paths, which is both exciting and overwhelming. Some days, I feel strongly about one direction, and the next, I’m pulled toward another.

Brainstorming and collaboration are essential to how I work and ideate. I thrive on bouncing ideas around, refining concepts, and exploring possibilities with others. But as a solo entrepreneur, this can be difficult. Without a team to strategize with, decision-making can be difficult. I often find myself overanalyzing instead of moving forward.

Right now, my focus is on creating space for clarity—seeking out mentors, engaging with other entrepreneurs, and surrounding myself with people who challenge and inspire me. I’m learning that I don’t have to have it all figured out today. Expansion isn’t about finding a single “right” path but about choosing a direction, taking action, and allowing the journey to unfold. My goal is to stay open, experiment, and trust that the right opportunities will reveal themselves as I continue moving forward.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

@wavetone.studio

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