Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Brady
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?
Yes! I’ve always had a passion for health and wellness. It’s been such an integral part of my life for the last couple decades and in my mid 20s I decided to turn it into a career. I worked in marketing and events for a couple different wellness-focused media companies in NYC for years, but eventually I found myself wanting more of a one-on-one experience with people; I wanted to actually see the benefits of what I was doing and how it was helping people rather than sitting behind a computer cranking out marketing decks for the latest collagen powder. I also had a desire to learn more about the body’s ability to heal using natural modalities, so I ended up back in graduate school where I got my degree in Clinical Psychology but in a special program that studied Spirituality & Mind Body Practice. Coming out of school, I knew I wanted to create a wellness center that offered city dwellers an escape from the stressors of everyday life—somewhere they could go to focus on self-care and overall well-being. In NYC, we had a couple places that satisfied this need but it was something I really wanted to bring to Atlanta, (which is where I’m originally from and where I intended to move after grad school). My mom was actually the one who suggested I look into franchises, but I was incredibly picky and didn’t have high hopes I’d find a brand that met my expectations. I wanted to create a space that was warm, beautiful, and inviting—somewhere luxurious that you actually wanted to spend time at (without the exorbitant price points). I also wanted to offer services/treatments that were heavily research-backed; services that I wholeheartedly believed in and had experience with. That’s when I found Pause. I was actually already familiar with Pause having worked in the wellness space, so when I saw that they had opened up to franchising literally that month, I knew it was fate. The brand checked off all the boxes and I could not be more thrilled to finally be where I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’d be lying if I said that this journey has been smooth. First and foremost, we were really picky about where we wanted to open our first location. We wanted to launch in Buckhead first and we wanted to find a space that had good co-tenancy and ample parking—especially since we offer services that can be completed in as little as 2 minutes. We also had a lot of spacial requirements for the buildout, so our options were limited. While we were determined to find space immediately and be open by the end of 2023, we didn’t end up signing a lease until March of 2024. From there, we dealt with the typical permitting and construction delays, so it took a lot of patience. With a new opening date set for January, we also had to deal with all the chaos that came with the holidays. Half of our supplies got stuck in a FedEx facility in Austell, GA, our float pods literally went missing in transit for weeks, many of our vendors closed for holiday break, and staff training was cut short by the snowstorm. Opening month was absolutely fantastic, but definitely chaotic to say the least.
As you know, we’re big fans of Pause. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Pause is an experiential wellness studio that offers modern services that boost immunity and support physical, mental, and emotional recovery to help you move better, sleep better, work better, feel better, and live better. Our services include infrared sauna, contrast therapy (infrared sauna + cold plunge), LED light therapy, cryotherapy, float therapy (i.e. sensory deprivation), and IV drip therapy. What sets us apart from others is our dedication to customer service and delivering a relaxing and luxurious experience at an accessible price point. We genuinely care about the well-being of our customers and we’re here to help them become the best version of themselves!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For me it was all about just talking to as many people as I could about my goals and what I was looking to achieve. Going into all of this, I definitely had imposter syndrome, but the more people I spoke to, the more I learned and the more comfortable/confident I became about the venture. People can’t offer help or advice if they don’t know you’re looking for it!
Pricing:
- Monthly memberships range from $60 and $357
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pausestudio.zenoti.com/webstoreNew/sales/membership/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pausebuckhead/
- Other: https://pausestudio.zenoti.com/webstoreNew/services/
Image Credits
Images can be credited to Pause Buckhead
