Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Elling.
Hi Courtney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Our journey started with the question “Why does this not exist at home?” I was on a trip to Vancouver where I attended a Nordic Spa. Spending the day outdoors, in nature, and moving between the heat of a sauna, cold plunge pools, hot tubs, and rest areas was profound for me. I hadn’t felt that present, that still, that connected to myself in a long time. I was a mom, a tech sales leader, a partner — my life was full. But I’d been running so fast I’d lost the thread back to myself. So I started searching for something like this experience closer to home and kept coming up empty. So I built it. Nordic Renewal isn’t just about Sauna – although we love the health benefits and the history behind the ritual – it’s really about helping people connect more deeply to themselves and each other. Building community through challenge, slowness, wellness, and connection.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We had to get parks, venues, and partners to understand the experience we wanted to build. Some parks said no before we could even explain how it could work. Insurance companies didn’t know how to categorize us. Most of them hadn’t done anything like this before. My husband and I also had to figure out how to balance raising kids, my full-time job, and the rest of life with this new business. And then there was figuring out how to include our kids in it so it didn’t feel like something taking us away from them, but something we were doing together.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
For 20 years I have helped businesses with technology solutions. For the last 10 I have worked for Cisco, where most recently I lead strategy and offer solutions around how businesses use their workplaces. What I love most is seeing people work differently as times change — and being part of what makes that shift happen. I also love bringing smart building technologies to market so we can do good for the planet.
I am known for connecting the dots, making the complex simple, and bringing the human element to the work.
So much of what I have learned in 20 years in technology and corporate life helped me start Nordic Renewal. I love public speaking and sharing ideas, inspiring groups of people toward change. Now I get to do that with something deeply personal and meaningful to me. It really feels like I am building my legacy.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Oh man, so many people. My husband for believing in my idea and jumping in to bring it to life. Our friends and family for their support along the way — helping with our kiddos, showing up to events, offering advice, and just showing interest honestly. When something is so new, just having your people show they care meant the world and gave us the energy to keep going. Our kids, for tolerating the early morning events and for being our WHY. My cousin and marketing strategist, Rachael Amarante, helped me keep my values at the forefront and ensured that the business fit around my life. My first sales manager, Kurt, who helped me get over some public speaking fears. Annette Scott of The Revivery for her guidance and coaching so I could become a certified sauna guide. My “Saunapreneurs” — a group of similar sauna owners across the country — for sharing their ideas, their challenges, and for cheering us on. Voyageur Saunas for believing in our design and bringing it to life. Our early partners for trying this out and believing in us. And our founding members — man, this group is so special to me. They showed up with their whole selves, connected with others, and are building this community into what it is. I am forever grateful to ALL of these people.
Pricing:
- Social Sauna Sessions are $45 for 90 minutes of sauna and cold exposure
- A 2 hour private at home or venue event is $399
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nordicrenewalmn.com
- Instagram: @nordicrenewalmn
