In a metropolis that thrives on enhancing efficiency in all areas of life—including professional endeavors, sleep patterns, and fitness regimens—New Yorkers are also embracing wellness technology. This burgeoning sector is currently valued at $6 trillion and projected to reach $8.5 trillion by 2027.
However, convincing investors to back HigherDOSE, founded by Lauren Berlingeri and ex-Merrill Lynch banker Katie Kaps, was no easy task. Berlingeri noted that overcoming the skepticism associated with york.news/2024/06/03/new-york-news/the-beauty-products-dorion-renaud-uses-to-the-last-drop/” title=”The Beauty Products Dorion Renaud Uses to the Last Drop”>wellness practices took considerable time due to the commonplace “woo-woo” stereotype attached to holistic health solutions.
Berlingeri reflects on the challenges they faced as pioneers in an emerging market, stating, “Most people weren’t even familiar with what we were doing. We aimed to carve out a niche in areas such as holistic recovery, longevity, and biohacking, which made it hard for venture capitalists to see the vision.” The company was launched in 2014, yet it only secured $1.2 million in funding by 2016, forcing them to innovate to keep revenue streams alive amid skyrocketing tech valuations.
To bolster their finances, Berlingeri and Kaps invested personal funds towards establishing fixed locations and pop-up events throughout the city, allowing them to grow their brand while refining their product offerings in health technology.
Before entering the wellness arena, Berlingeri, now 39, had a background in modeling and television hosting. She recounts her previous lifestyle, which involved unhealthy habits like smoking and consuming Diet Coke to maintain her figure. After discovering the transformative impact of nutritional practices and wellness tools, she was inspired to help others experience similar benefits.
“When I first encountered the infrared sauna, I thought, ‘What is this magic?’ It offers light therapy that releases endorphins, improves skin quality, and enhances sleep. I had to try it, and the first sauna experience was nothing short of astonishing. I instantly knew that every New Yorker should try infrared therapy,” she emphasized.
Berlingeri emphasizes that, while the science behind these wellness technologies might be intricate, the immediate improvements in well-being serve as the best advertising for their products, contributing significantly to the brand’s success.
“With infrared light therapy, you can truly perceive and feel the changes within just one session. Many wellness practices can be esoteric and take months to gauge results. In contrast, stepping out of an infrared sauna leaves you feeling rejuvenated instantly,” she noted.
Both co-founders became captivated by the effects of infrared therapy, leveraging their initial funding to establish 25 sauna locations throughout the tri-state area. Berlingeri adds with humor, “For the first few years, we didn’t even need to market ourselves. Customers flocked in and posted stunning sauna selfies, which helped us go viral. They didn’t care about the infrared technology; they were enchanted by how amazing they felt after each session.”
Icons such as Bella Hadid and The Weeknd were regular visitors, joined by notable celebrities including Kate Winslet, Michelle Williams, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jonah Hill.
The increasing attraction to the sauna services led the founders to explore new, accessible product offerings. This endeavor resulted in the introduction of a $699 sauna blanket in 2018, resembling a sleeping bag that can heat up to nearly 180 degrees, delivering a sauna experience at home.
As the pandemic emerged, HigherDOSE temporarily closed in-person sauna services. However, this time sparked a surge in demand for their sauna blankets, as people turned to self-care while spending more time indoors.
“The pandemic taught us all the importance of taking ownership of our health. The only person you can truly rely on is yourself, and adopting a wellness lifestyle is key,” Berlingeri shared.
Since then, HigherDOSE—named for the natural high users experience from their products—has expanded its lineup with new at-home solutions and reopened one sauna location in Soho while collaborating with 50 spas across the tri-state area.
The product range also includes skincare items and PEMF mats, which utilize pulsed electromagnetic waves to enhance muscle recovery.
While the brand is available nationwide, New York City remains central to its ongoing evolution and growth. Berlingeri expresses, “New York is a source of endless inspiration. Without living here, I might never have embarked on creating HigherDOSE, especially without a formal business education. In this city, passion and determination resonate.”
This article is part of NYNext, a new editorial series showcasing cutting-edge innovations in New York City across various sectors and the individuals driving this progress forward.