Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Miltenberger.
Hi Michelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
It’s been a wonderful journey to get to The Space! I began my career in Finance in New York City, and as the city shut down in 2020, I moved to Fort Lauderdale. During that time I was incredibly unhappy with my life, feeling unfulfilled in my role and completely lost, not knowing what to do next. I discovered Breathwork during this time, which helped keep me grounded and helped me process through the tremendous amount of trauma and emotional difficulties I was experiencing.
When I moved to Florida I quit my job and began graduate school to become a mental health counselor while working as a CrossFit Coach. I knew my calling was to be in service to others, in both mind and body, but that still wasn’t it. I found myself feeling very burnt out and once again lost. This, paired with the ending of a relationship, sent me back into questioning where I was supposed to be and what I was supposed to do in this lifetime.
I found myself seeking spiritual community and practices, traveling to Miami 3-4 nights per week just to be in community in these Spaces. One morning I was driving to my Therapist job and the idea hit me like a brick – I had to open a space in Fort Lauderdale to be that place for community and wellness.
That moment I reached out to Socratis Christoforou, a dear friend, and owner of the CrossFit gym I had been working at for years, asking if he had time to meet to discuss this crazy idea I had. I figured he would either tell me I was crazy or provide some guidance on where to even start – instead his immediate reply was “Have you considered a business partner? I’m in.” And thus The Space was created.
We have been in business for almost a year now and it’s been the most amazing, magical process. Yes, it has been challenging, anyone who knows me has seen all of the variations of insanity and joy I have experienced, but it’s been so powerful. We have the most amazing customers, people who care about themselves and want to connect and live life fuller.
The Space has become a safe space for healing, growth, and connection. Whether it’s professional athletes or regular people, everyone has a spot. We’ve had people with lifelong pain finally find relief, or people connecting and starting businesses together. We even have our first Space Baby on the way from customers who met and connected at The Space.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are always struggles with any big risk or project. For me, the struggles have been all over the place. Financially it has been challenging as I underestimated how many personal resources would be required to support myself in birthing this project. I am so grateful for my friends and family who have spotted me over this last year. Also emotionally it has been challenging.
The stress of feeling like everything needs to be done with urgency, the moment it’s recognized or requested. I’ve really practiced putting in place sturdy boundaries and that has helped tremendously. For example, I don’t respond to business-related messages on my personal Instagram or personal cellphone. I also set aside specific times during the day to manage the email inbox, which helps create that sense of space for me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Space Fort Lauderdale?
The Space Fort Lauderdale is a unique wellness community dedicated to holistic health and social connectivity. Our commitment lies in cultivating an environment where members can engage in rejuvenating, bio-hacking practices like cold water therapy, sauna sessions, red light therapy, and breathwork, while also connecting with like-minded individuals.
What sets us apart from others is our community. Our space is open and communal, and we keep the vibes playful and upbeat – with dance music, party lights, and the most amazing and engaging staff. The Space becomes a social outing rather than just a simple wellness or recovery routine.
I am most proud of the feelings of safety and belonging that people receive from being at The Space. Whether it’s through a profound breathwork experience, or cheering on a first-timer in the cold plunge, nearly everyone I speak to tells me how much lighter they feel, and how connected they feel to themselves and the other customers at The Space.
We have many people who come to The Space with pain, both physical and emotional, and they chose to come to The Space because they feel safe to be, express, and let themselves receive the help they need through cold water immersion, breathwork, or sauna/redlight.
I want readers to know that The Space is more than just jumping in cold water. It’s a super fun experience with the best community out there. Our staff is amazing and is there to coach and support anyone who’s nervous or maybe doing a cold plunge for the first time. If you’re scared, don’t worry, we got you.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see huge growth in this industry going forward. There are always wellness trends and fads, but I truly believe cold water immersion/contrast therapy, and modalities like Breathwork are here to stay.
We intend to have The Space locations all over the country and be a household name in wellness and community. I feel like practices like cold plunge, sauna, redlight, breathwork, and connecting with the community will be the new standard for wellness, and even be the new medicine.
Pricing:
- $30 First Time Special
- $40 Single Session
- $145 3x Per Week Monthly Membership
- $195 Unlimited Monthly Membership
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thespaceftl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespaceftl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thespaceftl
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSsT0NQ-f5jRLIqUzqJfbXQ
- Other: https://www.wellnessliving.com/schedule/thespaceftl
Image Credits
Erik Duijsens Media
