Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Casallas.
Hi Karla, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My background is rooted in the beauty and tech industries. I spent nine years at a leading beauty technology company in Latin America, where I held various roles including business analyst, tech leader, product owner, scrum master, and digital leader.
Wellness has always been close to my heart—it’s part of my upbringing, with a family legacy in the natural health and beauty space in Colombia. After years in the tech world, I felt a strong pull to align my career with my passion for holistic health. That’s when I discovered cryotherapy.
In 2021, I took over The KOV Cryotherapy in Miami, which was originally focused solely on cryotherapy. I started by learning the existing operations, then gradually introduced data-driven strategies to modernize and grow the business. Over time, I’ve transformed The KOV into a more complete wellness destination by incorporating complementary modalities like infrared sauna, oxygen therapy, halotherapy, lymphatic drainage, and more.
From refreshing the brand and updating our service menu to investing in cutting-edge wellness technology and actively engaging with the cryo community, my goal has been to create a space that blends innovation with natural healing—something I deeply believe in.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road—but I believe every challenge has played a role in shaping the growth of both myself and the business. Transitioning from the tech industry to hands-on wellness operations came with a steep learning curve. I had to quickly adapt to the realities of managing a physical space, leading a team in a very personal, client-facing environment, and wearing many hats at once.
One of the biggest early challenges was earning trust—both from our existing clients and within the wellness community. I was stepping into a business that already had a loyal following, so it was important to honor what was built before while slowly introducing changes.
Another hurdle was navigating the ups and downs of running a small business post-pandemic, including staffing, supply chain issues, and shifting customer behaviors. But through it all, I stayed focused on our mission: to create a thoughtful, elevated space for recovery and self-care.
Those hard moments taught me resilience, pushed me to be creative, and ultimately led to the strong foundation we have today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The KOV Cryotherapy Miami?
The KOV is more than a wellness boutique—it’s a sanctuary for recovery, resilience, and self-care. Located in the lush oasis of Upper Buena Vista in Miami, we specialize in cryotherapy and complementary biohacking therapies designed to support physical, emotional, and mental well-being. What began as a cryotherapy studio has evolved into a comprehensive wellness destination, offering services like whole-body cryotherapy, infrared sauna, oxygen therapy, halotherapy, lymphatic drainage, EMS body sculpting, and more.
We’re known for creating a space where cutting-edge technology meets personal connection. Every detail at The KOV is designed to make clients feel seen, supported, and inspired to take ownership of their health. What sets us apart is the combination of high-performance modalities with a deeply human approach. Our services are non-invasive, effective, and thoughtfully curated to enhance recovery, reduce inflammation, support skin health, and promote overall vitality.
I’m especially proud of how far we’ve come in transforming The KOV into a place where people can discover natural ways to feel better and build healthier habits. From first-timers receiving personalized guidance to loyal clients who’ve made our treatments part of their lifestyle, we aim to educate and empower each guest who walks through our doors.
Our brand is rooted in authenticity, innovation, and heart. My personal journey—losing close family members to cancer—drives my mission to help others strengthen their bodies through proactive wellness. It’s this passion that fuels everything we do at The KOV. Whether you’re recovering from a tough workout, managing chronic pain, or simply seeking balance in your day, we offer a holistic experience that meets you where you are and supports where you want to go.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that mentorship and networking don’t always have to follow a formal structure. Sometimes the most impactful guidance comes from people you meet along the way—clients, peers, collaborators—who offer insight through real conversations and shared experiences.
For me, one of my greatest sources of support and inspiration has been my husband and business partner, Venkat. With over 24 years of experience leading global organizations in the tech space—including companies like Estée Lauder, Sephora, and Nike—he brings a wealth of strategic insight and operational expertise to the table. His calm, analytical mindset has been the perfect complement to my creative, people-first approach. Having him as a sounding board has helped me grow both personally and professionally, especially as we navigated the transition into the wellness industry together.
My advice is to stay open and genuinely curious. Ask questions, share your story, and show up consistently in spaces where people share your interests or values. For me, engaging in wellness events, vendor communities, and industry groups has been incredibly helpful—not just to learn, but to build relationships rooted in trust and authenticity.
Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to people whose work you admire, even if it feels intimidating. Most of the time, people are open to connecting if your intention is sincere. And lastly, mentorship doesn’t have to be one person—it can be a collection of voices and experiences that help guide your path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thekov.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekovmiami?igsh=MTdicjdtZnBwMjBqZg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EoVVC5whE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
