Today we’d like to introduce you to Somya Qureshi.
Hi Somya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I moved to the United States from India in 2005 as a student. After completing my MBA at The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, I worked in Germany for two years before returning to North Carolina to get married. I’ve called Winston-Salem home since 2010 and am proud to be part of this community.
Over the years, I have held leadership roles across early childhood education, non-profit, and consumer goods. I valued my 11+ years in corporate leadership and fully expected to continue advancing — until I lost my mother to cancer in the summer of 2023. As a plant-based vegan committed to a healthy lifestyle, I initially turned more intensely to fitness, hoping it would help me cope. But the combination of deep grief and chronic professional stress led to a level of mental and emotional strain I had never experienced.
In searching for support and healing, I began adding hot sauna sessions and cold showers into my routine, which helped me regain a sense of balance. I completed an 8-week MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) program and began meditating consistently. These mindfulness and holistic wellness practices opened my eyes to the profound interconnections between mind, body, and emotion.
Around this time, my husband and I began exploring business opportunities and discovered Pure Sweat Studios. Our first meeting with the founder was transformational. Her vision for intentional living, community well-being, and accessible wellness deeply resonated with my own desire to create a sanctuary — not just for myself, but for my family and community.
True to my nature as a lifelong learner and seeker of growth, this journey has given me a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the abundant resources we all have within us to heal and thrive.
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?
Starting a new venture is never easy. Once we knew we wanted to open a wellness studio, the process began with market research — understanding demographics, competition, customer pain points, and defining what success could look like. From there, we finalized the franchise agreement and secured support from our legal and financial partners.
Next came finding the right commercial space. That took much longer than expected. Our first two letters of intent fell through, and then we walked into the third location and instantly knew it was “the one.” Choosing it meant adjusting our original target demographic and refining parts of our marketing plan, but it felt right.
From selecting the contractor to navigating construction challenges, equipment installation, permits, and shifting timelines, it became clear that the road would never be smooth. We missed our original grand opening by more than five months and had to pivot at every turn — but we never lost sight of the goal.
Once the new opening date was set, we dove into marketing, building awareness, and preparing to sell our services. Hiring the right team, onboarding, and training added another layer, all while ensuring everything was ready for launch.
But when we finally opened our doors — welcoming the community in, watching people experience these services for the first time — every challenge, delay, and ounce of uncertainty felt worth it. This journey has been incredibly rewarding because it has allowed us, and our community, to prioritize health. And that has been our purpose from day one.
We’ve been impressed with Pure Sweat Sauna Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Pure Sweat Sauna Studio is a community-focused retreat for health, healing, and connection. We offer state-of-the-art infrared saunas and contrast therapy with cold plunging — powerful modalities designed to elevate well-being, support deep healing, and help people reconnect with themselves and their community.
Our full-spectrum Infrared Sauna Therapy by Sunlighten delivers Far, Mid, and Near-Infrared wavelengths that warm the body at a cellular level for a deep, therapeutic sweat. Benefits include detoxification, strengthened immunity, reduced inflammation and pain, improved metabolism, radiant skin, and overall restoration.
Our Contrast Therapy program pairs infrared heat with cold plunging to activate the body’s natural healing systems. This combination boosts immune function, builds physical and mental resilience, accelerates muscle recovery, increases clarity and focus, and leaves you feeling energized and grounded.
Pure Sweat is not just another sauna space — and it’s certainly not just a place to sweat. We are a community hub where every guest is known, cared for, and genuinely supported. We want each person who walks through our doors to feel seen, welcomed, and loved.
From our healing services to our thoughtfully curated supplements to our community events, Pure Sweat is a space for discovery and transformation. We exist to elevate the mental, physical, emotional, and social health of our community — one session, one breath, one connection at a time.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to find peers and senior leaders who not only supported me but also became role models. I’ve been able to attract great mentors because I’ve always sought them out, stayed curious, and remained open to learning.
Now, as a new business owner and a woman of color, I continue to lean into that same mindset. I actively learn from other entrepreneurs who have walked this path before me — those who generously share their experience, insights, and support.
One of my core principles in life is simple: you get what you put in. Mentorship and networking work best when you show up genuinely, contribute what you can, and build relationships rooted in authenticity. When you do that, it becomes much easier to attract people who share your values and your drive.
Pricing:
- Intro 3 pack of Saunas $75
- Intro 3 pack of Contrast Therapy $150
- Holiday Detox-Destress Contrast Therapy Single Session $50
- Holiday Detox-Destress Contrast Therapy Single Session 2 people $75
- Unlimited Sauna Monthly Pass $199
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.puresweatstudios.com/winston-salem-nc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puresweatwinstonsalem/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554576705744
- Other: https://linktr.ee/puresweatwinstonsalem
