From Raving Fan to Franchise Owner: Husband & Wife Venture into Business Ownership Together with Icebox Cryotherapy

Adam and Katie Harrell were looking for a business opportunity that would allow them to be their own bosses while doing something that they loved. When they moved to the Atlanta area in 2019, they discovered Icebox Cryotherapy, the first brick-and-mortar cryotherapy franchise. After discovering the physical and mental health benefits for themselves, the couple became avid guests. And when they found out that the brand was a franchise, they decided to get into business for themselves. 

Since opening in 2020, the Icebox studio in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, has become a favorite within the local community. With Adam and Katie both being very involved from the beginning, they have created an environment where guests can relax and feel better. Now, the pair is looking forward to growing with the brand.

1851 Franchise spoke to the Harrells about their franchising journey with Icebox. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Katie: My husband was working in an agricultural job and was provided an opportunity to move to the Atlanta area to do a sales position. So, we moved here in 2019. I was staying home with our three kids, but we talked about me going back to work. However, it would need to be something flexible. We got to a point where we decided that we wanted to do something for ourselves where we were our own bosses and could make our own schedule. We eventually became customers at an Icebox in Alpharetta, and we loved the brand and services. We had already been looking into franchising and didn't realize they were a franchise. When we found out, we dove in. 

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Adam: For me, I always thought of restaurants like McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A. I came from the food industry, and I quickly realized I didn't want to stay there. So we started looking at the service industry. My perception was that you can be your own boss, but you also have the support of a headquarters and corporate team. And that has very much been our experience.  

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Katie: We went with Icebox because we already believed in the products and services. It didn't feel like learning something new. We didn't have to learn what we were going to be selling. After two years of doing this, we still love it so much. And being able to share it with others, from our team members to our guests, has been very rewarding. It doesn't feel like work — it's fun. What we offer to people really helps them relax and feel better. It's a place people want to be and feels like a safe place for people to come. It's a very rewarding industry.

Adam: There are very few businesses that get to experience as many happy customers as we do because of the services that we offer. They help people feel better physically and mentally. That's very rewarding. 

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Adam: We are always looking at opportunities to grow. We would like to own a second franchise in the future. Our goals are to grow our franchises to a place where we can sell them or pass them on to our children one day. We’re very open to opportunities. 

Katie: Another goal for us is to build it to a place where we both don't need to be there during the week. We have a full time manager and esthetician. Neither one of us will have to go in eventually. The next step is continuing to build our team. 

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Adam: One thing that's important about us is that we’ve been very hands on in the studio since opening day. From our experience, the reason it's been so successful is because we've been there, walking through the tasks of not only owners, but Wellness Coordinators also. We took those steps upfront to set the tone for the business and the customer service we want to have. We feel like that has been a major part of our success.

Katie: I agree. Having this be our first business together, I don’t think it would be where it is if we had just hired a manager from the beginning and watched. It allowed us to build and set the standard and create what's expected from the beginning with our team. It makes a more inviting place to work because they know how involved we are. Anyone who's worked with us has seen us do everything we’ve asked them to do. We lead by example. 

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Adam: Plan to be involved. Understand that if you're starting from ground zero, you're starting from zero – and it might be tough. You should be involved with your customers because people appreciate that, especially in the small business world. We’ve also partnered with a lot of small businesses in our area and support each other, which has been great. 

Katie: My advice would be love what you're doing or what you're selling. It makes making money easier. Neither one of us wanted to be in a sales position, but there's a way to go about it in that, if you really believe in your product, it feels natural. 

About Icebox Cryotherapy

Icebox Cryotherapy Studios is a whole body cryotherapy company founded by Alia Alston that opened its flagship studio in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2012. Alston’s life was changed forever at 19 years old when she was in a serious car accident caused by a drunk driver. On a mission to heal herself without surgery, she discovered cryotherapy. After seeing positive changes in her own body, the founder realized she could help the community feel and look their best by creating a spa-like retail environment where anyone and everyone could enjoy the service. “After spending years in physical therapy offices, I wanted to create an environment where people could heal and be in a fun, upbeat, modern environment.” As the first cryotherapy retail location in the United States, Icebox provides a safe, non-invasive and holistic approach to health and wellness. With a fun atmosphere, highly trained staff and the best equipment in the industry, Icebox pushes past the norms of a typical wellness studio and delivers the best-three-minutes-of-your-day. From athletic performance and pain management to skin health and overall wellness, Icebox can give you the best innovative cold therapy experience. To learn more about Icebox Cryotherapy and cryotherapy benefits, visit IceboxTherapy.com.