Quality Makers — HigherDOSE Founders Katie Kaps + Lauren Berlingeri

Wellness is a booming business, having earned $5.6 trillion in 2022 and forecast to grow another 52% by 2027. Viewed from a wider lens today — the category has evolved to include healthy habits to attain better physical and mental health, enhanced appearance as well as workplace well-being and wellness tourism — 79% of people believe wellness is vital; studies attribute this growing interest to the aging population.

While the concept of Biohacking — the practice of altering our environment, nutrition, and way of life to improve physical and mental performance — was identified in the early aughts by entrepreneur Dave Asprey, it is the foundation for many of today’s wellness innovations that are growing the category, revolutionizing healthcare and enhancing our understanding of longevity and the human body. 

I could not be more thrilled to have interviewed two female founders leading the charge: HigherDOSE Founders Katie Kaps and Lauren Berlingeri. Having HigherDOSE in my own personal wellness regimen, I have seen first-hand the meaningful change the brand can offer, with products that don’t just heal the body — but soothe the soul. Read on to learn more about the founding duo who are just getting started.

Our readers were introduced to your incredible sauna blanket in a TQE review I did months ago, but I would love to step back and ask — When you began HigherDOSE in 2016 as an in-person sauna experience, did you envision building a wellness empire?

While we never could have imagined the success HigherDOSE has reached today, we did set out to transform the modern spa experience. We merged the energies of a night club and health club, encouraged friends to DOSE together, and grounded all our self-care strategies in science and technology. People were hungry to go deeper in their wellness practices and fell in love with what HigherDOSE had to offer. Creating that experience and following a community led to the success of our at-home technologies and where the brand is today.” — Katie

What was the initial impetus for HigherDOSE — and when did you turn it from a side hustle into your focused career path? I understand Lauren began her career as a model, holistic nutritionist and certified health coach, while Katie was previously an investment banker at Merrill Lynch but had been instrumental in lending her business skills to two fitness initiatives (the San Francisco marathon and Tough Mudder).

“I discovered the power of Infrared technology — specifically Infrared saunas — when I was working on a series where I underwent intense exercise challenges. I found the infrared sauna to be the best option for recovery while boosting my mood, and I was shocked by how effective it was and how little knowledge there was surrounding it. I saw an opportunity to bring this biohacking tool to the masses, so I pitched the idea to Katie Kaps. We started out very lean; we created HigherDOSE’s initial branding ourselves (even acting as models in our first campaigns) and mastered how to quickly pivot our strategies, creating an 8-figure startup with only 4 full time employees. The rest was history!” — Lauren

‍I so admire your drive, particularly as we understand female founders regrettably receive just 2% of VC funding in the US. Having worked through this challenge, can you impart any wisdom for those starting out?

Rejection is redirection, truly. Trust that the most aligned investment partners will meet you in your vision, even if that takes longer. — Lauren + Katie

Speaking of motivation and long-term vision, how do you stay abreast of the changes in technology, biohacking and health to create new products? Does it influence your approach knowing biohacking (which you’ve phrased phenomenally as “the pursuit of individualized wellness and peak performance”) is predominately male?

“We’re both extremely passionate about biohacking in our daily lives and are always staying on the pulse of the hottest new trends and technologies. We follow several journals and well-known health experts that keep us abreast of new hacks to try, and we’re particularly passionate about introducing more women to biohacking. Because it’s a male dominated industry, there’s still work to be done to provide women with the tools they need to complement their unique bio-individuality and address the issues that affect them.” — Lauren + Katie

You notoriously created the home sauna blanket business prior to the pandemic, recognizing the need for portability and reaching more people with an at-home experience. Can you share some insights that have led to your follow-up product launches?

“We truly believe that investing in your body, mind, and vitality is one of the most rewarding investments you can make – one that yields compound interest over the years. Health is wealth. It’s time for the health and wellness industries to shift towards prioritizing preventative care and harnessing innovation. We believe that advanced technologies are the future of self-care, skincare, bodycare, fitness, and recovery. 

Also, nature is the most effective healing source available. Period. The sun, the sea, and the earth have kept humans alive and healthy for eternity. As our modern world takes us further away from nature, these benefits become more difficult to tap into in urban environments. Our products tap into and replicate natural frequencies and healing modalities found in nature – plugging us all back into the ultimate source of vitality. This ethos has led us to invest in red light and PEMF technology to replicate the healing power of nature in the most effective ways possible.” — Lauren + Katie

I couldn't agree more about being proactive in our well-being, and am eager to hear a day in the life of your wellness rituals.

Our rituals weave in the HigherDOSE wellness tech, tools and supplements, as we designed products we’d actually use ourselves! In the mornings we love contrast therapy with our Infrared Sauna Blanket ($699) and cold plunge, or a cold shower if there’s no tub. This increases heart rate, emulating a workout, and boosts mood to start our day well. Throughout the day we work on our Infrared PEMF Mats ($1295) on setting beta for better focus, while remaining centered and calm. Though the PEMF Mat itself is incredibly grounding, it’s important we get time outside in nature for the nervous system. In the evening I love to wind down with our Red Light Face Mask ($349) and Red Light Neck Enhancer ($349), amplifying the skin plumping benefits with Glow Serum ($79). Before bed we make sure to pop a magnesium Chill Chew ($39) for natural relaxation. — Lauren + Katie