Growing up in the northwest of Ireland, I always found solace in the ocean. It was a place to play, reset, and feel part of something bigger—a space where anyone could go and share waves, stories, and time.

Years later, while living in Chicago, I found a similar presence in the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. There, I found a community built on a deep love and reverence for cold water and early mornings chasing waves. It was simple, raw, and brought us closer. Cold water became a place we learned to show up for, rely on, and be present with each other.

Upon returning to Ireland years later, I experienced the full spectrum of contrast therapy. In an oceanside sauna, I ran into old friends nearly every day. It was then that I realized, the sauna wasn’t just a place to warm up—it was a space to slow down, share stories, and connect with other people in your community!

Fjord & Flame is about bringing accessible spaces for restoration and connection to the San Diego community. Rooted in the ancient wellness practices of sauna and cold plunge, we invite people to feel better in their bodies, clearer in their minds, and more connected to those around them.