MARSHALL, Minn.— A cancer survivor who lives with fibromyalgia, Jenny Greenhoff is on a mission to reawaken health in others with her infrared sauna studio “Well Suite.” She opened the business in Marshall with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program.
“I believe our bodies are overwhelmed. We take a life-giving approach to health by providing a place to detox your body and your mind,” Jenny said.
An infrared sauna uses light (infrared waves) to deliver heat directly to the skin, rather than heating the surrounding air. Sauna sessions range from 10 to 30 minutes.
“Unlike traditional saunas, which operate at extremely harsh temperatures, infrared is a gentle, soothing and therapeutic heat that promotes relaxation and encourages a deep sweat,” Jenny said.
Following a diagnosis of breast cancer, Jenny started using infrared saunas. She found it helped strengthen her immunity, improve circulation and decrease pain as well as providing a way to relax. To spread those benefits to more people, she and her husband, Kevin, decided to open Well Suite.
Jenny has worked in many roles prior to this, including personal shopper, preschool assistant teacher, childcare provider and co-owner/founder of Breezy Meadow Retreat. Kevin is an electrician for Werner Bros in Marshall. Their family is active in various ministries at Grace Life Church and True Light Christian School, and they enjoy camping at Lake Shetek in their free time.
“We both have a passion for helping and serving others which is why we wanted to bring an alternative, complementary wellness option to the southwest Minnesota community,” Kevin said.
SWIF loan proceeds provided working capital for Well Suite. Loan programs have been a key function of SWIF since its inception to support communities and businesses throughout southwest Minnesota. In 2001, microlending was added to existing programs as a tool to support small businesses and people looking for self-employment opportunities.
“This is a unique business in the community, and we’re happy to support Jenny and Kevin in their new venture as entrepreneurs,” said SWIF Economic Development Officer Jackie Turner.
Microloan clients also receive free technical assistance from SWIF staff to improve their business management skills. Areas of support include business planning and financials analysis, QuickBooks training, marketing assistance and other training opportunities for the life of the loan.
This microloan program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information, contact SWIF at 800-594-9480, 320-587-4848 or [email protected].
LEARN ABOUT OUR LOAN PROGRAMSAbout Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a nonprofit community foundation connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities to create a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. Since its founding in 1986, SWIF has distributed more than $107 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs.
