Upon moving to Newtown seven years ago, Enlighten Infrared Sauna Studio owner Jaclyn Antoinette was a stay-at-home mom with a passion for wellness and athletics.

She had previously worked as a cheerleading coach, as well as a foreign language teacher, and was inspired to forge a new path for herself.

“I decided I wanted to blend my love of wellness and background of athletics and educate people on the health benefits and muscle recovery tools of infrared therapy,” Antoinette said.

She took the leap to become an entrepreneur and opened Enlighten Infrared Sauna Studio, at 268 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel, on September 11, 2019.

Antoinette’s business was only open about five months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“I was very nervous on how things would pan out for me as I was unable to receive any aid because I was a brand-new business. When I was able to reopen, so many people started coming in not only for the physical health benefits but for the mental relaxation. It was/is crucial for so many to slow down, take time for themselves, and recharge,” she said.

The studio has multiple infrared saunas, each located in its own private room with an iPad to control the temperature, play music, or stream Netflix. People can book a 25- or a 50-minute session.

Antoinette says there are many clinically proven benefits such as “detoxification, anti-aging, pain relief (especially for those with fibromyalgia and Lyme disease), muscle recovery, wound healing, [and] stress relief.”

When people have their session, they can select from a dozen colors on a remote that correspond to certain targeted benefits.

Antoinette explained, “Chromotherapy is the science of using colors to adjust vibrations to specific frequencies that resume in health and harmony. Choose your color (or two) that you would like to enhance to improve your overall wellbeing.”

Also, while she does not promote weight loss as a priority for using the infrared saunas, she says clients should be mindful that they can burn up to 600 calories in one 50-minute session.

“Your skin will be guaranteed to glow!” Antoinette said.

Additional Wellness And Fun

Not only are there infrared saunas, but the shop also has a wellness boutique located by its bright and spacious entryway.

There are candles, organic skin care products, dry brushes, essential oils, and more for people to purchase to continue their wellness journey at home.

People can also book Enlighten Infrared Sauna Studio for private parties, bachelorette parties, girls’ nights out, or just a fun group relaxation day.

“We also do healthy happy hours with discounted sessions and local foods/drinks, and yoga workshops. You can follow us on social media, @enlightenbethel, for our event updates!” Antoinette said.

To celebrate its upcoming two-year anniversary, Enlighten Infrared Sauna Studio will be giving discounts on memberships throughout September. Sessions for the weekend of September 11 will also be buy one, get one free.

Enlighten Infrared Sauna Studio is currently open on Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm, Mondays from 5 to 9 pm, Wednesdays from 10 am to 3 pm, Thursdays from 5 to 9 pm, Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. The studio is closed Tuesday.

For more information about Enlighten Infrared Sauna Studio and to book a session, visit enlightenct.com or call 203-300-5231.

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Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.