These days, social media is filled with ubiquitous posts from inside an infrared sauna. But that wasn’t always the case, at least not until HigherDOSE debuted in 2016. As the global wellness economy booms, the launch of HigherDOSE proved a harbinger of things to come.
When Berlingeri and co-founder Katie Kaps joined forces to launch the brand nearly a decade ago, it was to fill a void. “I’ve always been passionate about innovation at the intersection of health and tech,” Berlingeri tells GRAZIA USA. “I modeled for years in my 20s but never felt passionate about fashion or photography.”
Wellness piqued Berlingeri’s curiosity and she received a certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. “From there, synchronicity happened after I tried all the latest spa technology — including infrared sauna — while traveling Europe,” says Berlingeri. Once back stateside, Berlingeri visited the only infrared sauna she could find in New York.
“After trying it and feeling the benefits, I knew I needed to do something with it and bring it to more people so they could feel the same,” Berlingeri shares. “That’s when I was introduced to Katie whose background was working in investment banking and wellness startups; after Katie tried it, she felt exactly the same. HigherDOSE was born from that moment of taking action on passion and inspiration.”
Now dubbed as the “hottest wellness tech brand,” HigherDOSE — the “DOSE” stands for dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins — initially launched with a single location in New York City. the concept was a hit. “Then we knew we needed to bring these benefits to more people,” says Berlingeri, “That’s when the idea for our infrared sauna blanket, our most popular product, came about.”
The success of the sauna blanket led to the development of additional at-home products including the PEMF Mat and the Red Light Face Mask, each with unique technologies that help promote recovery, detoxification, and relaxation alike.
As the brand continues to grow and evolve, Berlingeri recognizes that being a founder — especially in the fast-changing tech and wellness sectors — is equal parts planning and going with the flow.
“Being entrepreneurial, you have to leave space for adaptability,” Berlingeri admits. “However, I also find road mapping long lead vision to be helpful, especially when developing new products. You have to create a foundational structure, while also allowing for spontaneity and flexibility to consumer market demands.”
Right now, demand is driving the next stages of expansion for HigherDOSE. “Our plan involves venturing into the international market and bringing HigherDOSE to a global audience.” says Berlingeri. “We recognize the growing demand for holistic wellbeing and plan to launch more wellness retreats providing our customers with immersive and transformative experiences.”
As for staying recharged and inspired, Berlingeri is constantly seeking out others in the wellness space. “I’m constantly inspired by peers and personalities in the healing space,” she says. Spending time with her kids, taking hikes and shutting off her phone also help Berliongeri stay grounded.” I am conscious about having boundaries over my devices and switching off from them past 6 o’clock and focusing on my wind down routine,” she shares. “That can include baths with our serotonin bath soak, reading, using our red-light face mask, sauna or PEMF mat.”
