Transforming stress to strength in the wellness industry
Othership, a space for transformation, is dedicated to pushing mental and physical boundaries. With clean linen towels and help-yourself herbal teas, the experience is a journey for the senses. With two locations in Toronto and a recent studio opening in New York, Othership offers sauna sessions to sweat, ice baths to drop into, and a common area to connect with others. These classes have been gaining popularity—quite literally.
“It all started with creative expression, helping others, and just the inherent amazing feeling when we were in the sauna,” recalls Amanda Laine (external link) , Director of Guides and Programming at Othership (external link) . One of five founders, Laine joined forces to create unique classes that incorporate breathwork techniques, immersive music, human connection, essential oils, and expert guides.
An alum of the Ted Rogers School of Management (TRSM), Laine graduated with a major in Marketing Management in 2017. She leverages her passion for wellness to inspire students and graduates from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Recently, Laine spoke on a TRSM panel to students who were voicing their concerns about life after graduation.
“I could feel the stress in their question,” Laine recounts. “I told them you have to try things…you can't expect to shoot right the first time. Go out there, try something. Fail. Ask questions. Get a mentor early on. Find someone that can help you and just get your feet wet as much as you can.” After all, Othership originally started out in a three-car garage.
Laine commends TMU for encouraging her to try new things. She explains that it was a guidance counselor that inspired her to try an exchange program in Singapore, where she took electives such as Mind Over Stress and Happiness 101. Laine advocates for students and alumni to bring intentionality and presence into their lives. She suggests that those looking for a space in Toronto should join communities, such as Othership, to connect with like-minded people.
In 2019, Marco Baltazar (external link) graduated from TMU with a major in Marketing Management and soon began working full-time at Microsoft. However, his passion for mindfulness shines through in his role at Othership, where he has been teaching guided breathwork and meditation part-time since July of last year. “Oh, it's fabulous,” he beams. “The second I'm like 50 meters away, I start smelling the essential oil outside—it’s the greatest side job in the world.”
At Othership, there’s something incredibly intimate about encouraging strangers to push their boundaries—roaring from the exhilaration of cold water, breathing into the heat of the sauna, high-fiving, cheering, and hugging to celebrate the accomplishment of transformation. Baltazar reflects on his experience at TMU, sharing how mindfulness manifests in his everyday work and life. “When you're stressed out, just try and take a moment to close your eyes, even if it's just one breath…it makes such a difference,” he explains. “Take solace in the lows because those will pass, but also stay with the highs because those too shall pass.”
At the heart of Othership’s offerings in the transformative power of pushing physical and mental limits, is a philosophy shared by Dr. Ellen Choi, an assistant professor at TMU. Dr. Choi focuses on mindfulness, authenticity, and self-compassion in the workplace, and has incorporated cold exposure into her curriculum to help students build resilience. “We use the cold plunge to help students experience conquering something they think isn’t possible by using their mind to calm their body,” Dr. Choi explains. She highlights how cold plunging regulates the body’s natural fight-or-flight response to anxiety, increasing tolerance for stress through nervous system regulation.
Dr. Choi is not alone in her approach to mindfulness at TMU, Thriving in Action (TIA) is a program that integrates mental health, wellbeing, equity, and learning strategies to leave students feeling more hopeful, resilient, and successful. Sean Sedlezky (external link) (MScM ‘18), Director, Graduate Program Administration at TRSM, explains, “The TIA program teaches students to be proactive in creating positive work environments. It promotes good business practices that support people in doing their best work and living their best lives.”
Like the innovative approaches at Othership and the TIA program, Sarah Lee (external link, opens in new window) , founder of Vama Wellness (external link, opens in new window) exemplifies how personal experience can lead to impactful ventures. A 2011 graduate of the Retail Management program, Lee’s journey is deeply influenced by her cultural heritage and personal challenges.
Raised in Kolkata, India, Lee was inspired by Ayurveda and the rituals of hair oiling from a young age. However, after moving to Toronto and navigating a busy life, she faced significant hair loss following childbirth. This personal struggle led her to create Vama Wellness, focusing on plant-powered, Ayurvedic-inspired hair and scalp care.
"Vama’s products are formulated to simplify self-care and make it accessible,” Lee explains. Reflecting on her journey, she adds, “Learning to find beauty in challenges and celebrating every win helps me move forward. It’s important to give yourself grace and accept imperfection.”