Our Story
AURA Sauna Studio, located in Pittsburgh’s Strip District,
offers a new component to the area’s already thriving wellness community.
Mother and daughter team, Bonita Juliette and Laura Early, are passionate about wellness, and passionate about the benefits of Infrared Saunas.
Their own wellness journey and desire to share what’ve they’ve learned and experienced with infrared therapy started in 2021 when both Laura and Bonita had the opportunity to work remotely and enjoy some southern sunshine during a month-long stay in Nashville, TN. As always when they visit new locations, they checked out the local neighborhoods and wellness options, and of course the cowboy boots! This time something new caught their eye, an Infrared Therapy Wellness Studio. The rest is history. Their first visit to the studio got them thinking about how to bring this same experience to Pittsburgh. A year of planning and testing the market has translated to a beautiful space in the heart of Pittsburgh's historic Strip district.
AURA Sauna Studio is the region's first and only dedicated infrared therapy sauna studio!
est. April 2023
As the region’s only studio dedicated exclusively to the clinically tested and research-based health and healing benefits of infrared therapy, we hope our studio becomes a part of your wellness journey.
AURA Sauna Studio offers 6 spacious sauna suites, each offering clinically tested and research-based health and healing benefits that include detoxification, pain relief, weight loss, reduced inflammation and deep mental and physical relaxation. The benefits of infrared therapy are supported by customized chromotherapy options to further enhance your health and well-being.
MEET THE TEAM
Bonita Juliette, co-founder
Western PA has always been my home base. I’ve wandered far and wide to see the world but always come back to my roots. My family is here. I love the people, their stories, and the beauty of the seasons.
I wake up each morning, excited for the new day and the opportunities, inspirations and challenges that come with it. I meet life head-on.
My professional career has flowed easily over the years taking me to places I never dreamed of going and introducing me to people that are changing the world. Working with nonprofits early on while my children were young and needed me near, to 18 years of leading initiatives to improve academic programs, provide student opportunities and fund new buildings at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, then moving back to non-profit work with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, and now as part of the marketing team at MASSolutions, has served me well.
Making the impromptu decision with Laura to create a space in Pittsburgh where people could enjoy the benefits of infrared therapy was a moment of “did we really just say that?” that turned into something beautiful. And here we are. AURA is my new happy place. I love the smiles, the vibe we’ve created and the very special team we’ve put together. The people that come in each day to look and feel their best bring me joy. The smiles are the best!
And what music do I like? Hard to say - I like it all. Country is my current fav.
And my style? Depends on the day and the place.
Laura early, co-founder
Pittsburgh native for 25 years and current resident of Mount Washington for 19 years.
One of my favorite things about living and working in Pittsburgh is how approachable life is and how quickly communities can be built. I am in love with being located in our historical Strip District and meeting so many new friends and clients!
When I am not at the studio you can find me doing yoga, taking a walk, working on my marketing agency or sipping on a cocktail at one of my favorite watering holes!
Yessica Martinez, studio-manager
Born in New York, raised in Miami, FL and living in Pittsburgh for X years so far.
When it comes to my style less is more, with a good pair of statement earrings.
I love all music. There’s nothing I don’t like. I can pretty much sing and dance to anything!
What gets me out of bed is my morning coffee time. It’s a tradition I have with my dog Maya, no matter how early it is, she wakes up and finds a spot right next to me on the couch where I have espresso and read a page from the daily stoic. It’s a sacred time for sure because I know it won’t always be that way, with her, and it sets an intention for the day.
Stefany Marzina
Mother of 4, my family is the most important thing to me and I love spending time with them!
I love fitness and fashion and have been obsessed with both for most of my adult life!
I also love the whole concept of infrared sauna use and all of the health benefits that come with it!
When I am not working out or eating at a local restaurant you can find me shopping and spending time with my dog!
Mia Marzina
23 years old and born and raised from in the South Hills of Pittsburgh.
I am a licensed Real Estate Agent with Exp Realty.
My hobbies are traveling, working out, and, for the most part, anything health and wellness related.
Growing up my mom was always a “fashionista” so I definitely give her credit for all of my style.
I love country music and my favorite movie would be ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’.
Abby Marzina
I am 20 years old and was born and raised here in Pittsburgh.
I currently live in Oakland with 5 other roommates.
I’m finishing up my sophomore year at Chatham University with future plans of graduating with a marketing degree.
Aside from working and going to school, I really enjoy shopping and working out.
We invite you to experience our saunas, and are confident that no matter where you are on your wellness journey, you will find infrared therapy the perfect compliment.
AURA: “The definition of who you are to yourself and the world; an energy field that is held to emanate from a living being.”
Find yours at AURA Sauna Studio
