The U.S. health and wellness spa industry has nearly 20,000 businesses, contributing over $20 billion to the economy in 2024. With growing attention on mindfulness, fitness, and personal well-being, the industry is projected to reach $25 billion by 2029. This trend reflects a shift since the pandemic where people of all ages are prioritizing mental, emotional, and physical health. Meanwhile, the U.S. gym and fitness market is even larger, currently valued at more than $44 billion—more than double that of the wellness sector. Interestingly, men are more likely to own gyms and fitness clubs (70%), whereas women are more likely to own health and wellness businesses (71%), reflecting differing approaches to health and entrepreneurship.
In Rhode Island, health, wellness, and fitness businesses represent a vital, if harder-to-quantify, segment of the economy. Despite knowing the full spectrum of the sector’s independent practitioners, estimates suggest a combined market value of approximately $4.5 billion. This rising health and wellbeing economic sector reflects our population’s current commitment to holistic living and preventative healthcare.
Forget Plastic, the Future is Holistic
Dr. Jen Jackson is the owner of Ocean Ki Wellness Center, specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with practices in Middletown and Warwick. TCM is a system of medicine that has been practiced in China for thousands of years. It’s based on the idea of restoring balance in the body’s energy (qi) and between the opposing forces of yin and yang. Ocean Ki’s holistic approach is based on the philosophy that true healing emanates from harmony between the mind, body and spirit. Blending Eastern traditions with Western scientific practices, Ocean Ki integrates acupuncture, massage, cupping, energy work, and herbal solutions to support natural healing. Each treatment plan is customized to respect each person’s unique journey.
Jackson shared, “Ocean Ki Wellness blossomed from our love for the ocean’s gentle strength and the wisdom of TCM. We observed how the sea’s rhythm mirrors our own inner balance and named our practice ‘Ocean Ki’ to reflect this vital energy. Our goal is to compassionately guide our patients back to their body’s natural healing power, inspired by nature’s tranquility and energy.”
Ocean Ki’s clientele is diverse, encompassing busy professionals, caregivers, parents, seniors and even children, who are all seeking relief from chronic conditions or stress blockages.
Looking ahead, the center plans to expand access to holistic care to underserved communities by partnering with healthcare providers, veterans’ organizations, and employers. This includes building referral networks, increasing insurance-based services, and launching educational workshops focused on stress, pain, and emotional health.
Anna Tipaeva is the owner of Golden Mean Pilates Studio in Newport. Tipaeva’s passion for physical wellness began early in her life through ice skating, where she became attuned to body alignment, balance, and control. Her journey also led her into competitive dressage riding, another discipline that demands mastery of posture, energy, and precision. She received her Pilates training at the world-renowned The Pilates Center of Boulder in Colorado, under the scholarship of Romana Kryzanowska, who continued Joseph Pilates’ work after his death.
The studio’s name, “Golden Mean,” references sacred geometry and the Fibonacci sequence (i.e., each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers), which frequently appears in nature and human biology. This mathematical concept from nature shapes Tipaeva’s approach to healing through Pilates, emphasizing biomechanics, anatomy, and the mind-body connection. For her, Pilates is not just exercise—it’s a path to greater awareness, strength, and well-being.
Beverly Cloutier, founder of Drishti Yoga and Wellness in Newport, is affectionately as “the real estate yogi.” She is a seasoned practioner of yoga and a licensed real estate agent. A native Rhode Islander, and the mother of three, Cloutier looked to her yoga practice to help balance her professional and family life, while keeping some time for herself in her daily routine. Her company, Drishti (i.e., a Sanskrit term for finding a focal point to improve concentration and balance) offers group and private yoga classes, meditation, breathwork and wellness coaching.
“Health and Wellness has been my passion for as long as I can remember,” Cloutier shared with WUN. “My intention is to lead my students through their practice as they discover the tools that can be utilized in every aspect of their lives.”
Her dockside group yoga classes at a local hotel are a favorite local weekend ritual, and her no-judgment teaching style welcomes people of all levels and ages. Cloutier fosters a “this is your practice; you carry the tools with you, always” philosophy, imparting a sincere desire to assist her proteges with wellness, balance, and better mobility to get them through their weekly routine.
Cloutier shared, “My ideal client is someone who would like to take responsibility for their own health and wellness but feels as though they would benefit from some professional guidance. They may feel overwhelmed and confused. When people are confused, they tend to do nothing. I can help by providing guidance and insight, while leading by example.”
Nota Znika is the owner of Newport Hypnosis. Her practice focuses on changing old behaviors, habits and overcoming challenges through a better understanding of her clients’ subconscious triggers and long-held belief systems.
“Hypnosis is a natural process where I guide you through relaxation, allowing your mind to accept the expanded possibilities of real change,” Znika said. “Hypnosis is a very misunderstood healing modality, and my goal is to demystify it and make it accessible for all.”
Whether her clients are seeking emotional healing, overcoming addictions like smoking or overeating, or simply trying to improve their golf swing, Znika has helped hundreds of clients uncover what’s holding them back from the best version of themselves.
All across the world, women business owners seem to be leading the charge on holistic healing of mind, body and spirit. Gratefully, Rhode Islanders can benefit from their expertise, compassion and healing at any time, right here in the Ocean State. Namaste. 🪷
Michele Gallagher is a dedicated supporter of local businesses, and the founder of City-by-the-Sea Communications.