The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce named Emily Heller, founder of Interlude Wellness, as the recipient of its 2026 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The recognition was presented by the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Gregg Pavlick and CAN DO Program Coordinator Ana Perez during the Chamber’s 25th Annual Business & Community Awards Luncheon, held Thursday, October 29th, at Sands Springs Country Club.
For the 13th consecutive year, CAN DO’s entrepreneurial arm, the CAN BE Innovation Center, sponsored the award, which recognizes business owners ages 13 to 40 who demonstrate excellence in business strategy, long-term vision, and community engagement.
Heller founded Interlude Wellness in 2016, beginning as a solo massage therapist in a treatment room measuring less than 200 square feet. Since then, she has expanded the business to include clinical skincare and group fitness services, growing into a nearly 2,000-square-foot facility with a team of 16. Since 2026, Interlude Wellness has served more than 3,000 clients through its range of wellness services.
“To me, Emily embodies what it means to pursue your passion with determination, even in the face of obstacles,” Perez said. “Her commitment to growing Interlude Wellness, prioritizing her clients, and making a positive impact in the community is remarkable. I believe people can feel that genuine commitment, and that community-centered vision is one of the secrets to her success.”
Heller started Interlude Wellness without outside investors or formal business training, relying on her professional experience, independent research, and reinvestment in the business to support its growth. Her expansion into additional wellness services has been guided by client needs and her goal of making preventive wellness more accessible to the community. As a result of this client-centered approach, Interlude Wellness has been recognized multiple times by the community as a Readers’ Choice “Best Day Spa.”
“Figuring out how to bring my ideas to life has always been my passion. It’s what led me to create Interlude Wellness and build it into what it is today. This recognition means a great deal to me. So much of the work happens behind the scenes – the countless hours, the wins, and the challenges along the way,” Heller said. “I’m grateful this award has given me the opportunity to really pause and reflect on the journey and how far Interlude Wellness has come. I’m grateful to CAN BE, my team, and everyone who has supported and believed in Interlude along the way. I hope this award encourages other young people to pursue the ideas they believe in, even if their path looks different from what others expect. Go out and get it!”
Beyond her business operations, Heller has supported local organizations and community initiatives. In August, Interlude Wellness partnered with CAN DO, Inc., the CAN DO Community Foundation, the City of Hazleton, and the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress to offer a free Pilates class in the CAN DO Community Park, introducing participants to group fitness in an accessible community setting.
Heller continues to pursue opportunities to expand Interlude Wellness, with plans to develop additional space for wellness services and programming.
To learn more about Interlude Wellness, visit interlude-wellness.com.
For more information on CAN BE’s ongoing support of entrepreneurship in Greater Hazleton, contact Ana Perez at aperez@hazletoncando.com.
About CAN BE
CAN BE is a business incubator and entrepreneurship support initiative located in Greater Hazleton and an affiliate of CAN DO, Inc., focused on helping entrepreneurs launch, grow, and strengthen sustainable businesses throughout the region. Through the CAN BE Innovation Center, Hazleton Kitchen Incubator, mentorship, partnerships, and access to business development resources, CAN BE supports new and emerging ventures while fostering a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Greater Hazleton Area.
For more information, visit canbe.biz.
