For Greater Hazleton entrepreneur Emily Heller, an interest in wellness and movement has developed into a growing business offering massage therapy, clinical skincare, and group fitness services. Heller is the founder of Interlude Wellness, a Hazleton-based business she established in 2016. Interlude collaborated with CAN DO, Inc., CAN DO Community Foundation, the City of Hazleton, and Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress to bring Pilates in the Park to CAN DO Community Park this past summer.
Heller began her career as a licensed massage therapist in 2012 and became an esthetician in 2019. What started as a solo practice in a treatment room measuring less than 200 square feet has since grown into a nearly 2,000-square-foot wellness business with a team of 16.
Learn more about Heller, her path to entrepreneurship, and her work in the Greater Hazleton Area below.
Tell us a little about yourself and your connection to the Greater Hazleton Area.
I was born and raised in Hazleton. I’m the founder of Interlude Wellness, where we offer massage therapy, clinical skincare, and group fitness services.
Outside of work, I enjoy live music, exercise, learning new things, and exploring new business ideas. I also enjoy helping other people develop their own ideas and businesses.
Where did your interest in movement and wellness begin?
I danced throughout most of my childhood and always enjoyed being active. As I got older, I became interested in nutrition and strength training, but I never expected to enjoy group fitness as much as I do.
That changed nearly four years ago when I took my first hot Pilates class. It challenged me in a new way and showed me how effective and enjoyable group fitness could be. That experience eventually inspired the type of fitness environment I wanted to bring to my own community.
My own experiences also shaped other areas of Interlude. Working in the wellness industry showed me the need for different services in our area, and my personal experience with severe acne led me to pursue clinical skincare.
How did Interlude Wellness begin?
I opened Interlude Wellness in 2016 when I was 24 years old. I started as a solo massage therapist in a room under 200 square feet, using the savings I had to get the business off the ground.
I didn’t have formal business training, investors, or a mentor to guide me, so I learned as I went. I researched, reinvested in the business, and adapted as I gained experience.
Today, Interlude has grown into a nearly 2,000-square-foot wellness business with a team of 16. We’ve served more than 3,000 guests through massage therapy, clinical skincare, and group fitness. As the business has grown, I’ve continued to introduce services based on the needs and interests of our clients.
What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur and working with the community?
I genuinely enjoy connecting with people. The services we provide are personal, which allows us to build relationships with our clients and become part of their wellness journeys.
I also enjoy seeing people try something new, gain confidence, and make time for themselves. Whether someone is coming in for a massage, skincare treatment, or fitness class, it’s rewarding to know that we’re helping them prioritize their well-being.
Interlude Wellness partnered with CAN DO to bring Pilates in the Park to Downtown Hazleton. What interested you in getting involved?
I wanted to bring the community together and give people an opportunity to try something new in a fun, approachable setting.
Interlude was the first facility to bring fusion and strength-based Pilates classes to our area, and I wanted more people to experience how enjoyable and energizing this type of movement can be. With good music, a motivating team, and the energy of the community, exercise can become something people genuinely look forward to.
What is something people may not know about you or Interlude Wellness?
I want people to know that everyone is welcome at Interlude. You don’t need previous experience or to be at a certain fitness level to get started.
We’ve built a supportive team and community where people can feel comfortable trying something new. Our goal is to create an environment where people can move, recover, and take care of themselves without feeling pressured or judged.
Where can people learn more about your work?
Visit interlude-wellness.com or follow @interlude.wellness on Instagram and Interlude Wellness on Facebook.
If you are interested in starting a business of your own or want to learn more about the CAN BE Innovation Center, 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.
