With all of the distractions in the world, it isn’t always easy to “unplug” from the stresses of daily life—but Pause Studio makes it possible. Located in the heart of Mar Vista, California, the experiential wellness studio was created to facilitate mental regeneration and physical recovery. It offers flotation therapy, infrared saunas, and vitamin infusion therapy, along with a marketplace that features a curated selection of high-quality, transparent CBD and wellness products—all in a beautifully designed sanctuary-like space.

“We’re offering all the benefits of a spa, as well as diving deep into the preventative medicine and health space,” says Jeff Ono, Founder of Pause Studio. “We’re focused on giving people back their power to strengthen their immunity, secure their health, and have an experience designed to not only elevate their state of well-being but bring them back into that vital parasympathetic rest and digest space. We address self healing, preventive measures, and a total mind and spirit-embodied reset.”

We chatted with Ono, who shared the inspiration behind Pause Studio, its unique wellness offerings, future plans for the brand, and more.

When was Pause Studio launch?

We opened in the fall of 2016 and we started concepting the idea of Pause in 2014.

What’s the meaning behind the name?

Pause is the perfect name. It means taking that moment. In today’s day and age it’s more important than ever that we take a break from the chaos of life. Pause is your reset. It’s your time to breathe and find your center again. We’re not asking you to stop or to disconnect; we’re asking you to reconnect back to you to find your internal strength and ability to heal. 

How many locations does Pause have?

Our Venice location was our first and we are in the building phase of our flagship in West Hollywood, with another possible Santa Monica location shortly behind.

What inspired the creation of Pause?

I’ve had a lifelong connection to the healing aspects of water. I spent much of my youth and early adult life as a competitive water polo player and swimmer. After working for 15 years as an executive with two iconic brands in the health and fitness industry, Equinox and the Sports Club/LA, I found myself at a crossroads. I was in transition, working as a consultant; my wife and I were struggling to get pregnant, and the stress of that issue was unlike any other. I was a mess. And then I floated. 

After my first float, I came out of my float transformed, with such clarity, energy, and an elevated mood. I felt 10 years younger. I thought, ‘What was that? Why doesn’t everyone know about this? Why isn’t everyone doing this?’

From there, my mission started to take shape. I wanted to find a way for the public to partake. I wanted my wife and my friends to float, but within a safe, clean, well-designed, inviting space where anyone could feel really comfortable. I thought, ‘Let’s create a place where people who don’t normally get this therapy can experience it.’ And I wanted to combine it with more modalities to enhance this floating experience and create a one-stop shop wellness destination for all!

The result? Pause is an experiential wellness studio that fosters mental and physical rejuvenation, and recovery. Pause offers flotation-REST (reduced environmental stimulation therapy), as well as Infrared Sauna Therapy, IV-drip cocktails—all modalities that are backed by modern science, as well as a curated CBD marketplace and a comprehensive community social/event space.

What services and amenities does Pause offer?

Pause is a house of mind, body, and spirit regeneration. We offer services never combined before: flotation therapy, infrared sauna therapy, IV drip therapy, vitamin shots, a curated Pause Market filled with intentional CBD and wellness products, and a community event space offering educational workshops, healing sound journeys, and much more.

A float is combined with a Pause IV drip session, an infrared sauna session paired with a detox vitamin shot. Every service enhances the other, combining benefits and results in a newly designed way.

We’ve redefined what a spa should be. Given the state of distress and overdrive, and the desire to elevate performance and training like never before, we’re facilitating the body’s natural holistic ability to recover and heal itself.

What do clients love about coming to Pause?

People come to Pause because they leave feeling better than when they arrived. People come back because it’s a warm and welcoming environment. We make people feel comfortable and open to embark on these new services. We’ve created a space with unique, hard to find, science-backed modalities that can be experienced individually or combined. We help our clients curate and facilitate their own healing journey, allowing them to feel in control, empowered, and safe. 

Are different membership/day pass options available?

Not currently. We are contemplating a membership that will potentially launch with our West Hollywood location. Currently, we offer à la carte services and package options. 

Future plans for the brand?

We have an aggressive brick and mortar roll-out strategy, in addition to expanding with JV locations and event opportunities to enhance our offerings—think retreat activations, digital platforms, a Pause app, and more. 

For more information and to sign up for a membership, visit Pause Studio’s website or call 310-740-9857. Follow them on Instagram: @pausestudio.la

Pause Studio is located at 13353 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066.

[Images courtesy of Pause Studio]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk