Meet the Co-Founder of Birmingham’s “Recovery House”
Meet Kelly Nguyen, one half of the husband-wife duo behind RCVRY House, a sauna and cold plunge studio in downtown BHAM. We caught up with Kelly to hear about the benefits of contrast therapy, her love of construction, and how RCVRY House came to be. Image: Rebecca Long
Tucked inside Wheelhouse Academy in downtown Birmingham, you’ll find RCVRY House, a contrast therapy studio manned by Kelly Nguyen, a Certified Nurse Anesthetist at UAB, and her fitness coach husband, Luan. A longtime Birmingham resident and mom of two, Kelly is passionate about helping people feel better every day through the benefits of sauna, cold plunge, and community-building. Get to know this inspiring FACE of Birmingham!
Tell us about the path to opening RCVRY House with your husband, Luan.
Luan is the dreamer and visionary in our relationship, especially when it comes to business ideas, while I’m more of the realist. Together, we balance each other well.
In the fall of 2023, we immersed ourselves in the existing science around sauna and cold plunge — listening to experts, reviewing articles, and learning from the research already out there. That early groundwork helped shape everything from our class structure to the overall experience we wanted to create.
Within a couple of months, we had started construction … It may surprise people, but I genuinely love a good construction project and building things. I handled a lot of the hands-on construction, including the build-out, design, and finishing details, while Luan focused primarily on the business side — branding, developing the model, and even building the RCVRY app.
How does your medical background inform the approach at RCVRY House?
My background in traditional medicine helped me better understand the science and physiology and evaluate existing research. I also approached it with appropriate caution, particularly regarding medical conditions that may place someone at higher risk … Because of that foundation, our staff receives thorough education during onboarding so they can confidently guide and tailor each experience to the individual.
Ultimately, the greatest health benefits are seen with a minimum of 60 minutes of sauna and 12 minutes of cold exposure per week. Our class format allows members to achieve those benefits in just three visits per week, with each session consisting of a 20-minute sauna followed by a 4-minute cold plunge.
What do you wish more people knew about sauna and cold plunge therapies?
I wish more people understood both the individual benefits of sauna and cold plunge, as well as the amplified benefits of contrast therapy when they’re combined. There’s a common misconception that it’s just a trend or something people do to prove they can “do hard things.”
In reality, contrast therapy has been around for a very long time. It’s just that, in recent years, the science has finally caught up to the benefits people have long talked about. These practices were designed to be experienced in community, which is something we really lean into at RCVRY. Some of the best conversations and friendships form in the sauna, so the impact extends far beyond our four walls.
From stress management and reducing inflammation to building trust in your body and strengthening the mind, these practices — when done with the right guidance — create moments of real connection and presence that I think we could all use more of.
Tell us about your mobile sauna and cold plunge options — what a fantastic amenity for group events!
Our mobile events have easily become one of my favorite parts of RCVRY. They can be used in so many ways, from private parties and corporate wellness events to fitness competitions, races, and community gatherings.
RCVRY-hosted events typically include yoga, food, coffee, and other health-focused vendors, and the atmosphere is always fun and family-friendly. It’s truly a concept you won’t find anywhere else in the area.
I would love for more companies to understand the value this brings to their teams — not just physically, but in the way employees build trust and connection while working through something challenging together.
Community is a clear priority at RCVRY House. Who are some other women in the Birmingham wellness community that motivate you, and why?
Arkell, our manager at RCVRY, is a huge inspiration. She left a strong community in Florida and moved here knowing no one, which is no small feat, especially as a mom and wife. Rebuilding connections takes courage, and she has played a key role in growing the RCVRY community. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to support Luan and the vision for RCVRY.
I’m also deeply inspired by the women of Wheelhouse. There are too many to name, but they know who they are.
Aside from contrast therapies, what are your favorite practices that keep you feeling healthy and grounded?
Church every Sunday, unplugged time with my family, staying active — whether that’s yard work or playing soccer while coaching my daughters’ team — and prioritizing home-cooked, nutritious meals. Luan does most of the cooking for us, which I’m very grateful for.
What are your favorite spots to eat and shop around Birmingham?
Automatic is my favorite date-night spot. Nori Thai and Saigon Noodle are easy weekly favorites. As for shopping, you’re more likely to find me at Home Depot than Nordstrom or a boutique.
Where do you find inspiration?
My mom. She’s my best friend and someone I talk to daily. We talk about everything from family and faith to fixing things. She was the handyman in our house growing up and taught me to love construction. I truly aspire to be the kind of mom she is and to make my daughters’ childhood as magical as she made mine.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I’m honestly terrible at this question. I tend to put my head down, work hard, and call my mom when I need advice — so maybe that is the advice. When you don’t know what to do, ask your mom and ask God.
What’s next for you? Any lofty goals for 2026?
Strength training was a big part of my life before kids, and this is the year I’m prioritizing my health again. Wheelhouse offers a standalone program that focuses on learning how to lift properly, and it feels like the perfect place for me to start again.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Most memorable meal in Birmingham: Anytime Luan and friends are cooking — whether it’s an intimate dinner or something larger like Wheelhouse/RCVRY Friendsgiving. A cozy home and eating great food with people you love beats dining out every time.
Favorite recent read: I’m all about podcasts and Audible right now. They allow me to grow mentally while staying productive — cleaning, DIY projects, yard work, and errand runs. I recently enjoyed The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins.
Go-to birthday gift to give: Who doesn’t love a good BrüMate?
Three things you can’t live without: Coffee, Amazon, and UGG slippers.
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Alissa Harb
Alissa Harb is StyleBlueprint's Managing Editor, based in Nashville. A lifelong Tennessee native, Alissa has over 13 years of experience in digital media and loves writing about food, travel, and entertaining. She is a lover of dogs, true crime, and ordering for the table.