When Susan and Pete Kaminskas first heard about cryotherapy more than a decade ago, they weren't searching for a new business. They were visiting friends in Atlanta when a conversation about an emerging wellness treatment sparked something unexpected. Curious, the couple decided to experience it for themselves, unknowingly setting in motion a journey that would eventually lead them to build one of the Washington region's premier recovery and wellness destinations.
Before founding Capital Cryo, Pete spent more than a decade working in government affairs, technology associations, and the pharmaceutical industry, earning an MBA from the University of Maryland along the way. Susan built her own successful career as a residential real estate management executive. Together, they shared an entrepreneurial mindset and a willingness to embrace new challenges, even if it meant entering an industry neither had previously worked in.
Rather than investing in a franchise, Susan and Pete chose to create their business from the ground up. Their goal wasn't simply to introduce cryotherapy to the DMV, it was to create a welcoming environment where wellness felt accessible to everyone.
As they traveled for work, Susan and Pete made a point of visiting cryotherapy studios across the country, studying what worked and, more importantly, what they believed could be improved. While many businesses focused almost exclusively on elite athletes, they envisioned something different: a space where busy professionals, active families, older adults, and anyone seeking recovery or wellness would feel equally comfortable walking through the door.
That philosophy continues to shape Capital Cryo today. Pete oversees operations, finance, technology, and business development, while Susan leads client relationships, identifies emerging trends, and helps guide the company's strategic direction. Together, their complementary strengths have become one of the business's greatest assets
Like many entrepreneurs, Susan and Pete quickly discovered that building a business rarely follows a straight path. Every challenge became an opportunity to refine their vision and better understand the community they hoped to serve.
Early on, they learned that convenience mattered just as much as innovation. A beautiful studio location in Chevy Chase ultimately proved too difficult for clients to access, while a later expansion into Rockville failed to connect with their target audience. Rather than allowing those setbacks to define them, they viewed each experience as an important lesson in understanding their customers and remaining flexible enough to adapt.
That willingness to listen has become one of Capital Cryo's defining characteristics.
Many of the services now offered, including infrared sauna, red light therapy, and additional wellness modalities, were introduced because clients asked for them. Remaining independent has allowed Susan and Pete to respond quickly, continually evolving the business while staying true to its original mission: helping people feel their best through science-backed recovery and wellness treatments.
Education has also played a central role in the company's growth. When Capital Cryo first opened, many prospective clients were intrigued by cryotherapy but unsure what to expect. Susan and Pete recognized that building trust would require more than advanced technology; it would require knowledgeable staff who could answer questions, explain the process, and create an environment where every client felt comfortable. That commitment has helped transform curiosity into confidence for thousands of visitors.
Beyond their studio walls, community involvement remains an important part of the business. Drawing on Pete's background in nonprofit and association work, Capital Cryo regularly supports local schools, charitable organizations, fundraisers, and community events through donations and sponsorships. Whether contributing to charity auctions or supporting wellness-focused initiatives, Susan and Pete believe giving back is simply another extension of caring for the people they serve.
Today, the husband-and-wife team continues to work side by side, balancing entrepreneurship with marriage through mutual trust, shared purpose, and clearly defined roles. Looking ahead, they remain committed to expanding access to innovative wellness therapies while preserving the personalized experience that has defined Capital Cryo since its founding.
For Susan and Pete, success has never been measured solely by growth. It's reflected in every client who leaves feeling healthier, stronger, and more confident than when they walked through the door.
Capital Cryo at a Glance
Founded by Susan and Pete Kaminskas, Capital Cryo is an independently owned wellness and recovery studio serving the Washington metropolitan area. Unlike many cryotherapy businesses that focus primarily on elite athletes, Capital Cryo was created with a broader mission: making advanced recovery therapies approachable for everyone.
Today, the studio offers whole-body cryotherapy, localized cryotherapy, cryo facials™, infrared sauna, red light therapy, cryo-contouring, and all-natural spray tanning. As client needs have evolved, so has the business, with many of its newest services introduced in direct response to customer feedback.
By combining evidence-informed wellness technologies with exceptional customer care, Susan and Pete have built more than a recovery studio, they've created a community where education, accessibility, and personalized service remain at the heart of every visit.