14 Months and 25 Countries Later, Oakwell Beer Spa Was Born.
Founded by husband and wife team, Jessica French & Damien Zouaoui, Oakwell Beer Spa is a product of months of travel, laughter, and research. Shortly after meeting while living in New York City, Jessica and Damien knew that they were destined to be together, both personally and professionally.
Entrepreneurs at heart, the French-American couple would brainstorm business ideas in their tiny New York apartment over a pint (or two) of beer after getting home from their respective jobs. Through their discussions, it became apparent quickly that they wanted to create something innovative together – something that hasn’t been done before.
With Damien originally coming from France, and Jessica traveling internationally at a young age, they both knew there are a lot of interesting concepts around the world that just haven’t been brought to the United States yet. With that realization, they soon knew what they needed to do. So they made a pact that in six months’ time, they would quit their jobs, pack two backpacks, and hit the road on an indefinite round the world trip. The deal was – they weren’t coming home until they found their perfect business.
For the next 14 months, Jessica & Damien traveled to 25 countries, testing and tasting their way through all of the quirky, strange, and unique experiences they could find. From hedgehog cafes and real-life Mario Kart racing in Tokyo, to RV sharing apps in the UK, Jessica and Damien dissected each business model, and of course, had a bit of fun while doing it.
Founded by husband and wife team, Jessica French & Damien Zouaoui, Oakwell Beer Spa is a product of months of travel, laughter, and research. Shortly after meeting while living in New York City, Jessica and Damien knew that they were destined to be together, both personally and professionally.
Entrepreneurs at heart, the French-American couple would brainstorm business ideas in their tiny New York apartment over a pint (or two) of beer after getting home from their respective jobs. Through their discussions, it became apparent quickly that they wanted to create something innovative together – something that hasn’t been done before.
With Damien originally coming from France, and Jessica traveling internationally at a young age, they both knew there are a lot of interesting concepts around the world that just haven’t been brought to the United States yet. With that realization, they soon knew what they needed to do. So they made a pact that in six months’ time, they would quit their jobs, pack two backpacks, and hit the road on an indefinite round the world trip. The deal was – they weren’t coming home until they found their perfect business.
Then one June afternoon in the mountain town of Zakopane, Poland, they were searching for an indoor activity, so they could escape from the rain. When a ‘Beer Spa’ popped up only a few blocks away, they were immediately intrigued. Beers and spas. What could be a better combination?
Before long, they found themselves soaking in a warm, bubbly beer bath sipping on unlimited pints of cold, Polish brew. This combined so many things they are passionate about – wellness, craft beer, and bringing people together – and it was executed in such a unique way. They also couldn’t help but think about how bathing is such a powerful and ancient tradition. From the Romans bathing in wine, to Egyptians bathing in milk. Yet the ritual of bathing has seemed to fade out of the limelight over the generations, particularly in the U.S.
Over the next few months, the couple investigated spa and bathing cultures globally. They went to thermal baths in Budapest, jjimjilbangs in South Korea, and onsens in Japan. Pretty soon, they knew their destiny was set. They would incorporate the best spa experiences from around the world to create a modern, high-tech wellness space that combines a day spa and a taproom into one.
While finishing their way through Asia, Jessica and Damien spent just as much time creating their business plan as they did enjoying their travels. Once they hammered out Oakwell Beer Spa concept, the next order of business was figuring out where to put it. Even though NYC had their hearts, due to the high cost of living and fierce competition, they started researching the nation’s top wellness and beer-minded cities – and Denver won hands down.
With a business plan in hand, and hearts full of passion, Jessica and Damien moved to Denver in January 2019, immediately after returning from their world tour. With the help of their lenders and a fearless real estate broker, Oakwell Beer Spa soon found a place to call home in a funky 1900’s building in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood.
Although the very core of the concept is similar to the beer spa they originally discovered in Poland, Jessica and Damien have taken the idea of using beer for wellness to a whole new level. With an increased emphasis on technology, and the addition of a craft beer taproom, Oakwell Beer Spa is a modern, urban oasis where guests can enjoy beer-inspired spa services while sipping on their favorite craft beverage.
Oakwell Beer Spa team couldn’t be more proud to call Denver home. We look forward to providing a unique wellness space for Denver’s residents and visitors for many years to come.
Cheers!
For the next 14 months, Jessica & Damien traveled to 25 countries, testing and tasting their way through all of the quirky, strange, and unique experiences they could find. From hedgehog cafes and real-life Mario Kart racing in Tokyo, to RV sharing apps in the UK, Jessica and Damien dissected each business model, and of course, had a bit of fun while doing it.
Then one June afternoon in the mountain town of Zakopane, Poland, they were searching for an indoor activity, so they could escape from the rain. When a ‘Beer Spa’ popped up only a few blocks away, they were immediately intrigued. Beers and spas. What could be a better combination?
Before long, they found themselves soaking in a warm, bubbly beer bath sipping on unlimited pints of cold, Polish brew. This combined so many things they are passionate about – wellness, craft beer, and bringing people together – and it was executed in such a unique way. They also couldn’t help but think about how bathing is such a powerful and ancient tradition. From the Romans bathing in wine, to Egyptians bathing in milk. Yet the ritual of bathing has seemed to fade out of the limelight over the generations, particularly in the U.S.
Over the next few months, the couple investigated spa and bathing cultures globally. They went to thermal baths in Budapest, jjimjilbangs in South Korea, and onsens in Japan. Pretty soon, they knew their destiny was set. They would incorporate the best spa experiences from around the world to create a modern, high-tech wellness space that combines a day spa and a taproom into one.
While finishing their way through Asia, Jessica and Damien spent just as much time creating their business plan as they did enjoying their travels. Once they hammered out Oakwell Beer Spa concept, the next order of business was figuring out where to put it. Even though NYC had their hearts, due to the high cost of living and fierce competition, they started researching the nation’s top wellness and beer-minded cities – and Denver won hands down.
With a business plan in hand, and hearts full of passion, Jessica and Damien moved to Denver in January 2019, immediately after returning from their world tour. With the help of their lenders and a fearless real estate broker, Oakwell Beer Spa soon found a place to call home in a funky 1900’s building in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood.
Although the very core of the concept is similar to the beer spa they originally discovered in Poland, Jessica and Damien have taken the idea of using beer for wellness to a whole new level. With an increased emphasis on technology, and the addition of a craft beer taproom, Oakwell Beer Spa by Snug is a modern, urban oasis where guests can enjoy beer-inspired spa services while sipping on their favorite craft beverage.
Oakwell Beer Spa team couldn’t be more proud to call Denver home. We look forward to providing a unique wellness space for Denver’s residents and visitors for many years to come.
Cheers!
Oakwell Beer Spa
3004 N Downing St, Denver, CO, 80205
