Hydrate IV Bar's Katie Wafer
Our series Talk Shop is a career and style profile featuring personalities from various industries. They are shot on location in Cherry Creek. This month, Katie Wafer, owner of Hydrate IV Bar talks about starting her own business and why IV therapy should be a part of your self-care routine. Katie wears clothing from her closet. This feature originally ran in our January 2020 Issue.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ESTHER LEE LEACH
LOCATION: HYDRATE IV BAR IN LIVE LOVE LASH CHERRY CREEK
Cherry Creek Fashion: Katie, it is such a pleasure to interview you! You are such an inspiration and I am in awe of how you have grown your business over the last three years. What led you to create your company, Hydrate IV Bar?
Katie Wafer: I was living in Las Vegas working in the medical industry and at the time IV therapy was hugely popular for overindulgence. After moving back to Denver I saw the application of these services in the health and wellness industry which I have always had a passion for. Colorado is a health-conscious, active community and I was confident IV therapy would be well received.
CCF: Tell us more about Hydrate IV Bar, and the vitamin injections and IV therapy hydration infusions that you offer.
KW: Hydrate IV Bar is an IV therapy spa promoting wellness from within. Under the direction of a doctor with more than 30 years of experience, our professional team of registered nurses provides IV nutrient therapy and vitamin injections in a restorative atmosphere. Clients can choose from options ranging from one liter of normal saline all the way to our Katie Cocktail, which is my favorite, and where we donate $5 to charity with each purchase. This “kitchen sink” IV includes saline, vitamin c, zinc, b-complex, b12, calcium, magnesium, and glutathione. Hydrate IV Bar has comfortable chairs, soothing music and a menu of services for illness, wellness, recovery, and beauty. It is open seven days a week, appointments aren’t necessary and we offer monthly memberships and packages for those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
CCF: In three years, your business has grown steadily with four locations (Boulder, Bonnie Brae, Cherry Creek, and Highlands) and a fifth one on the way! Describe your experience of building this company.
KW: From the beginning, my focus has been on who we hire and the experience we create. We pay attention to detail and go the extra mile with medical care, service and ambiance. I have looked at this business always as an owner but also a client and it has been a challenging but exciting journey for me.
CCF: I have seen you speak a couple of times at Cherry Creek Chamber events, and your love and enthusiasm for your business are so wonderful to witness. How do you keep motivated to continue this growth?
KW: The people. Creating an environment that clients enjoy coming to and feel better when leaving and a place of work that professionals look forward to coming to is my biggest accomplishment. The people that make up this Hydrate family and the people that we have yet to get in front of are why I keep going.
CCF: What is the biggest challenge or obstacle that you have faced, and how did you overcome it?
KW: Opening the second location what the biggest challenge. I had to embrace the fact that I couldn’t be two places at once. I transitioned from a manager to an operator and have learned to lead now on a larger scale.
CCF: It’s a new year and many people are thinking of starting new ventures or businesses this year. What advice can you share based on your experiences?
KW: Don’t do it alone. Get your back office in place and build your team- accounting, legal, marketing, etc.. It’s crucial to have trusted advisors and mentors that support and motivate you and have your back when it gets really hard.
CCF: Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that you use when you need extra motivation? And what’s next for you and Hydrate IV Bar?
KW: My favorite quote is ‘Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.’. Next up is to grow and continue to expand as the demand rises.
Katie Wafer: @kwafer1
Hydrate IV Bar: @hydrate_ivbar