In this episode of Similarly Different, I sit down with Vatche Ourishian and Andy Treys — founders of Muscle Lab — the recovery studio trusted by athletes, celebrities, and everyday people who just want to feel better in their own bodies.
What started as two Pasadena kids bonding over basketball and 6 a.m. workouts has now become one of LA’s most in-demand wellness destinations. From cryotherapy and red light to biomechanics and movement therapy, Vatche and Andy share how they built Muscle Lab from the ground up — during the pandemic — without outside investors.
We talk about the real story behind their success: friendship, faith, risk-taking, losing everything and rebuilding, pivoting when plans fall apart, and building a culture that feels like family. This conversation is honest, hilarious, and packed with real lessons for anyone dreaming of starting something new.
✨ From childhood friends to wellness founders — this is the story behind Muscle Lab.
💬 We discuss:
• How Muscle Lab began in Pasadena in 2020
• Why hands-on care beats flashy “Instagram wellness”
• V’s journey from repeated injuries to physical therapy work
• Andy’s wild path from viral internet mogul to brick-and-mortar founder
• Bootstrapping multiple locations without investors
• How they balance friendship + business (and why it works)
• Creating an internship pipeline + future certification programs
• Faith, discipline & navigating the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship
• The sweet baby announcement they drop at the end 🥹

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🤳 Connect with Muscle Lab + Founders:
Muscle Lab: https://www.musclelab.la
Instagram: @musclelab
Andy Treys: @andytreys
Vatche Ourishian (Muscle Myths): @musclemyths
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