Today we’d like to introduce you to Sav Dunlap.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I spent over 20 years working in veterinary medicine as a veterinary receptionist and office manager, and for a long time, I never imagined myself owning a business in the wellness industry. Like many people, my path shifted after personal experiences changed the way I viewed health, recovery, and quality of life.
After struggling through severe post-viral fatigue myself, I discovered IV therapy during a time when I physically felt like I could barely function. That experience had such a profound impact on me that it completely changed my perspective on wellness and recovery. What started as curiosity eventually became passion, and that passion turned into Prime IV Hydration & Wellness here in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Building the business has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve learned leadership through real-world experience by navigating staffing challenges, personal and professional growth, partnerships & outreach, and learning how to build systems while still staying deeply involved in the community. Over time, Prime IV has evolved into much more than IV therapy. We’re building a wellness hub centered around collaboration, recovery, education, and supporting people from all walks of life.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the relationships we’ve built locally. We partner with local sports teams, chamber members, and women-owned businesses throughout the community to create what I call a “full spectrum wellness” approach, which to me means supporting mind, body, and overall well-being.
Personally, I’m still very much a work in progress. I’m someone who deals with anxiety, overthinking, and constantly learning how to balance ambition with rest. Recently I joined Toastmasters through the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce to continue growing personally and professionally, and that experience has pushed me far outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible.
At the end of the day, I want people to know that you don’t have to have a perfect path to build something meaningful. Sometimes your greatest struggles end up pointing you toward your purpose.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
LOL! It definitely has not been a smooth road. I’ll admit it. Like many small business owners, I’ve faced challenges financially, emotionally, operationally, and personally throughout this journey.
One of the biggest learning curves for me has been staffing and leadership. Transitioning from being an employee and office manager in veterinary medicine to becoming a business owner responsible for leading a medical wellness team was a massive shift. Early on, I often felt like I had to solve every problem myself, and I struggled with balancing high standards while also learning how to effectively lead people with different personalities, goals, and work styles.
There were also moments where I questioned myself heavily, especially during periods of staffing turnover, operational stress, and navigating the medical and legal complexities of the wellness industry. Owning a business can feel incredibly isolating at times, especially when you care deeply about the people you serve and the people you employ.
On a personal level, I’ve also dealt with anxiety and burnout while trying to grow the business. I’m someone who naturally stays in “go mode,” and learning how to slow down, trust systems, and take care of myself has been a challenge in itself.
That said, every obstacle has taught me something valuable. The difficult seasons forced me to become more organized, more intentional, and more confident in my ability to lead. They also taught me the importance of community, partnerships, and building relationships with people who genuinely want to see each other succeed.
Looking back now, I realize the struggles were shaping me just as much as they were shaping the business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the owner of Prime IV Hydration & Wellness in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where we focus on IV therapy, wellness support, recovery, vitamin injections, and helping people feel their best from the inside out. While we provide medical wellness services, I’ve always wanted Prime IV to feel approachable, welcoming, and community-centered rather than clinical or intimidating.
What I’m most proud of is how much the business has evolved beyond IV therapy alone. Over time, we’ve built strong relationships with local athletes, first responders, business owners, healthcare professionals, and community organizations throughout Fayetteville. I’ve worked hard to create an environment where wellness feels collaborative rather than transactional.
Recently, I’ve been especially focused on developing what I call a “full spectrum wellness” approach by partnering with other local wellness professionals and women-owned businesses. My goal is to create a network where people can access support for not only physical wellness, but also mental wellness, recovery, self-care, and overall quality of life.
I think what sets me apart most is that I’m deeply hands-on and personally invested in both the business and the people we serve. You’ll see me at table events here in our community. I’m involved in daily operations at my spa (I’m my own receptionist), client experiences, staff development, partnerships, and community outreach. I genuinely care about building relationships and helping people feel seen, supported, and cared for when they walk through our doors.
I’m also proud of the fact that I’ve continued growing and evolving personally alongside the business. Whether it’s stepping into leadership roles, joining Toastmasters to strengthen my public speaking skills, or learning how to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, I’ve embraced the idea that growth never really stops.
At the core of everything, I want Prime IV to be known not just as a place people go for IV therapy, but as a trusted part of the Fayetteville wellness community.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think the wellness industry is going to continue evolving rapidly over the next 5–10 years, especially as people become more proactive about their health instead of only seeking care once something is wrong. I believe we’ll continue seeing growth in preventative wellness, recovery services, longevity-focused therapies, and personalized health support.
I also think people are becoming much more aware of the connection between physical wellness, mental wellness, stress management, and overall quality of life. Because of that, I believe wellness businesses will become more collaborative and community-oriented rather than operating independently in separate “silos.”
One of the biggest shifts I see happening is that people want healthcare and wellness experiences that feel more personal, accessible, and supportive. People are starting to realize how in control “Big Pharma” is of their doctors, and they don’t want pills thrown at them. They want education, transparency, and relationships with providers they trust. I think businesses that focus on genuine connection, ethical practices, and client experience will continue to stand out.
I also believe there will be increased attention on regulation, compliance, and medical oversight within the wellness industry, which I think is ultimately a positive thing for both businesses and consumers. As the industry grows, professionalism, safety, and credibility will become even more important.
Personally, I’m excited about the future because I think wellness is becoming less about quick fixes and more about helping people feel better long-term, physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. I’m especially passionate about creating partnerships within the local community that make wellness feel more approachable, connected, and sustainable for everyday people.
Pricing:
- Select Membership- $94/month
- Essentials Membership-$159/month
- Transformation Membership-$299/month
- IV’s Per Service-Approximately $110–$250 depending on formulation and add-ons
- Injections-$30-$45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://primeivhydration.com/locations/north-carolina/fayetteville-28314/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primeivfayetteville/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrimeIVFayettevilleNC
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sav-d-501b94206
