Smashing things might sound like antisocial behavior, but some mental health experts are firm believers in the benefits of the practice. Because of that, the concept has spread in popularity everywhere in the form of smash rooms.
One of the most recent to open is CRusched (crusched.com), which claims to be Manitowoc County’s only smash room and art studio. The owners, Christma and Cliff Rusch, purchased and transformed a downtown Manitowoc building into a business with smash rooms and a paint splatter room.
What is a smash room? It basically holds true to its definition. The concept originated in Japan in the early 2000s in response to its high-stress culture. It then spread worldwide as an unconventional approach to stress. Practically speaking, the rooms usually operate as businesses where people seek to get rid of negative emotions through the physical act of smashing things.
“The smash rooms provide an energetic release," Chistma said. "I’ve been smashing plates in my basement since early recovery — it’s been 19 years this fall. It became an outlet. In addition, the painting and art provide an intelligence beyond logic and there are so many healing properties in art. Together, it is breaking, releasing and putting back together.”
The startup follows a trajectory of the Rusches continued pursuit of helping others and giving back. Both are in long-term recovery and are leaders in the community; committed to helping others heal from substance use disorder.
In 2018, they were an instrumental part of a nonprofit group that opened Lighthouse Recovery Community Center in Manitowoc, a home that provides resources and support to those suffering from substance use disorder.
“When we founded it, we started with one $10,000 donation. When I stepped down this year, Lighthouse had 26 staff members and a budget of more than $1 million. We went from one center to another in Sheboygan with two more in the works,” Christma said.
Along with her husband, she said that entrepreneurship comes naturally. He has two successful businesses – CMR Construction, Maintenance and Repair, and Badgers Coin, both in Manitowoc. With Cliff’s construction experience, he was able to make the vision for CRushed a reality.
“My husband is brilliant when it comes to renovations; that’s his art," Christma said. "And with his skill, he was able to bring a life to the building that wasn’t there before.”
It has an industrial and artistic feel with graffiti walls, a sticker wall, a paint splatter room, regular studio area, and small room.
“There is also a gallery in front where there is an area for sitting and a networking space. We want to have art programming added by the end of the year,” she said.
Everything about the space reflects the owners’ personal experiences with helpful practices. When sessions are done, there is a chalk board where customers can comment on how the session made them feel. Some people honor a loved or lost one while others seek to get rid of negative feelings.
“In totality, we are a social enterprise with a mission to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health through these activities,” she said. “It feels good to be able to help with that. The benefit of smashing things is that it allows me to decide to let something go. It is like writing a letter and burning it; an intentional release of things.”
Finding items to smash hasn’t been an issue. The community is invited to donate unwanted plates, glassware, electronics, furniture, and other household items. Customers may bring in their own items, but they are inspected for safety prior to use. The cleanup is the biggest issue; that’s handled by the Rusches and their daughter, Aria.
In addition to the donations, Christma said, the community support has been amazing. A few months ago, they were honored by being nominated for a Progress Lakeshore Entrepreneurial Achievement Award.
The nomination summary stated, “Christma and Cliff Rusch have transformed a unique concept into reality. Their journey involved purchasing and revitalizing a downtown building, crafting a robust business plan, and securing essential funding … CRushed stands as a beacon of hope, normalizing conversations around mental health and providing a haven for individuals to express themselves.”
While much of the attention is focused on the smash room, Christma also believes in the ability of the painting splatter room to provide an outlet for unleashing a person’s artistic side. Customers are able to splatter, paint, and take home a finished canvas.
And while the business focuses on mental health, the Rusches add the caution that CRushed is primarily for entertainment and release outlet purposes only.
The website clarifies, “We are not a mental health service or facility. We are not here to identify, treat, cure or prevent mental health illness or disorders, nor do we intend to promote unhealthy coping skills.”
Safety is a priority not only in terms of mental health, but also physical safety. There are strict rules of engagement, and protective gear is provided. That includes a face shield, helmet, gloves, protective overalls, and shoe covers. Customers are expected to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. There are cameras in the rooms and those monitoring the activities have first-aid training.
The website lists the requirements and includes information on the cost of packages and how to make a reservation. Since opening in March, business has been growing steadily. Even when there are slow days, Christma says she focuses on the future.
She said, “I keep a positive attitude and do a lot of gratitude. It keeps me trusting the process. I don’t judge the business based on a low-business weekend. I don’t live in a state of fear. I’m not worried that things aren’t going to happen, but I believe they will happen the way they are supposed to. I have an inner peace that everything will be okay no matter what happens as long as I stay positive.
“I feel blessed to have the life experience that has allowed me to do the work I’ve been able to do for the last 20 years,” she continued. “Others would probably describe me as a go-getter, mover and shaker, community leader, and compassionate and empathic person. That is my natural personality.”
Tina Dettman-Bielefeldt is co-owner of DB Commercial Real Estate in Green Bay and past district director for SCORE, Wisconsin.
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