Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Prosnick.
Liz , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m originally from Duluth, MN but moved away for college shortly after high school. I spent the last 20+ years in the apparel industry as a Technical Designer. I moved all over the country working at both large and small retailers. In the Fall of ’21, I was offered a position as Senior Technical Designer with Maurice’s and moved back to my hometown of Duluth.
In Feb of ’24 Maurice’s eliminated my position along with almost 50% of their design and development teams.
I had always loved my job and thought I would never know what to do if I weren’t a technical designer and the universe said, let’s see.
I had started floating in 2017 while living in Louisville, KY and I was hooked. I’ve floated at a variety of float centers and was a member of the float club at the wellness center in Minneapolis during the pandemic and it was the most relaxing, comforting and healing experience. When I moved back to Duluth, I found that there was an opportunity for a float center and when I lost my job, I found it to be the universe nudging me to do something different.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been far from smooth but I’m here now!
I started planning this business in February ’24 and only now opening my doors, June 20th. Financing was extremely difficult but I had a great group of people in my corner.
Finding a good contractor would be the second hardest part. My project was in a hard space that it wasn’t big enough to be worth some contractors time and it wasn’t small enough to do the contracting on my own. Once again, I found a great contractor who was just the right fit and I will be forever grateful for being introduced to them.
The last biggest struggle was just understanding that everything takes 10 times longer than I ever anticipated and continuing to keep the same drive and energy to get to the finish line.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own and operate Northern Waters Float Center. The Twin Ports’ only float center, offering a safe, affordable & healing floatation experience. I’m most proud of building this business from scratch, all by myself. I had a lot of help as far as financial assistance and cheerleading/mentorship from family and friends but everything else has been all me. I’m also really excited to have the opportunity to exit the apparel industry that no longer was serving, not only me, but in general the earth and the human race. With float therapy I’m now able to help people relax and heal which is a much needed resource in the world today.
I’m so excited to be able to offer a float club that allows members to make self care easy and affordable.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I can not say enough good things about the Northland Small Business Development Center. My business consultant, Curt, was the first person who said I had a great business plan and honestly was part of the reason I kept going. As part of the requirements for one of my loans, I became a member of SCORE and I’m so fortunate that my mentor Kathy was a wonderful match and will be in my life for the foreseeable future.
Pricing:
- $80 – 60 minute float
- $60 – float club, 60 minute float a month
- $159 – beginner float 3 pack
- $40 – 30 minute introduction float
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.northernwatersfloat.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northernwatersfloat?igsh=cWJqMGRqMnJ4NDcy&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557426489874
