Young Entrepreneur Series: Local brothers rise to the top with float therapy

After opening Beyond Nutrition in 2010, providing Kelowna with innovative health options for the body and mind has been a passion for twin brothers Banee and Navee Sandhu.

Professional athletes such as Steph Curry have long been strong advocates of float tanks, so when Banee repeatedly heard podcast guru Joe Rogan suggesting float tanks, he had to give it a try.

“I can't swim and I’m terrified of water so it took a bit longer to convince me to try it,” laughed the co-owner of Gravity Float and Wellness, Banee Sandhu.

“When I did my first float I loved the experience and felt great the next day, so after doing the research I strongly believed it was a proven quality service that would benefit people in Kelowna.”

A float tank experience involves floating in water infused with 1000 lbs of Epsom salts to give it ten times the buoyancy of the Dead Sea. The tanks are also infused with magnesium sulphates to completely relax your body giving floaters a meditative relaxation experience while physically rejuvenating muscles and joints.

“It’s a tough business to bring into a new market place because a lot of people don't initially understand what float tanks offer,” said fellow co-owner Navee Snadhu.

“Educating people about the wellness benefits is the first step and then convincing them to try something new comes after.”

Originally from Pentiction, the twin brothers say Kelowna is a great place to start a business because of a growing health and wellness community and the support from fellow small businesses.

“Many of our friends in the city have been through our business and it’s because we don't treat people like customers,” explained Navee.

“We like to treat customers like a buddy or if a mother comes in I’ll treat her like my own mother.”

The 29-year-old business men credit their people first approach to Gravity Float and Wellness as a large factor in being successful entrepreneurs.

“Before opening Beyond Nutrition, we saw a gap in the market in terms of offering quality advice along with selling the products, educating people so they know what they’re buying,” said Banee.

“For us, the first thing that comes to mind and the first thing we teach our staff is make sure we are trying to help people and the success will come naturally.”

While the success comes naturally, that doesn’t mean it comes easy. The brothers say being a young entrepreneur is one of the most fulfilling careers a person can have but that nothing happens without putting the hard work in.

“Potential entrepreneurs need to understand that if you're going to make the commitment you need to have a quality business idea and you have to go 110% in on it,” said Navee.

“If you're in it just to make an Instagram account and a business card that says entrepreneur then be weary because you honestly won't be able to pay your bills with that attitude.”

For now, the brothers are excited to continue educating people on the health and wellness benefits of float spaces. Gravity Float and Wellness also offers massage, cryotherapy and has a nutritionist on staff for customers interested in living a health first lifestyle.

“People comment that they love the services and high end setting.” said Banee.

“Our staff is amazing we share the same vision that we’re not here to sell people on health and wellness, were to help people achieve it.”