Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Ellis.
Jen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey to opening the studio started in 2015. To keep a long story short, I broke my ankle and was introduced to floating by my now-husband, Nathan.
Due to prolonged wearing of a walking boot and use of crutches, I developed sciatica that would nearly drop me to my knees in pain. Nathan suggested floating to try and alleviate it. At first, I said, “you’re outta your mind, no way.” I finally bit, and booked my first session, thinking, “It’s not going to make it worse, might as well!!” After that very first session, I felt the magical relief and was instantly hooked.
At the time, the closest place was over an hour east of Carrboro. I couldn’t believe there wasn’t one closer so I knew bringing a floating studio to my hometown was the next step to take in my life. So, after two years of development, fundraising, and build-out, Areté came to life in February of 2018. I couldn’t be more proud and excited to introduce you to this wonderful world of wellness and optimization
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?
I am so grateful that Areté is located in a community of incredibly supportive and open-minded people. I’d be remiss without saying the success of the studio greatly belongs to the wonderful people who walk through the doors every day.
That being said, of course, there have been challenges, it’s business! Being the first studio of its kind in the area opened up a new world for zoning, inspections, health department regulations at the beginning that made things take much longer than anticipated.
And of course- COVID. But, through all the hard times and obstacles, I learned so much and ultimately came out the other side stronger. I’m so grateful for the lessons learned from things not going perfectly (even if at the moment there was a lot of swearing!).
As you know, we’re big fans of Areté Float Tank Studio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Areté is what I like to call a “total wellness studio.” While we offer therapies that are standard in spas, our focus and goal are to help our guests become the best versions of themselves they can be, afterall, it’s in our name, that’s the definition of the Greek translation of “areté.
We specialize in unique, one-of-a-kind experiences that help your mind and body to rest, relax, and recover so you’re living to your fullest potential. We offer flotation therapy, massage, infrared saunas, and red light therapy sessions, and just recently added in contrast therapy. There’s something at Areté for anyone looking to increase their overall wellness.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way to support us would be to come to give our services a try. Be open to new experiences and that you can be and feel better than you did the day before! After giving afloat, contrast therapy, or any other service a try, talk about how invigorating, relaxing, restorative the service was to friends, family, anyone who could use some self-care!
Pricing:
- Total Wellness Membership- $79
- Intro to Floating Package- $150
- Single Float Session (90 Mins) $89
- Visit the website for a full list of services and pricing
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.floatarete.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/floatarete
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floatarete
