Northern Waters Float
In June 2025, Northern Waters Float opened its doors as the first and only dedicated float therapy center in the Twin Ports. With two state-of-the-art float orbs, the Duluth-based wellness business offers 30-, 60-, and 90-minute sessions of REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy)—a deeply relaxing experience where clients float weightlessly in high-salinity water designed to calm the body and mind.
Owner Liz Prosnick spent two decades working in the apparel industry, living in cities across the country, including Los Angeles, Seattle, and Chicago. After moving back to Duluth in 2021 for a senior role at Maurices, she envisioned finishing her career there. But when her position was eliminated in early 2024, she found herself at a crossroads.
“I found the Northland SBDC and honestly thought it was too good to be true that it was free”
—Liz Prosnick
“I had been floating for the previous 8 years, and when I relocated to Duluth, I saw an opportunity to bring float therapy to Duluth. When I lost my job at Maurices, I decided that the apparel industry wasn’t serving me anymore, and I wanted to stay in Duluth and invest in the future here.”
Northern Waters Float operates out of a remodeled 1930s building in West Duluth. The 8.5-foot orbs—each filled with 1,200 pounds of Epsom salt and 200 gallons of water—allow guests to float effortlessly in silence or with soft ambient music. The experience has been described as meditative, restorative, and even transformational, offering benefits from stress relief
to muscle recovery.
Alongside float therapy sessions, the business also sells branded merchandise, including T-shirts, stickers, and high-quality Epsom salts—the same used in the float pods.
To bring her vision to life, Liz turned to Northland SBDC. “After I started searching for small business resources, I found the SBDC and honestly thought it was too good to be true that it was free” she said. She worked with consultant Curt Walczak to refine her business plan, develop financial projections, understand the LLC registration process, and navigate funding options. “Curt was available for any and all questions,” Liz shared. “His encouragement helped me push through the hardest parts of the startup process.”
Curt was intrigued by Liz’s vision. “Liz reached out to the SBDC with a unique business model for our area. After reading through her business plan, I found a very well written and organized document that made sense. We discussed the parameters of commercial financing and potential lenders. There were cost overruns in the project, which happens quite often. Lenders changed, but she persevered and kept going through the process despite financial roadblocks. I was happy to be part of the equation to see her open Northern Waters Float. I think many people will value the ability to relax and clear their minds from the busy and chaotic world we live in.”
Now in operation, Northern Waters Float is gaining traction as a destination for wellness in the region. Liz is especially excited for the winter season, when her warm, sensory-friendly environment offers a cozy escape from the Northland cold—and a thoughtful gift option for the holidays. From concept to reality, Liz’s story reflects what’s possible when passion meets purpose—and is supported by the right guidance along the way.