A local woman from Unity is proving that with enough passion and tenacity, your dreams can come a reality. Nora Aldred took a big leap of faith in 2019 when she decided to leave her current job and embark on journey of entrepreneurship and open her own business.

Aldred opened What The Float in Unity in 2019, approximately seven months before the pandemic hit the province. Admittedly, her business venture was not a common one in rural west central Saskatchewan, but after seeing the effects of Epsom salt floats for herself, she let her passion take the wheel.

“When I tried floating for the first time, I just fell in love with it and became very passionate about it. My background is in massage therapy and most of my jobs have always been in that caring field and I focus a lot on the mental health side – whether it’s PTSD or anxiety and depression – and when you come in and float, it just speaks for itself and that is what I am passionate about and that is why I wanted to bring it to Unity,” shared Aldred.

Being a mom of two daughters also lit the fire for Aldred to make her business a success as she wants to be the best role model she can and show her daughters that if they really want something, to go for it and put their best foot forward.

Aldred said that she has learned so much through the process and continues to learn, especially navigating through the pandemic.

“I went from being able to go to trade shows and things of that nature to talk to people face-to-face about floating and all the benefits and found great success in doing things that way. Of course, through the pandemic, that was no longer an option – and people’s spending habits changed as well, both of which made me rethink how to get people in the door – it’s been a challenge but we are doing it,” proclaimed Aldred.

In recognition of International Women’s Day, Aldred shared how great it is to see Main Street in Unity lined with business that are owned and operated by women and hopes that women of all ages have the courage and confidence to embark on whatever path will bring them the most joy.

“You don’t have to do it all – that’s how we end up getting burnt out, I’ve been there and when I started my business, I really had to reevaluate everything that I had going on and learning to say no, was one of the best things I’ve done,” said Aldred.

Aldred said her passion for her business is as high as it’s ever been and hopes to attract as many people as she can to try Epsom salt floats and experience all the benefits