A modern way to relax with Steve and Jessica Dubeck from Mindful Elevation Float Space.

Steve and Jessica Dubeck

​If you haven't heard about "floating" or floatation therapy you're behind on the times. It's not a new therapy; it was developed over 60 years ago to research sensory deprivation and has been found to aid meditation and relaxation.  

Over the last decade; floatation therapy has grown increasingly more popular popping up in major cities across North America and I'm excited to see we are getting our very own float space here in Fort McMurray.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Jessica and Steve Dubeck the owners of Mindful Elevation Float Space. 


MM: How were you introduced to the concept for of floating?

Steve: It started when I floated here, there was a man who started a float pod business in his house here in Fort McMurray. He approached me at an MMA event and asked me to go check it out. It was an amazing experience, I spoke with Jessica after my experience and that's when we started thinking; "how cool would it be to have that here in a commercial setting".

MM: When did you decide this is it 'we're starting this business' and how did you come up with the name Mindful Elevation Float Space?

Jessica: I had my son in 2017 and went on maternity leave from Higher Health, I realized I didn't want to run somebody else's business and spend an entire paycheque on childcare for someone else to watch my child.

Steve: The concept of Mindful Elevation; was really just a drive we took for fast food and we were just spit balling name ideas at each other. 

MM: After you decided you were starting this business and you had a name; what was the next step for you?

Steve: Jessica and I both did a lot of research going to different centers looking at what we liked and what we didn't like. We made sure to get feedback from all of those locations and see what the public really liked.

We could have gone with pods or smaller tanks but the biggest feedback we got for the public was people didn't want to get into a small spaces because they felt Claustrophobic. So we got large cabins; they're eight feet long by seven feet wide and a seven-foot ceiling!

Another big thing we heard was people not wanting to be in complete darkness; let me assure once you have floated a few time's you'll want nothing but to be in complete darkness. 

However we sought out a company that makes a state of the art filtration system which comes with a starlit ceiling that can be turned on or off. They also have a sound system in them that can be turned on or off.

MM: Is there anything that has been a challenge for you starting a business here in Fort McMurray?

Jessica: Being a first-time business owner; has been a bit of a challenge as we go along were noticing some things we would do differently in the future. Our biggest challenge right now is we have to educate people on what exactly a float space is, because it's a new service here in town. 

MM: Can you walk me through the process that people will encounter?

Jessica: You can purchase individual floats or a package. We also have a monthly membership which includes one float a month and with additional floats at a discounted rate. 

It's an experience the minute you walk through the door; you'll go through the reception area to the pre/post float lounge where you can have a drink and decompress. 

During your first visit a staff member will give you an orientation and walk you through the process, each room has its own shower area which you'll go through then enter your float tank.  When you're finished there is a vanity area where you can get ready after your float. 

Steve: There are a couple surprises we won't announce until we open.

MM: What are some of the benefits of floating?

Steve: We wanted to bring something to people, to help them stop and be mindful. Floating helps with PTSD, stress, anxiety & creativity.  Just to have the time for an hour to yourself and not be connected to anything or anyone else. This is an hour for you.


Don't forget to take advantage of the amazing pre-sale they're offering; Mothers day is coming up... hint, hint! You can check out all the amazing deals they're offering online now www.mindfulelevation.ca