Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Ison.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After 18 years in the medical device sales industry, I was ready for a change. When I came across floating being done in other countries I was fascinated. I began pulling studies and research on both early water introduction and infant massage. The benefits of both were countless and I couldn’t believe it wasn’t already being done in the U.S… I conducted focus groups of moms and their babies out of my house for a few months and then in February of 2014 opened a storefront. It was a difficult concept for many people to grasp during the first 2 years but business grew steadily. Last year I invented and patented a new floatation device which we are using exclusively today. Additionally, we are in the process of setting up our franchise program to begin in 2018.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have been so many obstacles along the way. Obtaining insurance for the business was the biggest challenge in the beginning. There had never been a category in the U.S. before for “baby spa” so most certifying organizations didn’t know what to do with us. Trying to figure out the best way to reach parents of newborns was really hard and we wasted a lot of money on trying every marketing route.
We finally realized that social media was where they were spending any spare, 2 am feeding, moments they had. Coming up with a better floatation device was crucial and it took a few prototypes to get it right. All in all, for bringing a completely new, unheard of concept to the U.S., it has been reasonably bumpy.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Float Baby is the first and only baby spa in the U.S. We specialize in early infant, independent water floatation and infant massage instruction. While we are known for floating and massage, we receive referrals for the results parents see when they go home. Babies are sleeping and eating better, their gas and colic is being relieved, and the parents are able to get out of the house and enjoy their baby in a clean, professional & social setting.
I am most proud of the fact that we stuck with it. There were days when I would wake up and wonder what in the world I had gotten myself into. And then, I would go to work and get to experience the support we provide to the parents, or see a baby find relief from gas. Being able to help new mommies thru the first 8 weeks with their newborns is very rewarding, and then continuing to watch their babies develop thru the 6 months is a lot of fun.
Our customer service sets us apart from a lot of other baby businesses. Our clients know that they can call or text most any time after hours with a need or question and we will respond quickly. There have been many times I’ve opened the store at night for a mom who just realized she ran out of baby formula and needed more. We really try to cater to each client so that they have a really nurturing visit. It takes a lot to get out of the house with a newborn so we strive to make it worthwhile.
What were you like growing up?
I would have started my own company after 5th grade if someone had let me. There has never been a day that I can recall where I didn’t think of some new idea or invention. Growing up, it was virtually impossible for me to see or experience something and not consider how it could be better.
Pricing:
- $55 Newborn Special, Mondays & Wednesdays
- $68 Single Session 9 weeks to 6 months
Contact Info:
- Address: 6516 Del Monte
Houston, Texas 77057 - Website: www.floatbabies.com
- Phone: 832-819-8380
- Email: info@floatbabies.com
- Instagram: floatbaby
- Facebook: @FloatBaby
Image Credit:
Float Baby
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
