Starting this week, we're running a series on the blog called "7 Questions With..." where we get inside the minds of local entrepreneurs to learn how they got their business off the ground with a few fun extras thrown in. First up is Lindsay Dee MacPhee, founder of The Floatation Centre!
1. How did you get started in business?
I spent a lot of my time meditating on "What is my dharma (purpose)?" and knew, deep down, I wanted to be in the service of others. I also wanted to be sneaky and encourage others to meditate. Floating didn't exist in Atlantic Canada so heck, we made it happen!
2. What is your morning routine?
I'm working hard on creating a morning routine that sticks. Where my schedule changes all the time, it's actually been quite challenging. I aim to RPM: Rise Pee Meditate. I also love tea in the morning and do my best not to touch my phone until I'm up and out of bed. And gratitude. Daily gratitude.
3. What's a goal you're working towards right now?
I'm sure a lot of other business owners would agree on this, but Balance has been my main goal. How can I REALLY have a positive impact with my business AND keep my sanity levels at a manageable amount. Entrepreneurship has thrown some pretty hefty challenges my way and it's been about riding those waves, being real and authentic about the journey, and having a laugh as much as possible!
4. Where is your favourite place in Halifax for after-work drinks?
If I'm looking for a beer, I'll scoot on over to Good Robot. The staff there are amazing and DOGS on the Gastroturf melt all of my stress away. But you can't beat the freshly-made margaritas from El Chino. Pair them with their fish tacos and you've levelled up your life!
5. Who inspires you and why?
Inspiration comes from many different sources. My partner Angus (co-founder at Good Robot) has a work ethic like no other. We're constantly asking ourselves "How can we do better? Be better? Have a greater, positive impact? Leave this world with a legacy that carries on and does good long after we're in the ground?". He has been my #1 fan. My friend Sheena, who owns Made with Local, is another inspiring person in my life. Her heart is pure gold. But if we want to get REAL big – I'm in love with Ram Dass and Krishna Das. They remind me to meditate/chant, be gentle with myself, and make all of my actions out of loving kindness, without judgement.
6. When was the last time you failed spectacularly at something?
I need to think about failure. Each "failure" has only been for bigger and better things. Let's just say that my marriage ended in divorce about 5 years ago – but boy oh boy, the amazing things that followed after that!
7. Which good cause is closest to your heart?
In-house, we have a Compassion Float Program that makes my heart swell with every application. It is a privilege to have the trust, kindness and community support in a program that aims to help those who may not have the means to help themselves.
BIG love to Lindsay for giving us some insight into what drives her business. Thoughtfulness and sincerity are qualities that come to mind when we think of TFC and, not surprisingly, Lindsay herself! Have you given floating a try? Did any of Lindsay's responses resonate with you? We want to hear about it in the comments section!
