An accountant by trade with 15 years of corporate financial experience under her belt, this week’s FACE of Memphis once helped others build their empires — before realizing she could build her own. Antwanette Crutcher is the visionary entrepreneur behind Jasper Float Spa & Wellness, the Mid-South’s first urban wellness retreat.
Offering sauna, massage, float therapy, and more, meet the woman who’s helping Memphians recharge and avoid burnout.
What inspired you to open a luxury rest and recovery spa?
During the pandemic, I worked from home around the clock, wore many hats, and felt overwhelmingly burned out. To help relieve stress, I took a girls’ spa trip to California and experienced float therapy for the first time. It was very transformative and offered my mind relief for the first time that I could truly remember. In fact, that same night, I couldn’t sleep due to a strong conviction about the business idea.
My purpose and calling in that season became crystal clear: to help the busy and burned out find peace, rest, and balance when they need it most … without having to wait for a vacation. I envisioned a space that serves as an everyday rest and wellness haven. Before leaving the spa, I knew I was destined to launch a similar experience in Memphis.
What lessons have you learned that have helped you become successful?
Everything works together! All experiences, whether good or bad, are lessons to set you up for a successful future. One of my most valuable lessons was learning to thrive in the unknown. As an entrepreneur, this mindset is critical to adopt and sustain through every phase of scaling a business.
You must also have a vision when navigating the unknown. It will keep you sane to remember why you’re building as you trailblaze to the end goal, especially if you’re building something the world has never seen. Which leads me to my last, most impactful lesson: exercising creativity is a superpower. Sometimes you are looking for a blueprint, but there is none. The universe is waiting for you to create it! You are the solution. Use what’s in your hands and never despise small beginnings.
What philosophy guides your services and the overall experience at Jasper Float Spa & Wellness?
Our guiding philosophy is a people-first approach, which is also our core value. We believe in treating every individual with kindness and care, providing a personalized experience that prioritizes helping our clients feel their absolute best in mind, body, and soul.
What can someone new to float therapy expect?
If you’re new to float therapy, prepare for a uniquely calming and restorative experience. We offer a waterless float therapy called REST Therapy (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy), which uses an innovative zero-gravity lounger and custom-blend high-density beading to cradle your body and mimic the sensation of floating, enhanced by a heated and weighted blanket. This meticulously designed environment minimizes external stimuli, allowing your mind and body to deeply relax into a meditative state, often leading to profoundly rejuvenating sleep.
Our REST Therapy is designed for express rejuvenation, fitting seamlessly into your busy schedule. Unlike traditional float therapy, it doesn’t require extensive pre- or post-float preparations, meaning you can tap into the power of deep rest on your own time. It’s perfect for a quick reset, embodying our vision of being an everyday rest and wellness haven.
How do you make each visit feel personal?
We genuinely care about your individual needs and preferences because we want you to feel your absolute best. Our highly skilled team is dedicated to providing a truly pampering experience, understanding that sometimes, you simply need someone else to take care of you. You don’t have to bear the weight of caring for everyone else, including yourself — we’ve got you covered. We meticulously curate each detail to ensure your wellness experience allows you to fully relax and rejuvenate.
Are there any new services, classes, or expansions in the works you’re excited about?
We’ve reached an exciting point where our success and the overwhelming demand for our rest and recovery services mean we’ve lovingly outgrown our current space. With an expanded team and a growing clientele base, we’re eagerly looking forward to expanding our reach and impact, growing alongside the community by offering even more opportunities for profound relaxation and rejuvenation.
How do you stay grounded and well, especially as a small business owner?
As a small business owner, maintaining a constant flow of rest is absolutely essential. For me, this involves a combination of daily, weekly, and monthly practices. Each morning, I prioritize renewing my mind and reviewing what truly matters, setting a focused tone for the day. My weekly routine includes dedicated time for physical rest, which is where my love for Sundays comes in. I love Sundays — easy like Sunday mornings! Those who know me know I don’t work on Sundays and rarely attend Sunday events.
That day is sacred for family time, rest, reflection, soul/spiritual nourishment, mind care, planning, and preparation for the week ahead. It’s easily the secret sauce to my flow. Monthly practices further focus on mind and body care, and I’m truly blessed to employ some of the best therapists in Memphis to help with that. REST Therapy is my favorite of all our services, helping ensure all aspects of my well-being are addressed.
If you could give one piece of wellness advice to every person who walks through your door, what would it be?
Prioritize a constant flow of rest and intimately understand what you’re truly grounded in. Consistent rest is the foundation for staying grounded and showing up with confidence. Knowing your purpose helps you navigate challenges, and when life is off balance, pause to reset. Personal well-being doesn’t have to wait for a vacation.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
A clear sense of purpose, the cultivation of positivity, and the restorative power nap.
Thank you, Antwanette!
**********
For more inspirational FACES of Memphis, click HERE!
