How I Got Here: founder and owner of Sauna Float ACT, Yanping Yu
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Admit it, we’ve all been there – stalking social media and LinkedIn profiles, trying desperately to figure out how the hell someone got their dream job.
It seems impossible, and yet there they are, living out your career fantasy (minus the itchy business suit). It might seem hard to believe, but once upon a time, they were also fantasising about their future career, and with some hard work, they made it.
Welcome to How I Got Here, HerCanberra’s series that reveals everything you want to know about the secrets of career success.
This week we meet with Yanping Yu, the founder and owner of Sauna Float ACT. Discover how she turned a passion for wellness into a thriving business, overcame self-doubt, and won a tennis match hosted by Nick Kyrgios.
Existential crisis time: Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Yanping Yu, the founder and owner of Sauna Float ACT in Canberra. Every day is different, and that’s what I love most about it. I look after everything from customer experience and staff to marketing. My goal has always been simple: to create a place where people can slow down, recharge, and leave feeling better than when they walked in.
Let’s go back to when you were a kid. Have you always dreamed of working in this industry?
Not at all. I grew up in China and later moved to Australia to study Landscape Architecture at the University of Western Australia. I always loved creating spaces, but I never imagined I’d end up in the wellness industry. Looking back, it makes sense; it’s all about creating a welcoming space where people feel comfortable, calm, and connected.
Tell us about when you were first starting out. What set a fire in your belly to get here and how did you do it?
Starting Sauna Float ACT during COVID was definitely a leap of faith. It wasn’t the easiest time to open a business, but I believed more people than ever needed somewhere they could relax and look after their wellbeing.
I didn’t come from a business background, so I had to learn everything. There were plenty of mistakes along the way, but every challenge helped me become a better business owner.
Recall a time when you wanted to chuck it all in. What did you tell yourself when it got too hard?
Running a small business is never easy. There have been days when everything seemed to happen at once – staffing issues, equipment problems, and rising costs – and I wondered whether I was doing the right thing.
Whenever I felt like giving up, I’d think about the customers who told me they were finally sleeping better, recovering from an injury, or simply feeling happier after visiting us. Those conversations reminded me why I started and helped me keep going.
What was your biggest break?
One of my biggest concerns when I started was that English isn’t my first language. I worried about whether I could communicate well enough to build a business and connect with people.
Over time, I realised that genuine care, honesty and hard work matter more than having perfect English. That confidence led to some amazing opportunities, including partnerships with organisations like HerCanberra and CBR Women. Those collaborations helped introduce Sauna Float ACT to a much wider audience and made me realise that building real relationships is one of the biggest strengths in business.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t wait until everything is perfect before you start. You’ll never have all the answers. Just take the first step, keep learning, and improve as you go. That advice has stayed with me throughout my business journey.
What is it about your industry that you love and what makes you want to pull your hair out?
I love seeing the difference we can make in someone’s day. People often arrive feeling stressed, exhausted, or overwhelmed, and an hour later they leave looking relaxed and refreshed. That’s the most rewarding part of what I do.
The biggest challenge is that you’re responsible for everything. Things don’t always go to plan, so you learn to adapt quickly and solve problems as they come.
What was your biggest ‘pinch me’ moment?
This year’s biggest “pinch me” moment was winning the One Point Slam in Canberra. Nick Kyrgios was hosting the event and randomly picked me from the audience to compete. I never expected to win, so it was a complete surprise when I took out the title. Winning the event earned me the opportunity to compete in Melbourne. Playing at the Australian Open with an umpire and six ball kids was definitely a “pinch me” moment that I’ll never forget.
Tell us how you ‘stay in the know’. What media do you consume?
I enjoy listening to science-based podcasts such as Huberman Lab and David Sinclair’s podcast, which help me understand more about nutrition, longevity and healthy living. My customers, team members and other local business owners constantly teach me something new.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In Canberra. I’d love to continue growing Sauna Float ACT while completing my IT degree at QUT. Personally, I want to keep making time for the things I enjoy outside work such as travelling, playing tennis, cycling and bushwalking.
Why should people follow in your footsteps?
I’m not sure people should follow in my footsteps. I actually failed a job interview last week! I think everyone has their own path to follow. What worked for me won’t necessarily work for someone else.
What advice would you give your past self?
Trust yourself more and enjoy the journey.
