Small Business Award winner spotlight: SKA Thermal Spa

Honoured with this year’s Doane Grant Thornton Emerging Growth Award at the Calgary Small Business Awards, SKA Thermal Spa is a standout in the wellness industry. With remarkable growth and a commitment to innovation since its inception, the organization has been recognized for the hard work, dedication and passion of its team. Offering exceptional hydrotherapy, massage and Nordic spa experiences, SKA Thermal Spa stays true to its core values, setting it apart as a rising star in Calgary’s small business community.

A fresh approach to wellness

Gaurav Gupta, owner of SKA Thermal Spa, has taken a unique path to success that blends his engineering background with a passion for providing exceptional service. In 2022, he founded SKA Thermal Spa with the goal of creating a hydrotherapy spa experience in Calgary, a vision that quickly took off. Gaurav’s journey didn’t start in the spa industry but was shaped by his past experiences and a desire to make a meaningful impact on society.

“I was an engineer,” says Gaurav. “I have a bachelor’s in chemical engineering, a master’s in chemical engineering and an MBA from France.”

“I never knew what I wanted to do. Engineering was just something that came naturally in my family, but when I went through my MBA, I realized I could do something more than just engineering. That’s where I gained the confidence to step out of the corporate sector and explore new possibilities.”

Gaurav’s entrepreneurial journey began when he left his corporate job, using his savings to invest in a small location of Leela Eco Spa, a boutique spa group known for its wellness services and eco-conscious approach.

“It was a single location, and I didn’t have much capital, but it allowed me to start somewhere,” says Gaurav.

His experience with Leela Eco Spa and his desire to explore new business concepts eventually led him to creating SKA Thermal Spa, where he could combine his passion for service with a fresh approach to wellness.

Quality care and service

SKA Thermal Spa’s success is driven not only by its innovative offerings but also by the core values that Gaurav has instilled within the organization.

“What makes any organization unique is its culture, its values and the principles behind it. Service is the most important thing to us. We’re in the service industry and our satisfaction comes from delivering quality services and improving clients’ well-being,” he says.

For Gaurav, the spa industry isn’t just about providing services—it’s about creating a welcoming environment where clients feel valued and cared for. At SKA Thermal Spa, the focus is on ensuring that every guest’s experience is more than just a visit to a spa; it’s an opportunity for personal transformation.

Building on these values, Gaurav has assembled a team that shares his vision.

“The success of SKA Thermal Spa is a team effort,” he says. “We have staff who work equally hard day in and day out. The satisfaction we get from positive feedback, whether it’s from a staff member or a client, is invaluable.”

The power of persistence

While the journey hasn’t been without its challenges, the hard work and dedication paid off when SKA Thermal Spa won the Doane Grant Thornton Emerging Growth Award at the Calgary Small Business Awards. Gaurav credits the award to the team’s commitment and the principles they upheld throughout their work.

“We live and breathe our business every day and the award really validates what we’ve been working towards. It’s a deep moment for us to realize that what we’ve been doing has value and is being recognized by others,” he says.

With this recognition strengthening Gaurav’s commitment to making a positive impact in the community, he also shares the personal significance of the award.

“The start of SKA was one of the most stressful times of my life, and to go from there to winning this award was incredibly gratifying.”

Gaurav’s success in making SKA Thermal Spa a reality points to the power of persistence and staying true to one’s core values. For those who are looking to start their own business, Gaurav offers advice based on his experiences.

“Don’t get fixated on the idea. Execution is what really matters. Jump in, figure it out as you go and build a team that shares your vision. The rewards are worth the effort.”

Expanding the wellness experience

Looking toward the future, Gaurav is excited about the growth and expansion of SKA Thermal Spa. With the business already establishing a strong presence in Calgary, Gaurav is eager to continue building the brand.

“Next year, we’re opening a SKA Thermal Spa in Seton and we’re also planning to open one in Winnipeg,” he says. “We’re expanding our blueprint and growing the brand across Canada.”

As the health and wellness industries continue to evolve, Gaurav also plans to adapt SKA Thermal Spa’s offerings to meet the growing demand for personalized wellness experiences.

“The wellness industry is changing fast. We want to stay ahead of trends and provide services that align with client needs. We see ourselves offering more private and public hydrotherapy services and adapting to new wellness trends,” he says.

With plans for further expansion and a continued emphasis on high-quality service, SKA Thermal Spa is well-positioned to make a lasting impact in Calgary and beyond.

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To learn more about SKA Thermal Spa, visit skathermalspa.com. See the full list of winners from the 41st Calgary Small Business Awards.

Small Business Week is proudly presented by our Small Business Pillar Partner, Rogers Business. To learn more, visit calgarychamber.com/small-business.