From Science Lab to Wellness Entrepreneur: How Dr. Rebecca Harris is Bringing Science-Backed Luxury to Greenville

For many, wellness is a buzzword. But for Dr. Rebecca Harris, it’s a mission backed by years of research, a deep love for nature, and a desire to make a meaningful impact. As the owner of Kairos Float & Wellness Studio in Greenville, NC, Dr. Harris combines her scientific expertise with her passion for holistic health, creating a space where stress melts away and healing begins.

Why Greenville? Why Now?

Dr. Harris first came to Greenville in 2001 for graduate school at East Carolina University and the Brody School of Medicine. It didn’t take long for the city to feel like home. “Greenville has a wonderful energy,” she shares. “It’s a growing community that values both innovation and connection. With ECU, we have a hub of education and healthcare, but I saw a gap—a need for a luxury wellness environment rooted in science.”

After years spent in academia, educating a new generation of scientists and medical professionals, Dr. Harris realized she wanted to translate her expertise into something tangible for the community she loves.

The Moment Kairos Took Shape

The seed for Kairos Float & Wellness Studio was planted in 2018, during a transformative year for Dr. Harris. At the time, she lived in the bustling Research Triangle Park (RTP) area and experienced float therapy for the first time. The results were profound.

“Floating was a game-changer,” she recalls. “I felt a level of relaxation and mental clarity I hadn’t experienced before. But when I looked around Eastern North Carolina, there was nothing like it here. I knew that had to change.”

That same year, two life-changing trips solidified her vision. In Denver, Colorado, a visit to Red Rocks Amphitheater left her inspired by the revitalizing power of clean, crisp air. Later, a four-day backpacking trip through the Sonoran Desert reconnected her with nature’s profound ability to heal.

“In the desert, there’s a unique strength in the landscape,” she says. “The way the mountains absorb sunlight during the day and radiate peace at night—it created this deep sense of renewal in me. I wanted to create a space where people could access those same feelings of balance, strength, and healing, right here in Greenville.”

Backpacking in the Superstition Mountains, Sonoran Desert (Arizona) with my best friend. Four days of incredible healing and natural beauty.

Science Meets Wellness

Opening Kairos in 2024, Dr. Harris brought not only her passion but also her PhD in Physiology and post-doctoral expertise in Dermatology and Molecular & Cellular Physiology. Every wellness modality at Kairos, from sensory deprivation float therapy to halotherapy, infrared sauna, and contrast therapy, is carefully chosen for its evidence-based benefits.

“Take float therapy, for example,” she explains. “It’s not just about relaxation—it’s about reducing cortisol levels, improving recovery, and enhancing mental focus. My goal is to educate our clients so they understand the ‘why’ behind what they’re experiencing.”

Dr. Harris is also passionate about helping clients achieve long-term results. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach,” she says. “We’re creating a personalized path for everyone who walks through our doors, whether they’re looking to reduce stress, manage pain, or simply prioritize their well-being.”

A Vision Rooted in Nature and Community

The name “Kairos,” meaning “opportune time” in Greek, reflects Dr. Harris’s belief that wellness is an essential part of living in the present moment. The studio’s tranquil setting and luxurious design invite clients to pause, breathe, and reconnect with themselves.

But her mission goes deeper than offering services. It’s about fostering a wellness community in Greenville. “This city has given me so much,” she shares. “Kairos is my way of giving back—a place where people can step away from the noise of life and step into a space of renewal.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Harris envisions expansion at Kairos to include a thermal spa with unique modalities designed to stimulate different senses, as well as a private relaxation suite for groups. “We have so many ideas,” she says with excitement. “Our goal is to create an environment where the people of our community can experience the true meaning of a wellness lifestyle—one that rejuvenates the mind, body, and spirit.”

From the Lab to the Lounge

Dr. Harris’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship is one of courage, transformation, and unwavering passion. Whether she’s explaining the science behind float therapy or creating curated wellness experiences inspired by her travels, one thing is clear: Dr. Rebecca Harris is redefining what it means to care for the mind, body, and spirit.

For Greenville, she’s not just bringing wellness—she’s bringing opportunity, balance, and a renewed sense of connection.