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Studio Owner Stories: Nikki Hedren, barre3 Minneapolis
Nikki Hedren took her first barre3 class in 2014 and was immediately drawn in by the warmth of the community, the heart-pumping workout, and the infectious energy that vibrated throughout the studio. More than anything, she connected to the empowering message to trust and love her body above all else. After her first class, Nikki knew she had just experienced something incredibly special—a feeling and community she had been searching for. She quickly went from member to instructor to Lead Instructor and to Studio Manager. After 10 years in the D.C. area, Nikki and her husband, Patrick, made the decision to move home to Minneapolis during the pandemic. In May 2023, Nikki celebrated the grand opening of barre3 Minneapolis following her dream to bring barre3 to her community in North Loop, Minneapolis. She’s now excited to build a safe space for clients to come as you are, give generously to yourself, and move out of joy instead of shame.
B3 MAGAZINE: How did you find barre3?
NIKKI: I found barre3 in 2014 while living in Washington, D.C. I was looking for a way to shake up my fitness routine and when I stepped into the barre3 Georgetown studio I never looked back! I fell in love with the workout, the endless options and, most of all, the welcoming community. I was a member for a few months before becoming an instructor followed by Lead Instructor and Studio Manager. I’ve been fully immersed in all aspects of barre3 for 10 years!
B3 MAGAZINE: What made you decide to open a barre3 studio?
NIKKI: I loved my time with the barre3 D.C. team and knew I eventually wanted to return to Minneapolis to be closer to family. I had seen firsthand how barre3 had changed not only my life, but the lives of so many people around me that’s something I wanted to bring to Minneapolis: a safe space for people to come as they are, give generously to themselves, move out of joy instead of shame and be celebrated for the strong, capable, resilient, beautiful humans they are.
B3 MAGAZINE: What do you find most gratifying about opening your studio?
NIKKI: The most gratifying thing about opening my studio has been witnessing how barre3 Minneapolis has supported our community members in changing their relationship with fitness. Our members have shared how barre3 is the first consistent fitness practice they’ve ever been part of because they look forward to it instead of dread it; how barre3 has instilled greater confidence and self-worth because they are actively listening to their bodies and putting themselves first inside and outside of class; and how they’ve made new friendships that have extended past the walls of the studio. It’s never just a fitness class, and that makes my heart soar. That’s barre3.
Thank you, Nikki! Sign up for class at barre3 Minneapolis and follow along on Instagram for studio news and updates. Curious about bringing barre3 to your local community? Learn more and start the path to ownership here.
Nikki Hedren took her first barre3 class in 2014 and was immediately drawn in by the warmth of the community, the heart-pumping workout, and the infectious energy that vibrated throughout the studio. More than anything, she connected to the empowering message to trust and love her body above all else. After her first class, Nikki knew she had just experienced something incredibly special—a feeling and community she had been searching for. She quickly went from member to instructor to Lead Instructor and to Studio Manager. After 10 years in the D.C. area, Nikki and her husband, Patrick, made the decision to move home to Minneapolis during the pandemic. In May 2023, Nikki celebrated the grand opening of barre3 Minneapolis following her dream to bring barre3 to her community in North Loop, Minneapolis. She’s now excited to build a safe space for clients to come as you are, give generously to yourself, and move out of joy instead of shame.
B3 MAGAZINE: How did you find barre3?
NIKKI: I found barre3 in 2014 while living in Washington, D.C. I was looking for a way to shake up my fitness routine and when I stepped into the barre3 Georgetown studio I never looked back! I fell in love with the workout, the endless options and, most of all, the welcoming community. I was a member for a few months before becoming an instructor followed by Lead Instructor and Studio Manager. I’ve been fully immersed in all aspects of barre3 for 10 years!
B3 MAGAZINE: What made you decide to open a barre3 studio?
NIKKI: I loved my time with the barre3 D.C. team and knew I eventually wanted to return to Minneapolis to be closer to family. I had seen firsthand how barre3 had changed not only my life, but the lives of so many people around me that’s something I wanted to bring to Minneapolis: a safe space for people to come as they are, give generously to themselves, move out of joy instead of shame and be celebrated for the strong, capable, resilient, beautiful humans they are.
B3 MAGAZINE: What do you find most gratifying about opening your studio?
NIKKI: The most gratifying thing about opening my studio has been witnessing how barre3 Minneapolis has supported our community members in changing their relationship with fitness. Our members have shared how barre3 is the first consistent fitness practice they’ve ever been part of because they look forward to it instead of dread it; how barre3 has instilled greater confidence and self-worth because they are actively listening to their bodies and putting themselves first inside and outside of class; and how they’ve made new friendships that have extended past the walls of the studio. It’s never just a fitness class, and that makes my heart soar. That’s barre3.
Thank you, Nikki! Sign up for class at barre3 Minneapolis and follow along on Instagram for studio news and updates. Curious about bringing barre3 to your local community? Learn more and start the path to ownership here.
