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STUDIO OWNER STORIES: PATCHANIKA MAKAEW, BARRE3 JERSEY CITY
Patchanika Makaew was born and raised in Thailand. In 2014, her job in finance brought her to New York City where she noticed many locals in the area exercised as a part of their daily routine. Previously only exercising at a gym once a year in Thailand, she set out to try various fitness classes in New York City and eventually discovered barre3. After her first class, she noticed she felt happier, more content, and more focused. Barre3 has since become a passion and integral part of her life. She and her daughter now call Jersey City/Hoboken in New Jersey home and celebrated the grand opening of her studio, barre3 Jersey City, in January of 2023.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: How did you find barre3?
PATCHANIKA: I wanted to blend into the culture and find new friends after moving from Thailand to New York City for my job in finance—from the Big Mango to the Big Apple! I saw that a big part of New Yorkers’ routine was exercise, which wasn’t my jam at all. But, I wanted a change. After trying a handful of group fitness classes, barre was the only one to keep me motivated and wanting to come back. I set out on a mission to try every barre class offered in New York City, which is where I discovered barre3. After my first barre3 class, I felt like this was where I belonged. I was so energized, happy, and content all at the same time. I became hooked on barre3.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: What made you decide to open a barre3 studio?
PATCHANIKA: Barre3 changed my life and became my passion, besides numbers and finance! I became more active, focused, content, and healthier—finding barre3 was a life-changing moment for me. It helps me to be resilient, get through tough times, and makes a good time even better. I think it is really important to build a strong foundation in health and mind, plus have a little bit of fun. So, I decided to become a studio owner with the hopes that I can share my passion with others and inspire them along a similar journey.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: What do you find most gratifying about opening your studio?
PATCHANIKA: The most gratifying thing about opening my studio is that my team and I have created a safe space for clients here in Jersey City. We have seen a lot of smiles (and sweat). It’s great to see clients making new friends while chatting about how shaky they are during the workout, or seeing them talk about their lives and exchange ideas. I love the sense of community here at our studio. It makes me so happy that I can be a part of this community and a part of our clients’ journeys. I didn’t expect that at the beginning and it makes my day, every day since.
Thank you, Patchanika! Sign up for class at barre3 Jersey City and follow along on Instagram for studio news and updates. Interested in bringing barre3 to your local community? Learn more about owning a barre3 studio here.
Patchanika Makaew was born and raised in Thailand. In 2014, her job in finance brought her to New York City where she noticed many locals in the area exercised as a part of their daily routine. Previously only exercising at a gym once a year in Thailand, she set out to try various fitness classes in New York City and eventually discovered barre3. After her first class, she noticed she felt happier, more content, and more focused. Barre3 has since become a passion and integral part of her life. She and her daughter now call Jersey City/Hoboken in New Jersey home and celebrated the grand opening of her studio, barre3 Jersey City, in January of 2023.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: How did you find barre3?
PATCHANIKA: I wanted to blend into the culture and find new friends after moving from Thailand to New York City for my job in finance—from the Big Mango to the Big Apple! I saw that a big part of New Yorkers’ routine was exercise, which wasn’t my jam at all. But, I wanted a change. After trying a handful of group fitness classes, barre was the only one to keep me motivated and wanting to come back. I set out on a mission to try every barre class offered in New York City, which is where I discovered barre3. After my first barre3 class, I felt like this was where I belonged. I was so energized, happy, and content all at the same time. I became hooked on barre3.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: What made you decide to open a barre3 studio?
PATCHANIKA: Barre3 changed my life and became my passion, besides numbers and finance! I became more active, focused, content, and healthier—finding barre3 was a life-changing moment for me. It helps me to be resilient, get through tough times, and makes a good time even better. I think it is really important to build a strong foundation in health and mind, plus have a little bit of fun. So, I decided to become a studio owner with the hopes that I can share my passion with others and inspire them along a similar journey.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: What do you find most gratifying about opening your studio?
PATCHANIKA: The most gratifying thing about opening my studio is that my team and I have created a safe space for clients here in Jersey City. We have seen a lot of smiles (and sweat). It’s great to see clients making new friends while chatting about how shaky they are during the workout, or seeing them talk about their lives and exchange ideas. I love the sense of community here at our studio. It makes me so happy that I can be a part of this community and a part of our clients’ journeys. I didn’t expect that at the beginning and it makes my day, every day since.
Thank you, Patchanika! Sign up for class at barre3 Jersey City and follow along on Instagram for studio news and updates. Interested in bringing barre3 to your local community? Learn more about owning a barre3 studio here.
