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STUDIO OWNER STORIES: WHITNEY CARPENTER, BARRE3 COLUMBUS-UPPER ARLINGTON
Meet Whitney Carpenter, a long-time barre3 owner who took her first class in Columbus, Ohio 12 years ago. From there, she was instantly hooked — moving from client to instructor to co-owner to the sole owner of barre3 Columbus-Upper Arlington. The workout, community, and energy was unlike anything she’d experienced from other fitness studios, helping her develop a healthy relationship with movement and a deeper connection to herself. Read on to discover what Whitney loves about owning a barre3 studio, how her studio team weathered the pandemic and came out stronger, and what advice she has for others considering studio ownership with barre3.
B3 BLOG: Thank you for sitting down with us today, Whitney! We’re thrilled to get a chance to speak with you. To start, can you tell us a bit about yourself, including your journey to barre3 studio ownership?
Whitney: I discovered barre3 over 12 years ago through my friend Courtney. At the time, I struggled to find a workout studio in Columbus, but when she introduced me to barre3, I was thrilled to find something that balanced a high-sensation, heart-thumping workout with joy. For the first time in my life, I craved movement, and I noticed real physical benefits like more energy throughout the day, and ease in daily tasks like carrying groceries. I never imagined myself teaching group fitness, but with Courtney’s encouragement, I took a leap of faith and joined her instructor team. It was terrifying at first, but as my confidence grew, so did my passion for the studio. Eventually, I joined Courtney as a co-owner, and when she was ready to sell, I took the baton to lead the studio into its next chapter. Now, almost eight years later, I’m more charged up than ever about the future of barre3.
B3: What are the best parts of being a studio owner?
Whitney: I always dreamed of running my own business, but I never imagined it would be a fitness studio. Owning a barre3 studio has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It’s deepened my connection to my community and taught me so much about leadership and accountability. I have an incredible team, and they inspire me to show up. I admire their dedication to supporting our clients every day. The relationships I’ve built within these walls have shaped me into who I am today. Some of my closest friendships grew roots right here at the barre. Owning this studio isn’t just about business; it’s about belonging, growth, and the joy of lifting others up. Being a bright spot in someone’s day fuels me.
B3: Can you speak to the experience of being a franchisee with barre3?
Whitney: Joining a franchise has been a really positive experience for me, and the support I receive through the Home Office continues to elevate my business. It feels like the best of both worlds: having autonomy as a business owner while also having the backing of a proven system and a team of experts. I came to barre3 without formal business training, so I rely heavily on the resources and tools provided by the franchise team. However, the most valuable part of being a franchisee is learning from other barre3 studio owners. We all come from different backgrounds and share diverse perspectives, so there’s always more to learn from one another. It’s an incredible privilege to be part of a women-led and operated company, and to grow from the wisdom shared by so many remarkable women.
Left: The beautiful, airy studio space at barre3 Columbus-Upper Arlington. Right: Whitney teaches a barre3 Signature class with a smile.
B3: Throughout your years as a studio owner, is there a moment that sticks out to you as particularly meaningful because it reinforced your “why” for wanting to own a studio?
Whitney: Owning a fitness studio has been so surprising because of the experiences people share with me. As an Instructor and Owner, I get to build trusted relationships with so many clients. Oftentimes, we’re some of the first people to learn about someone’s pregnancy, their tough day, their new job opportunity – the list goes on. Supporting people through major life moments is a true gift. Just recently a client of mine returned to barre3 after several years off. She had experienced some health challenges, and then became pregnant and was acclimating to her evolving identity as a first-time mom. She needed a soft spot to land and came back to barre3. She shared with me that she remembered the warm, welcoming community [my studio provided], and that it had motivated her to return. I hear iterations of this story often, which reaffirms why I do this. It’s about so much more than a workout; it’s about giving people a place to return to, no matter where life takes them. It’s so encouraging to be a safe haven for women.
B3: What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned throughout your time as a studio owner?
Whitney: Five years ago, when the pandemic hit and the world as we knew it shifted, everything about the business was tossed into the air. Looking back, I was the most scared I had ever been, but I now realize that was when I learned the most about my capacity to dig deep. I’m grateful everyday that our studio endured through that trying time, and today I’m confident that the support of my team, our clients, and our community got us through it. We were fortified by others as we all came together, and our studio is stronger today because of the hard times we faced. That time reinforced that leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about staying adaptable, leaning on my team, and finding strength in uncertainty. It was a huge lesson in learning to rely on each other and to ask for support when you’re struggling.
B3: What do you feel differentiates barre3 from other fitness practices and brands?
Whitney: Barre3 has transformed how I think about fitness. I used to work out to change my body, and I believed that the most effective change happened when classes were punishing. I know now that I am “enough” every time I walk into a barre3 studio or class. I feel free to enjoy the movement without the burden of altering myself. Unlike workouts that leave you drained, barre3 classes build you up and helps you embrace a deeper connection to yourself, releasing self-judgment. After over 12 years of a routine barre3 practice, I’m also amazed that our class continues to challenge and strengthen me. Barre3 classes are designed to be both challenging and sustainable, supporting your body and mind through every stage of life. I also love that our training team is continuously learning from the latest research to help us deliver a science-backed class that’s both safe and effective. I witness it daily! We support women who’ve been practicing barre3 since our Grand Opening day. It’s incredibly empowering to deliver a class that will continue to challenge and support these clients for another 12 years, through all seasons of life. At the same time, we’re welcoming more new visitors to our studio than ever before. I’m confident that our class is inclusive for all levels, from beginners to experienced clients.
B3: What would you tell someone who is considering whether barre3 studio ownership is right for them?
Whitney: Deciding to open a studio is a commitment, and the decision often takes some time. Before becoming an Owner, I talked to many of my friends and family to understand if this path was right for me. Now that I have owned the studio for 8 years, I can confidently say that studio ownership is incredibly rewarding – and running a business is humbling. Owning a barre3 studio is a “roll up your sleeves” full-time job, which I love. I spend most days problem solving, which requires mental resilience and patience. That said, as I’ve poured into the business, the business has grown, and I’m so proud of what we’ve created! I also really value that this career is service-focused. Holding space for people to move and breathe is so fulfilling, and it’s unlocked personal growth for me beyond what I expected.
B3: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us today?
Whitney: If you’re reading this and wondering if you belong at barre3, let me say – wholeheartedly – you do. I have tried lots of fitness studios over the years, and really enjoyed some of them. But despite being a regular visitor [at other fitness studios], I never felt seen by the Instructor or the Owner. You deserve to feel like you matter! It’s my personal mission to make sure that every person who walks through our door at barre3 Columbus is seen, served, and supported. I know that I share that mission with every other barre3 Owner, and we’re ready for you whenever – and wherever – you’re ready to try barre3. We’ve got you.
Thank you, Whitney!
Left: Whitney behind the front desk of barre3 Columbus. Right: Whitney’s studio team.
Owner Bio
Whitney was first introduced to barre3 after struggling to find a workout studio in Columbus. After trying barre3, she was hooked — from the high sensation moves and the fun music, to the amazing instructor that made her feel like an old friend. What started as a quest for fitness quickly became something much more. She noticed that barre3 not only benefited her physical health, but also her mental health. The studio introduced her to her passion–sharing joyful movement with women–and along the way, she’s made profound friendships that continue to drive her purpose every day. Wanting to commit to sharing that experience with others, Whitney has owned and operated barre3 Columbus since 2017. Working alongside her dedicated team and their amazing clients has become a dream job, and she loves sharing barre3 with the Columbus community. When she’s not at the studio, you can find Whitney enjoying a new Columbus restaurant, listening to live music, or walking in the park with her husband Ben, and their three rescue dogs, Winter, Sage, and Scout.
Thank you, Whitney! Sign up for a class at barre3 Columbus – Upper Arlington and follow along on Instagram for studio news and updates.
Interested in learning more about opening a barre3 studio? Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s connect and explore what’s possible—together. Learn more about becoming a barre3 studio owner today.
Meet Whitney Carpenter, a long-time barre3 owner who took her first class in Columbus, Ohio 12 years ago. From there, she was instantly hooked — moving from client to instructor to co-owner to the sole owner of barre3 Columbus-Upper Arlington. The workout, community, and energy was unlike anything she’d experienced from other fitness studios, helping her develop a healthy relationship with movement and a deeper connection to herself. Read on to discover what Whitney loves about owning a barre3 studio, how her studio team weathered the pandemic and came out stronger, and what advice she has for others considering studio ownership with barre3.
B3 BLOG: Thank you for sitting down with us today, Whitney! We’re thrilled to get a chance to speak with you. To start, can you tell us a bit about yourself, including your journey to barre3 studio ownership?
Whitney: I discovered barre3 over 12 years ago through my friend Courtney. At the time, I struggled to find a workout studio in Columbus, but when she introduced me to barre3, I was thrilled to find something that balanced a high-sensation, heart-thumping workout with joy. For the first time in my life, I craved movement, and I noticed real physical benefits like more energy throughout the day, and ease in daily tasks like carrying groceries. I never imagined myself teaching group fitness, but with Courtney’s encouragement, I took a leap of faith and joined her instructor team. It was terrifying at first, but as my confidence grew, so did my passion for the studio. Eventually, I joined Courtney as a co-owner, and when she was ready to sell, I took the baton to lead the studio into its next chapter. Now, almost eight years later, I’m more charged up than ever about the future of barre3.
B3: What are the best parts of being a studio owner?
Whitney: I always dreamed of running my own business, but I never imagined it would be a fitness studio. Owning a barre3 studio has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It’s deepened my connection to my community and taught me so much about leadership and accountability. I have an incredible team, and they inspire me to show up. I admire their dedication to supporting our clients every day. The relationships I’ve built within these walls have shaped me into who I am today. Some of my closest friendships grew roots right here at the barre. Owning this studio isn’t just about business; it’s about belonging, growth, and the joy of lifting others up. Being a bright spot in someone’s day fuels me.
B3: Can you speak to the experience of being a franchisee with barre3?
Whitney: Joining a franchise has been a really positive experience for me, and the support I receive through the Home Office continues to elevate my business. It feels like the best of both worlds: having autonomy as a business owner while also having the backing of a proven system and a team of experts. I came to barre3 without formal business training, so I rely heavily on the resources and tools provided by the franchise team. However, the most valuable part of being a franchisee is learning from other barre3 studio owners. We all come from different backgrounds and share diverse perspectives, so there’s always more to learn from one another. It’s an incredible privilege to be part of a women-led and operated company, and to grow from the wisdom shared by so many remarkable women.
Left: The beautiful, airy studio space at barre3 Columbus-Upper Arlington. Right: Whitney teaches a barre3 Signature class with a smile.
B3: Throughout your years as a studio owner, is there a moment that sticks out to you as particularly meaningful because it reinforced your “why” for wanting to own a studio?
Whitney: Owning a fitness studio has been so surprising because of the experiences people share with me. As an Instructor and Owner, I get to build trusted relationships with so many clients. Oftentimes, we’re some of the first people to learn about someone’s pregnancy, their tough day, their new job opportunity – the list goes on. Supporting people through major life moments is a true gift. Just recently a client of mine returned to barre3 after several years off. She had experienced some health challenges, and then became pregnant and was acclimating to her evolving identity as a first-time mom. She needed a soft spot to land and came back to barre3. She shared with me that she remembered the warm, welcoming community [my studio provided], and that it had motivated her to return. I hear iterations of this story often, which reaffirms why I do this. It’s about so much more than a workout; it’s about giving people a place to return to, no matter where life takes them. It’s so encouraging to be a safe haven for women.
B3: What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned throughout your time as a studio owner?
Whitney: Five years ago, when the pandemic hit and the world as we knew it shifted, everything about the business was tossed into the air. Looking back, I was the most scared I had ever been, but I now realize that was when I learned the most about my capacity to dig deep. I’m grateful everyday that our studio endured through that trying time, and today I’m confident that the support of my team, our clients, and our community got us through it. We were fortified by others as we all came together, and our studio is stronger today because of the hard times we faced. That time reinforced that leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about staying adaptable, leaning on my team, and finding strength in uncertainty. It was a huge lesson in learning to rely on each other and to ask for support when you’re struggling.
B3: What do you feel differentiates barre3 from other fitness practices and brands?
Whitney: Barre3 has transformed how I think about fitness. I used to work out to change my body, and I believed that the most effective change happened when classes were punishing. I know now that I am “enough” every time I walk into a barre3 studio or class. I feel free to enjoy the movement without the burden of altering myself. Unlike workouts that leave you drained, barre3 classes build you up and helps you embrace a deeper connection to yourself, releasing self-judgment. After over 12 years of a routine barre3 practice, I’m also amazed that our class continues to challenge and strengthen me. Barre3 classes are designed to be both challenging and sustainable, supporting your body and mind through every stage of life. I also love that our training team is continuously learning from the latest research to help us deliver a science-backed class that’s both safe and effective. I witness it daily! We support women who’ve been practicing barre3 since our Grand Opening day. It’s incredibly empowering to deliver a class that will continue to challenge and support these clients for another 12 years, through all seasons of life. At the same time, we’re welcoming more new visitors to our studio than ever before. I’m confident that our class is inclusive for all levels, from beginners to experienced clients.
B3: What would you tell someone who is considering whether barre3 studio ownership is right for them?
Whitney: Deciding to open a studio is a commitment, and the decision often takes some time. Before becoming an Owner, I talked to many of my friends and family to understand if this path was right for me. Now that I have owned the studio for 8 years, I can confidently say that studio ownership is incredibly rewarding – and running a business is humbling. Owning a barre3 studio is a “roll up your sleeves” full-time job, which I love. I spend most days problem solving, which requires mental resilience and patience. That said, as I’ve poured into the business, the business has grown, and I’m so proud of what we’ve created! I also really value that this career is service-focused. Holding space for people to move and breathe is so fulfilling, and it’s unlocked personal growth for me beyond what I expected.
B3: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us today?
Whitney: If you’re reading this and wondering if you belong at barre3, let me say – wholeheartedly – you do. I have tried lots of fitness studios over the years, and really enjoyed some of them. But despite being a regular visitor [at other fitness studios], I never felt seen by the Instructor or the Owner. You deserve to feel like you matter! It’s my personal mission to make sure that every person who walks through our door at barre3 Columbus is seen, served, and supported. I know that I share that mission with every other barre3 Owner, and we’re ready for you whenever – and wherever – you’re ready to try barre3. We’ve got you.
Thank you, Whitney!
Left: Whitney behind the front desk of barre3 Columbus. Right: Whitney’s studio team.
Owner Bio
Whitney was first introduced to barre3 after struggling to find a workout studio in Columbus. After trying barre3, she was hooked — from the high sensation moves and the fun music, to the amazing instructor that made her feel like an old friend. What started as a quest for fitness quickly became something much more. She noticed that barre3 not only benefited her physical health, but also her mental health. The studio introduced her to her passion–sharing joyful movement with women–and along the way, she’s made profound friendships that continue to drive her purpose every day. Wanting to commit to sharing that experience with others, Whitney has owned and operated barre3 Columbus since 2017. Working alongside her dedicated team and their amazing clients has become a dream job, and she loves sharing barre3 with the Columbus community. When she’s not at the studio, you can find Whitney enjoying a new Columbus restaurant, listening to live music, or walking in the park with her husband Ben, and their three rescue dogs, Winter, Sage, and Scout.
Thank you, Whitney! Sign up for a class at barre3 Columbus – Upper Arlington and follow along on Instagram for studio news and updates.
Interested in learning more about opening a barre3 studio? Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s connect and explore what’s possible—together. Learn more about becoming a barre3 studio owner today.
