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What Happens When a Studio Becomes barre3: Inside the Studio Conversion Process
Across the country, studios are joining the barre3 community — each bringing its own story, energy, and path into the movement. Some joined through acquisition. Others reached out proactively to explore a new future. But all now share the same commitment: creating spaces of strength, connection, and long-term impact.
Ahead, we’re highlighting studio owners who have transitioned their businesses to become barre3 franchises. Whether it was a major leap or a gentle evolution, the process of conversion can be both transformative and deeply rewarding.
Featured image courtesy of barre3 Spokane – University District.
The Acquisition Path: When One Chapter Leads to Another
For several studios formerly operating under Studio Barre or The Barre Code, the conversion process began as part of a broader change. When barre3 acquired these franchise networks, individual owners had the opportunity to transition their businesses into barre3 studios — and in doing so, they gained access to a new system of support, a fresh creative direction, and a thriving client community.
“While the conversion process itself isn’t for the faint of heart (a lot of sweat equity will go into it), you just have to get to the other side,” says Whitney Sloan, owner of barre3 Bird Rock, part of the Studio Barre acquisition. “Throughout the overwhelming amount of meetings, emails and to-do lists, [the barre3] Home Office held our hands. It was inspiring to get that level of support as we moved forward with the studio conversion.”
Her favorite moment? Watching her team rally around her with unwavering encouragement: “They said, ‘Where you lead, we will follow.’ That kind of support reminds me why we do what we do as studio owners.”
Whitney’s story is one of many that reflect the hands-on guidance studio owners receive throughout their transition to joining barre3. As Rachel Intile, Franchise Sales Manager, shares, “With 17 years of experience guiding studio owners through change, the barre3 franchise team provides unmatched support during every step of the conversion process.”
barre3 Spokane – University District
Making the Choice to Convert
Not all conversions begin with an acquisition. Some start with a quiet question: What if there’s something more aligned out there?
That was the case for studio owners like those behind Buffalo-based Barre Centric and Spokane Barre in Washington state — leaders who reached out to barre3 after years of running their own studios. They weren’t required to make a change, but they wanted to. And what they found in barre3 was a brand that matched their values, supported their growth, and gave them the space to lead with intention.
“Joining the barre3 network has always been a dream of mine, and although not easy, making the decision to convert my studio was the best one I could’ve made for the growth and longevity of the business,” says Katie Grainger, owner of barre3 Spokane – University District. “The product we deliver is so much stronger, and I feel significantly more confident in what we offer our community.”
Her studio has seen both subtle and sweeping transformations. “My team and I are constantly learning and evolving. There’s never been a moment of regret.”
For Rachael Jarosz, co-owner of barre3’s Buffalo studios, the decision came after years of building an independent brand: “We knew our team — and our members — deserved more. With barre3, we’ve been able to provide world-class training opportunities for both new and tenured instructors, keeping our classes at the highest level and rooted in the latest exercise science.”
The impact? “Our instructors have elevated their skills tremendously, our members are loving the new programming, and it’s a dream come true to bring the barre3 experience to Western New York.”
barre3 Buffalo co-owners, Giavana De Zitter and Rachael Jarosz
Becoming barre3: What Changes, and What Doesn’t
The conversion process is more than a brand change — it’s a shift in vision, support, and community. For both acquired and converted studio owners, the barre3 team provides support throughout every step of the journey. From onboarding and instructor training to studio design and business strategy, the support is hands-on, human-first, and rooted in 17+ years of experience.
Michelle Gimbutis, owner of barre3 East Lansing and barre3 Ann Arbor, reflects on the experience of converting her two studios as a part of The Barre Code acquisition: “Owning and operating a studio is so personal, and I appreciated how the barre3 Home Office team never shied away from the emotional side of the process. They made what initially felt overwhelming feel completely manageable. I always felt like they genuinely cared — not just about my business, but about me feeling confident and supported as a person.”
Michelle Gimbutis, owner of barre3 East Lansing + barre3 Ann Arbor
Curious About What’s Possible?
As we continue along this path of growth, we’re honored to welcome these new studio owners into the barre3 network. Their strength, their leadership, and their belief in the power of movement continue to shape the future of barre3 — and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
If you’ve ever wondered what it might look like to lead a studio with purpose and connection, with a trusted team behind you, we’re here to explore that with you. Learn more about opening a barre3 studio.
Across the country, studios are joining the barre3 community — each bringing its own story, energy, and path into the movement. Some joined through acquisition. Others reached out proactively to explore a new future. But all now share the same commitment: creating spaces of strength, connection, and long-term impact.
Ahead, we’re highlighting studio owners who have transitioned their businesses to become barre3 franchises. Whether it was a major leap or a gentle evolution, the process of conversion can be both transformative and deeply rewarding.
Featured image courtesy of barre3 Spokane – University District.
The Acquisition Path: When One Chapter Leads to Another
For several studios formerly operating under Studio Barre or The Barre Code, the conversion process began as part of a broader change. When barre3 acquired these franchise networks, individual owners had the opportunity to transition their businesses into barre3 studios — and in doing so, they gained access to a new system of support, a fresh creative direction, and a thriving client community.
“While the conversion process itself isn’t for the faint of heart (a lot of sweat equity will go into it), you just have to get to the other side,” says Whitney Sloan, owner of barre3 Bird Rock, part of the Studio Barre acquisition. “Throughout the overwhelming amount of meetings, emails and to-do lists, [the barre3] Home Office held our hands. It was inspiring to get that level of support as we moved forward with the studio conversion.”
Her favorite moment? Watching her team rally around her with unwavering encouragement: “They said, ‘Where you lead, we will follow.’ That kind of support reminds me why we do what we do as studio owners.”
Whitney’s story is one of many that reflect the hands-on guidance studio owners receive throughout their transition to joining barre3. As Rachel Intile, Franchise Sales Manager, shares, “With 17 years of experience guiding studio owners through change, the barre3 franchise team provides unmatched support during every step of the conversion process.”
barre3 Spokane – University District
Making the Choice to Convert
Not all conversions begin with an acquisition. Some start with a quiet question: What if there’s something more aligned out there?
That was the case for studio owners like those behind Buffalo-based Barre Centric and Spokane Barre in Washington state — leaders who reached out to barre3 after years of running their own studios. They weren’t required to make a change, but they wanted to. And what they found in barre3 was a brand that matched their values, supported their growth, and gave them the space to lead with intention.
“Joining the barre3 network has always been a dream of mine, and although not easy, making the decision to convert my studio was the best one I could’ve made for the growth and longevity of the business,” says Katie Grainger, owner of barre3 Spokane – University District. “The product we deliver is so much stronger, and I feel significantly more confident in what we offer our community.”
Her studio has seen both subtle and sweeping transformations. “My team and I are constantly learning and evolving. There’s never been a moment of regret.”
For Rachael Jarosz, co-owner of barre3’s Buffalo studios, the decision came after years of building an independent brand: “We knew our team — and our members — deserved more. With barre3, we’ve been able to provide world-class training opportunities for both new and tenured instructors, keeping our classes at the highest level and rooted in the latest exercise science.”
The impact? “Our instructors have elevated their skills tremendously, our members are loving the new programming, and it’s a dream come true to bring the barre3 experience to Western New York.”
barre3 Buffalo co-owners, Giavana De Zitter and Rachael Jarosz
Becoming barre3: What Changes, and What Doesn’t
The conversion process is more than a brand change — it’s a shift in vision, support, and community. For both acquired and converted studio owners, the barre3 team provides support throughout every step of the journey. From onboarding and instructor training to studio design and business strategy, the support is hands-on, human-first, and rooted in 17+ years of experience.
Michelle Gimbutis, owner of barre3 East Lansing and barre3 Ann Arbor, reflects on the experience of converting her two studios as a part of The Barre Code acquisition: “Owning and operating a studio is so personal, and I appreciated how the barre3 Home Office team never shied away from the emotional side of the process. They made what initially felt overwhelming feel completely manageable. I always felt like they genuinely cared — not just about my business, but about me feeling confident and supported as a person.”
Michelle Gimbutis, owner of barre3 East Lansing + barre3 Ann Arbor
Curious About What’s Possible?
As we continue along this path of growth, we’re honored to welcome these new studio owners into the barre3 network. Their strength, their leadership, and their belief in the power of movement continue to shape the future of barre3 — and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
If you’ve ever wondered what it might look like to lead a studio with purpose and connection, with a trusted team behind you, we’re here to explore that with you. Learn more about opening a barre3 studio.
