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STUDIO OWNER STORIES: ELIZABETH ATHETIS & HANNAH PETERSON, BARRE3 KIRKLAND
The b3 Blog sat down with barre3 Kirkland co-owners Elizabeth Athetis and Hannah Peterson, who purchased the studio in February 2025. Together, they’ve built a vibrant, connected community rooted in movement, mindfulness, and fun. Read on to learn how these two longtime instructors turned their shared passion for barre3 into a thriving partnership – and what excites them most about the future of barre3 Kirkland.
B3: Thanks for sitting down with us today, Elizabeth and Hannah! Can you share a bit more about your journey to barre3 studio ownership?
Elizabeth: Before finding barre3, I was deeply embedded in the conventional fitness world – weigh-ins, measurements, calorie counting, and overtraining to the point of burnout. Then, I walked into barre3 Tucson in 2016. During my first class, my body cried out, “yes! move in this way!” I knew this was where I could finally begin to listen to myself with acceptance and love. Fast forward to 2021, I left my career in the beauty industry and my husband and I moved to Kirkland, where I became a barre3 instructor. Soon enough, I started to dream about doing barre3 all day, every day. So when I found out about the studio sale from the previous studio owner, I was thrilled. Nothing was going to stop me from making this dream come true!
Hannah: I found barre3 thirteen years ago and was instantly hooked. During that first class, I didn’t hear any messages about changing my body or shrinking myself – messages that were all too common in the mid-2000s. Over the years, barre3 has helped me heal a long-standing, conflicted relationship with my body. I’m proud to say I’ve now been an instructor for 11 years! Business ownership wasn’t on my radar, but when the opportunity to purchase the studio came up earlier this year, I asked myself, “why not me?” My passion for the brand and our community runs deep – and I’m so glad I said yes. Becoming a co-owner with Elizabeth has been an absolute dream.
B3: How did your previous career or life experience prepare you for the studio owner role?
Hannah: I spent 18 years as a hairstylist and salon educator before stepping into studio ownership. Building a loyal clientele was, in many ways, like running a small business – centered on connection, trust, and consistency. It also sharpened my people skills. Years of meaningful conversations behind the chair taught me to listen, connect, and create a welcoming space – skills that directly translate into how I engage with clients today.
Elizabeth: I lived many different lives before becoming a studio owner – from surviving addiction to studying theatre to working as a hairstylist and makeup artist. While these experiences nurtured my creativity and taught me resilience, my true passion has always been people. That deep love for connection is what’s helped our Kirkland community blossom.
B3: How do you structure the management and day-to-day operations of the studio and your partnership?
Elizabeth: Hannah serves as our studio mentor – ensuring a strong instructor team and exceptional in-class experience – and I oversee finances and communications. Even though we have distinct roles, we’re constantly collaborating, and one of us is in the studio every single day.
Hannah: We always joke that we’re basically married because we talk every single day – often multiple times. Our constant communication ensures nothing slips through the cracks. We’re always aligned and in sync.
B3: How does the barre3 Home Office support your success?
Elizabeth: I love the barre3 Home Office – I call them the “emotional support office.” Anytime I call, they answer; anytime I write, they reply. With their support, I’ve never felt alone or lost as a studio owner.
Hannah: The Home Office is truly with you every step of the way. We had the privilege of working with Jenn, our franchise specialist, who supported us through our first six months. She guided us through everything from daily operations to unexpected challenges. Her insight was a game-changer and gave us the confidence to lead with clarity and support.
B3: What do you want others to know about the barre3 studio owner network?
Elizabeth: Being a part of the barre3 studio owner community provides unending support. It’s empowering to know there are so many fellow owners who understand your experience, are eager to help, and celebrate your wins right alongside you.
Hannah: “Amazing” is the only way to describe it! At this year’s barre3 Summit, we connected with owners from around the globe – it felt like being in a room with 300 of your closest friends. The level of support, openness, and collaboration was truly inspiring.
B3: What excites you most about owning and operating your own barre3 studio?
Hannah: One of our favorite parts of ownership is channeling our creativity into community engagement. Elizabeth and I are both creatives at heart, so we love planning events like team teaches, outdoor classes, pop-ups, and sound baths. These experiences deepen our connection with members and spark excitement from new clients.
Elizabeth: I couldn’t agree more. Hannah and I never underestimate the power of a good time!
B3: What goals do you have for barre3 Kirkland going forward?
Elizabeth: We have big dreams! At the top of the list is expanding our member community to 300 unlimited members. We want to reach as many people as possible and help them care for themselves – physically and mentally.
Hannah: We’re hopeful that one day we’ll expand into a larger space to serve even more of our growing community.
B3: What differentiates barre3 from other fitness brands?
Hannah: Mindfulness. The way we cue in class brings clients back into their bodies, helping them notice the sensations they’re feeling. We also offer thoughtful modifications for every posture, encouraging clients to tune into their needs and honor where they are each day. For us, movement isn’t about punishment – it’s about support.
Elizabeth: A client recently shared that barre3 taught her to finally listen to her body – to slow down and feel strong from within. That’s what makes barre3 different. One of my favorite barre3 core values is to give generously, and we carry that forward with every person who walks through our doors.
B3: What excites you about the future of barre3?
Hannah: Barre3 classes are science-backed – as women’s health evolves, so do our classes. This evolution keeps instructors and clients engaged. The class I learned to teach 11 years ago is different from what we teach today, and that’s the mark of a brilliant brand – always growing.
Elizabeth: I feel honored to be led by a phenomenal Home Office team and a community that cares so deeply for women’s wellbeing. Barre3 will always be a place of safety, empowerment, and wholehearted care.
B3: What would you say to someone considering franchise ownership with barre3?
Elizabeth: If you love barre3 and want to make a positive impact in your community, opening a studio is a deeply fulfilling path. Becoming a studio owner has brought me a sense of purpose and motivation unlike anything else.
Hannah: Just go for it! Studio ownership takes hard work and perseverance, but if you have a passion for people and believe in barre3’s values, it won’t feel like work – you’ll feel like you’re doing what you’re meant to do every single day.
B3: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Elizabeth: I want to thank barre3 for giving me everything I never knew I always needed. Becoming a studio owner is one of the few things in my life I’ve been completely sure about.
Hannah: I’m truly honored to be part of this community. Becoming a studio owner was the scariest yet best decision I’ve ever made, and I can’t wait to see where the coming years take us.
B3: Thank you, Elizabeth and Hannah!
Interested in exploring barre3 studio ownership? Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Learn more about becoming a barre3 studio owner today.
The b3 Blog sat down with barre3 Kirkland co-owners Elizabeth Athetis and Hannah Peterson, who purchased the studio in February 2025. Together, they’ve built a vibrant, connected community rooted in movement, mindfulness, and fun. Read on to learn how these two longtime instructors turned their shared passion for barre3 into a thriving partnership – and what excites them most about the future of barre3 Kirkland.
B3: Thanks for sitting down with us today, Elizabeth and Hannah! Can you share a bit more about your journey to barre3 studio ownership?
Elizabeth: Before finding barre3, I was deeply embedded in the conventional fitness world – weigh-ins, measurements, calorie counting, and overtraining to the point of burnout. Then, I walked into barre3 Tucson in 2016. During my first class, my body cried out, “yes! move in this way!” I knew this was where I could finally begin to listen to myself with acceptance and love. Fast forward to 2021, I left my career in the beauty industry and my husband and I moved to Kirkland, where I became a barre3 instructor. Soon enough, I started to dream about doing barre3 all day, every day. So when I found out about the studio sale from the previous studio owner, I was thrilled. Nothing was going to stop me from making this dream come true!
Hannah: I found barre3 thirteen years ago and was instantly hooked. During that first class, I didn’t hear any messages about changing my body or shrinking myself – messages that were all too common in the mid-2000s. Over the years, barre3 has helped me heal a long-standing, conflicted relationship with my body. I’m proud to say I’ve now been an instructor for 11 years! Business ownership wasn’t on my radar, but when the opportunity to purchase the studio came up earlier this year, I asked myself, “why not me?” My passion for the brand and our community runs deep – and I’m so glad I said yes. Becoming a co-owner with Elizabeth has been an absolute dream.
B3: How did your previous career or life experience prepare you for the studio owner role?
Hannah: I spent 18 years as a hairstylist and salon educator before stepping into studio ownership. Building a loyal clientele was, in many ways, like running a small business – centered on connection, trust, and consistency. It also sharpened my people skills. Years of meaningful conversations behind the chair taught me to listen, connect, and create a welcoming space – skills that directly translate into how I engage with clients today.
Elizabeth: I lived many different lives before becoming a studio owner – from surviving addiction to studying theatre to working as a hairstylist and makeup artist. While these experiences nurtured my creativity and taught me resilience, my true passion has always been people. That deep love for connection is what’s helped our Kirkland community blossom.
B3: How do you structure the management and day-to-day operations of the studio and your partnership?
Elizabeth: Hannah serves as our studio mentor – ensuring a strong instructor team and exceptional in-class experience – and I oversee finances and communications. Even though we have distinct roles, we’re constantly collaborating, and one of us is in the studio every single day.
Hannah: We always joke that we’re basically married because we talk every single day – often multiple times. Our constant communication ensures nothing slips through the cracks. We’re always aligned and in sync.
B3: How does the barre3 Home Office support your success?
Elizabeth: I love the barre3 Home Office – I call them the “emotional support office.” Anytime I call, they answer; anytime I write, they reply. With their support, I’ve never felt alone or lost as a studio owner.
Hannah: The Home Office is truly with you every step of the way. We had the privilege of working with Jenn, our franchise specialist, who supported us through our first six months. She guided us through everything from daily operations to unexpected challenges. Her insight was a game-changer and gave us the confidence to lead with clarity and support.
B3: What do you want others to know about the barre3 studio owner network?
Elizabeth: Being a part of the barre3 studio owner community provides unending support. It’s empowering to know there are so many fellow owners who understand your experience, are eager to help, and celebrate your wins right alongside you.
Hannah: “Amazing” is the only way to describe it! At this year’s barre3 Summit, we connected with owners from around the globe – it felt like being in a room with 300 of your closest friends. The level of support, openness, and collaboration was truly inspiring.
B3: What excites you most about owning and operating your own barre3 studio?
Hannah: One of our favorite parts of ownership is channeling our creativity into community engagement. Elizabeth and I are both creatives at heart, so we love planning events like team teaches, outdoor classes, pop-ups, and sound baths. These experiences deepen our connection with members and spark excitement from new clients.
Elizabeth: I couldn’t agree more. Hannah and I never underestimate the power of a good time!
B3: What goals do you have for barre3 Kirkland going forward?
Elizabeth: We have big dreams! At the top of the list is expanding our member community to 300 unlimited members. We want to reach as many people as possible and help them care for themselves – physically and mentally.
Hannah: We’re hopeful that one day we’ll expand into a larger space to serve even more of our growing community.
B3: What differentiates barre3 from other fitness brands?
Hannah: Mindfulness. The way we cue in class brings clients back into their bodies, helping them notice the sensations they’re feeling. We also offer thoughtful modifications for every posture, encouraging clients to tune into their needs and honor where they are each day. For us, movement isn’t about punishment – it’s about support.
Elizabeth: A client recently shared that barre3 taught her to finally listen to her body – to slow down and feel strong from within. That’s what makes barre3 different. One of my favorite barre3 core values is to give generously, and we carry that forward with every person who walks through our doors.
B3: What excites you about the future of barre3?
Hannah: Barre3 classes are science-backed – as women’s health evolves, so do our classes. This evolution keeps instructors and clients engaged. The class I learned to teach 11 years ago is different from what we teach today, and that’s the mark of a brilliant brand – always growing.
Elizabeth: I feel honored to be led by a phenomenal Home Office team and a community that cares so deeply for women’s wellbeing. Barre3 will always be a place of safety, empowerment, and wholehearted care.
B3: What would you say to someone considering franchise ownership with barre3?
Elizabeth: If you love barre3 and want to make a positive impact in your community, opening a studio is a deeply fulfilling path. Becoming a studio owner has brought me a sense of purpose and motivation unlike anything else.
Hannah: Just go for it! Studio ownership takes hard work and perseverance, but if you have a passion for people and believe in barre3’s values, it won’t feel like work – you’ll feel like you’re doing what you’re meant to do every single day.
B3: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Elizabeth: I want to thank barre3 for giving me everything I never knew I always needed. Becoming a studio owner is one of the few things in my life I’ve been completely sure about.
Hannah: I’m truly honored to be part of this community. Becoming a studio owner was the scariest yet best decision I’ve ever made, and I can’t wait to see where the coming years take us.
B3: Thank you, Elizabeth and Hannah!
Interested in exploring barre3 studio ownership? Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Learn more about becoming a barre3 studio owner today.
