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Studio Owner Story: Simone Bernstein, barre3 Brookline
Simone Bernstein is a dancer turned wellness-enthusiast. After earning her BFA in Dance Performance & Choreography, she was searching for something to satisfy her passion for movement. Simone was immediately drawn to barre3’s focus on whole-body health and its feel-good, effective approach to fitness. In 2014 she joined the team at barre3 Needham as a Founding Instructor and later became Studio Manager. Simone is thrilled to build a barre3 community in Brookline. When she’s not at the studio, you can find her exploring dishes at local Boston restaurants and cooking up recipes in the kitchen.
Q: Thanks for chatting with us, Simone! As a lifelong dancer, how did your background lead you to discover barre3, and what made you realize this was the right fit for you personally?
Simone: I grew up in the Boston suburbs and was a dancer my entire life, starting at the age of 2. I always loved moving to music and even went to college for dance. I first found barre3 when Liz was opening the Needham studio in my hometown. After our first conversation, when she told me about the brand and the philosophies behind movement, I was in! I’ve stayed with barre3 because of the evolution of the movement practice and the people. Barre3 was the first – and only – workout I’d experienced that prioritized movement for health and connection instead of to change your body’s physical appearance. As a dancer, everything was focused on being smaller and doing movement perfectly. I love that the workout is accessible to different types of people, and that everyone can feel successful in a class.
Q: What inspired your transition from instructor to franchise owner, and how did your previous experience prepare you for the studio ownership?
Simone: I’ve always been business-minded and driven to do whatever it takes to “make it happen.” I saw the community that Liz created in Needham, and decided I wanted to create that same community in Brookline. Working at a successful studio before opening my own studio was so helpful to see inside the company.
Q: How do you manage the day-to-day operations of the studio, and what qualities do you feel are most essential for a successful owner?
Simone: I have two part-time managers who help me to manage the day-to-day operations as well as an amazing instructor team. It’s a lot to manage, but I’ve come up with a schedule for when to tackle each task, always prioritizing the client experience. To be an effective studio owner, you need to have compassion, organizational skills, and the ability to lead with strength and authenticity.
Q: How does the barre3 Support Center and the wider studio owner community support your success?
Simone: I’m on the Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) and it’s great to be able to connect with the larger Support Center team and speak for my East Coast studio owner community. And, it’s great having strategies and playbooks from the barre3 Support Center in all aspects – marketing, sales, operations, training, etc. As for the studio owner community, there is such a sense of pride and camaraderie within the network. Even though we’re in different states, and time zones, it still feels like a group that you can always reach out to with questions or if you’re in need of support.
Q: What differentiates the barre3 experience, and what are your goals for the future?
Simone: The barre3 methodology is science-backed, and the breathwork and mindfulness really create an experience to get you into your body and out of your mind. I’m excited to continue fostering movement for health and longevity, as opposed to wanting to look a certain way. Going forward, my goal is to continue to grow our community and train our amazing instructors. I’d like to be known as the best in Boston!
Q: Why should entrepreneurial-minded women explore barre3 studio ownership as their next business venture?
Simone: Owning a barre3 studio is a great opportunity to be a part of a growing company in an already booming industry. It’s also so empowering to be a part of a national organization that is making waves in fitness – we were the first to incorporate mindfulness in our workout. On the local level, it’s very rewarding to see your clients and community change and grow in front of your own eyes. It’s really special being a part of those transformative moments and milestones.
Join the barre3 Franchise Community
If you are a business-minded leader looking to make an impact in the wellness industry, there has never been a better time to join us. Our franchise development team is here to guide you every step of the way. Learn more about becoming a barre3 studio owner today.
Simone Bernstein is a dancer turned wellness-enthusiast. After earning her BFA in Dance Performance & Choreography, she was searching for something to satisfy her passion for movement. Simone was immediately drawn to barre3’s focus on whole-body health and its feel-good, effective approach to fitness. In 2014 she joined the team at barre3 Needham as a Founding Instructor and later became Studio Manager. Simone is thrilled to build a barre3 community in Brookline. When she’s not at the studio, you can find her exploring dishes at local Boston restaurants and cooking up recipes in the kitchen.
Q: Thanks for chatting with us, Simone! As a lifelong dancer, how did your background lead you to discover barre3, and what made you realize this was the right fit for you personally?
Simone: I grew up in the Boston suburbs and was a dancer my entire life, starting at the age of 2. I always loved moving to music and even went to college for dance. I first found barre3 when Liz was opening the Needham studio in my hometown. After our first conversation, when she told me about the brand and the philosophies behind movement, I was in! I’ve stayed with barre3 because of the evolution of the movement practice and the people. Barre3 was the first – and only – workout I’d experienced that prioritized movement for health and connection instead of to change your body’s physical appearance. As a dancer, everything was focused on being smaller and doing movement perfectly. I love that the workout is accessible to different types of people, and that everyone can feel successful in a class.
Q: What inspired your transition from instructor to franchise owner, and how did your previous experience prepare you for the studio ownership?
Simone: I’ve always been business-minded and driven to do whatever it takes to “make it happen.” I saw the community that Liz created in Needham, and decided I wanted to create that same community in Brookline. Working at a successful studio before opening my own studio was so helpful to see inside the company.
Q: How do you manage the day-to-day operations of the studio, and what qualities do you feel are most essential for a successful owner?
Simone: I have two part-time managers who help me to manage the day-to-day operations as well as an amazing instructor team. It’s a lot to manage, but I’ve come up with a schedule for when to tackle each task, always prioritizing the client experience. To be an effective studio owner, you need to have compassion, organizational skills, and the ability to lead with strength and authenticity.
Q: How does the barre3 Support Center and the wider studio owner community support your success?
Simone: I’m on the Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) and it’s great to be able to connect with the larger Support Center team and speak for my East Coast studio owner community. And, it’s great having strategies and playbooks from the barre3 Support Center in all aspects – marketing, sales, operations, training, etc. As for the studio owner community, there is such a sense of pride and camaraderie within the network. Even though we’re in different states, and time zones, it still feels like a group that you can always reach out to with questions or if you’re in need of support.
Q: What differentiates the barre3 experience, and what are your goals for the future?
Simone: The barre3 methodology is science-backed, and the breathwork and mindfulness really create an experience to get you into your body and out of your mind. I’m excited to continue fostering movement for health and longevity, as opposed to wanting to look a certain way. Going forward, my goal is to continue to grow our community and train our amazing instructors. I’d like to be known as the best in Boston!
Q: Why should entrepreneurial-minded women explore barre3 studio ownership as their next business venture?
Simone: Owning a barre3 studio is a great opportunity to be a part of a growing company in an already booming industry. It’s also so empowering to be a part of a national organization that is making waves in fitness – we were the first to incorporate mindfulness in our workout. On the local level, it’s very rewarding to see your clients and community change and grow in front of your own eyes. It’s really special being a part of those transformative moments and milestones.
Join the barre3 Franchise Community
If you are a business-minded leader looking to make an impact in the wellness industry, there has never been a better time to join us. Our franchise development team is here to guide you every step of the way. Learn more about becoming a barre3 studio owner today.
