Studio Owner Stories
From “What If” to Grand Opening: Abby Smayda’s Journey to barre3 Redondo Beach
When we last sat down with studio owner Abby Smayda in December 2024, she was standing at the threshold of a dream. Having just signed her Franchise Agreement (FA), she spoke about the “bravery of starting” and her hope to create a safe haven for her South Bay community in Los Angeles. Today, that hope has a physical address. Since opening the doors to barre3 Redondo Beach in January, Abby has channeled her years of experience in non-profit leadership and fundraising into studio ownership. We caught up with Abby to talk about the studio development process—and learn what life looks like now that her “what if” has officially become a reality.
B3: Thanks for chatting with us today, Abby! Huge congratulations on your recent studio opening. Last we spoke, you were just beginning the site selection process. Can you walk us through that ‘Aha!’ moment when you finally found the perfect location?
ABBY: It is so good to be back! It feels surreal to look back at our first conversation in 2024 and see how much has happened since then. Transitioning from the ‘dreaming’ phase to the ‘doing’ phase really started with that first big hurdle: the hunt for a lease. Finding real estate in Los Angeles can be a challenge, and there were so many variables. Securing a location in a family-friendly, community-oriented area was a huge priority. At one point, I lost the space I was convinced was “the one.” I was devastated, but it was a lesson in pivoting, staying open, and thinking more creatively. The “aha!” moment came when I found a different space I hadn’t originally considered. The moment I walked in, I just knew. It was an open layout, and I could instantly visualize everything. Even though the space was on the smaller end, I worked with the Support Center to visualize how it could work. In the end, it checked every box in a way I hadn’t expected.
B3: The build-out phase can feel daunting to someone without a construction background. Tell us how you navigated the permits, floor plans, and design.
ABBY: The build-out phase was uncharted territory for me, so I made a conscious effort to stay educated and actively involved. While the Support Center provides a framework, I felt a deep responsibility as the person on the ground to stay connected to every step. Structured communication was key; barre3 served as a vital liaison between myself, the national project manager, and the local contractor during weekly calls. On the design side, creating the floor plan was one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. Barre3 provides established specs to ensure brand consistency, but there is still room for creativity. It was a beautiful, collaborative balance—maintaining high standards while making the space feel personal and reflective of the South Bay community.
Abby at the front door of her studio (left) and with her instructor team (right).
B3: What hurdles did you experience during development that you didn’t see coming?
ABBY: Permitting, in particular, was more complex and time-consuming than I expected. Some holdups impacted our construction timeline, which led to us pushing out our Grand Opening date. There were also some logistical challenges like equipment being delivered to the wrong location—my barres were delivered to a Costco! I can’t say I could have ever anticipated that. These moments really pushed me to step into more of an active project management role, and I was in constant communication with the barre3 team to problem-solve in real time.
B3: How did you balance the tactical side of opening with the community side of recruiting and training a team?
ABBY: I wanted to be intentional about building a team that truly reflects the barre3 values. I feel very lucky that every member of my founding instructor team already had a connection to barre3—whether as a current or former instructor, a client, or as part of an operations team. That gave us a really strong foundation. During the studio development period, my days often started with early morning calls with contractors and lots of time at the build site, followed by teaching pop-up classes and regular check-ins with barre3—then evenings filled with auditions, training, and mentoring. It was full on.
B3: Growing a community from scratch requires an incredible amount of focused energy. How did you build brand awareness before your Grand Opening?
ABBY: This was actually the part I was most excited about. I was able to apply my background in fundraising and community building to grassroots marketing. I fully immersed myself in the community, joining the Chamber of Commerce and local networking groups, attending events regularly, and making sure I had my elevator pitch at the ready. I wore barre3 gear everywhere and wasn’t afraid to ask to collaborate—whether that meant cold calling local businesses or walking into spaces to introduce myself. Our persistence with cross-promotion really paid off. A huge part of our growth came from partnerships and pop-ups, which allowed us to show up in all the different pockets of our neighborhood.
The barre3 Redondo Beach studio space (left) and retail display (right).
B3: Do you have any favorite boots-on-the-ground or collaboration moments that stood out?
ABBY: So many moments come to mind! Hosting pop-up classes was easily the most impactful way to reach people. One of my favorites was partnering with The Mom Walk Collective Redondo. We co-hosted a rooftop silent disco class and a community pop-up where we set up a children’s table with coloring pages and snacks. It immediately established that we are a family-friendly safe haven, and seeing those moms now coming in as regular members—with their little ones in tow—is such a special full-circle moment.
I also found incredible success through strategic networking. I pitched a collaboration to HERmosa Circle, a women-in-business group, where I managed the event planning and they drove the cross-promotion—we ended up with over 100 signups! Similarly, partnering with Manhattan Village for their ‘Community Sweat’ series allowed us to lead a class of over 70 people and even led us to recruit one of our current instructors.
One of my favorite “just go for it” moments was walking into our local lululemon wearing my barre3 hat to pitch a collaboration. That “cold-call” evolved into a massive outdoor class and a thriving partnership. They’ve since become incredible supporters, even inviting us back to lead a class for their International Women’s Day event.
B3: Outside of grassroots marketing, how did you go about developing your digital marketing presence?
ABBY: While I was comfortable with grassroots marketing, the digital side was much more of a blind spot for me. Barre3 provided essential marketing and Grand Opening playbooks, social media assets, messaging guidance, and a clear strategy that allowed me to stay consistent online without taking focus away from being out in the community. The Support Center also handled the technical heavy lifting—from setting up Google and Yelp profiles to thinking through paid advertising and providing templates for branded visuals. It created a strong, cohesive presence that bridged the gap between being “under construction” and being officially open.
Abby leads a barre3 Signature class (left) and stands proudly in front of the front desk (right).
B3: On that note, let’s pivot to your Grand Opening. What were the days like leading up to the Grand Opening, and what was the energy like in the room during your very first class?
ABBY: The final weeks were a whirlwind—countless hours of preparation, constant running around, and a lot of sleepless nights. I’ll be honest, it was really hard. I was completely exhausted and felt like I was running on empty. My biggest hope was that I would be present enough to actually enjoy the Grand Opening. My team showed up for me in such a big way and created the space for me to take it all in. It is a kindness and generosity I will never forget.
I thought I would feel nervous walking into the first class, but on the drive to the studio, I felt a surprising, quiet calm. In that early morning stillness, there was just this deep awareness: This is exactly what I’m meant to be doing. The moment I turned on the mic and welcomed everyone, I cried! The room was filled with people I love and who had supported me throughout the entire journey. There were tears, cheering, and just the most beautiful energy. What stood out most was that the sense of community was already there. We did so much work leading up to opening that it felt like we were stepping into something that was already established and growing.
B3: Now that the studio doors are open, what has the response from the South Bay community been like?
ABBY: Truly overwhelming. One story that stands out is from our very first dance studio pop-up class. Only three strangers showed up, and the music kept cutting out on our Bluetooth speaker, but we pushed through! I emailed them afterward to thank them for sticking with us and shared that one of barre3’s core values is “make it happen.” All three came back the following week—and they all became founding members. When they finally took a live class in the new space, seeing them experience the studio as it was intended—complete with a real sound system—was such a special moment. It felt like they had been along for the ride with me the entire time.
Another moment that comes to mind is a backyard class I pitched to a local women’s group. In those early months, I lugged my speaker and props all over town—the speaker was always strapped into the car seat like precious cargo! I didn’t know what to expect driving over that day, but the group was great and the setup was wonderful. That host and her sister ended up becoming our very first founding members the moment sales went live. My goal was always for our studio to feel like a homecoming—and thanks to this community, it absolutely does!
B3: You transitioned into studio ownership from a high-level career as a nonprofit executive for institutions like the Whitney Museum and the Sundance Institute. How have those leadership skills translated into the day-to-day of running a boutique fitness business?
ABBY: It’s been incredible to see how the skills I developed in my previous roles didn’t disappear; if anything, they’ve become even more valuable. In fundraising, there’s a structured cycle: identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention. At its core, it’s about building trust over time. I quickly realized that the principles of running a studio are almost identical—people stay where they feel seen and appreciated. Whether I’m meeting with local business owners or community partners, every partnership starts with listening to their goals to look for ways we can create something meaningful together. Ultimately, starting a business from scratch could have been exciting, but barre3 offered a proven framework and a network of experienced owners that allowed me to focus on what I do best: building relationships and taking responsibility for how the business grows and evolves. You’re constantly learning and adapting, but you’re always thinking about the bigger picture.
The studio’s prop wall (left) and bench in the lobby (right).
B3: You’ve mentioned that this is a family affair. What has been the most rewarding part of showing your kids the studio you built?
ABBY: Seeing my family in the studio has been incredible. My kids helped pick out the toys and books for the Play Lounge, so they feel like they helped build it, too. They love being “big helpers,” asking for jobs to tidy and reset the space. I love introducing them to our clients and using it as an opportunity to teach them about service, kindness, and how to treat everyone who walks through the doors as a guest. My husband was also deeply involved in the construction process. I honestly get a little emotional seeing my kids there, playing and learning, because they were such a big part of why I did this in the first place. Seeing my family feel so at home at the studio makes the space feel even more alive and meaningful.
B3: Is there anything about being a studio owner that has surprised you?
ABBY: Yes—how opportunities for connection show up everywhere. I wear my barre3 hat all the time, and it naturally sparks conversations. I’ve even been recognized out and about a few times! Early on, I spent a lot of energy putting myself out there—pitching ideas and asking for support. The most rewarding surprise is how quickly that evolved. Now, the community is reaching out to me. Whether it’s providing donations to school fundraisers or hosting local groups, the circle closed much faster than I expected. Being able to pay forward the support my community gave me has been the most meaningful part of this entire lifestyle change.
B3: Having been through the experience, what characteristics do you feel are crucial for a studio owner to embody in order to be successful?
ABBY: You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. There are so many unknowns, and you’re constantly being asked to grow and pivot in real time. It requires curiosity and vulnerability—being willing to learn and ask questions even when you don’t have the answers. Being present is also huge. Taking the time to truly get to know your clients and your team—learning their names and their stories—creates that connection. People can feel when you are being authentic. I also believe you have to have no ego. You really have to be willing to do every part of the job—from mopping the floors and cleaning, to teaching classes, to pitching partnerships. No task is too small. Finally, you need the courage to walk into a room where you don’t know anyone. You really never know what might come from it. Leading with kindness and a collaborative mindset is everything.
Abby welcomes a new client to the studio (left); barre3 branded hand weights (right).
B3: For someone reading this who—like you a couple of years ago—keeps the inquiry form open but is afraid to hit submit: What would you say to them today?
ABBY: You will never know if you don’t ask the question. Hitting that button opens up the door to a safe space to explore. Take the pressure off yourself and just start the conversation. Allow yourself to be curious—and eventually, you could be on a path to stepping into your purpose!
B3: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
ABBY: Owning a barre3 studio is quite literally a dream come true. I have “pinch me” moments every single day. Driving to the studio and seeing the sign outside, walking through the doors, seeing our members, hearing sweet Play Lounge kiddos say my name—I can’t believe I get to do this. I’ll never stop being grateful. Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime.
Ready to start your own journey? Click here to learn more about barre3 Franchise Opportunities.
Meet Abby in person and take a class at barre3 Redondo Beach.
When we last sat down with studio owner Abby Smayda in December 2024, she was standing at the threshold of a dream. Having just signed her Franchise Agreement (FA), she spoke about the “bravery of starting” and her hope to create a safe haven for her South Bay community in Los Angeles. Today, that hope has a physical address. Since opening the doors to barre3 Redondo Beach in January, Abby has channeled her years of experience in non-profit leadership and fundraising into studio ownership. We caught up with Abby to talk about the studio development process—and learn what life looks like now that her “what if” has officially become a reality.
B3: Thanks for chatting with us today, Abby! Huge congratulations on your recent studio opening. Last we spoke, you were just beginning the site selection process. Can you walk us through that ‘Aha!’ moment when you finally found the perfect location?
ABBY: It is so good to be back! It feels surreal to look back at our first conversation in 2024 and see how much has happened since then. Transitioning from the ‘dreaming’ phase to the ‘doing’ phase really started with that first big hurdle: the hunt for a lease. Finding real estate in Los Angeles can be a challenge, and there were so many variables. Securing a location in a family-friendly, community-oriented area was a huge priority. At one point, I lost the space I was convinced was “the one.” I was devastated, but it was a lesson in pivoting, staying open, and thinking more creatively. The “aha!” moment came when I found a different space I hadn’t originally considered. The moment I walked in, I just knew. It was an open layout, and I could instantly visualize everything. Even though the space was on the smaller end, I worked with the Support Center to visualize how it could work. In the end, it checked every box in a way I hadn’t expected.
B3: The build-out phase can feel daunting to someone without a construction background. Tell us how you navigated the permits, floor plans, and design.
ABBY: The build-out phase was uncharted territory for me, so I made a conscious effort to stay educated and actively involved. While the Support Center provides a framework, I felt a deep responsibility as the person on the ground to stay connected to every step. Structured communication was key; barre3 served as a vital liaison between myself, the national project manager, and the local contractor during weekly calls. On the design side, creating the floor plan was one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. Barre3 provides established specs to ensure brand consistency, but there is still room for creativity. It was a beautiful, collaborative balance—maintaining high standards while making the space feel personal and reflective of the South Bay community.
Abby at the front door of her studio (left) and with her instructor team (right).
B3: What hurdles did you experience during development that you didn’t see coming?
ABBY: Permitting, in particular, was more complex and time-consuming than I expected. Some holdups impacted our construction timeline, which led to us pushing out our Grand Opening date. There were also some logistical challenges like equipment being delivered to the wrong location—my barres were delivered to a Costco! I can’t say I could have ever anticipated that. These moments really pushed me to step into more of an active project management role, and I was in constant communication with the barre3 team to problem-solve in real time.
B3: How did you balance the tactical side of opening with the community side of recruiting and training a team?
ABBY: I wanted to be intentional about building a team that truly reflects the barre3 values. I feel very lucky that every member of my founding instructor team already had a connection to barre3—whether as a current or former instructor, a client, or as part of an operations team. That gave us a really strong foundation. During the studio development period, my days often started with early morning calls with contractors and lots of time at the build site, followed by teaching pop-up classes and regular check-ins with barre3—then evenings filled with auditions, training, and mentoring. It was full on.
B3: Growing a community from scratch requires an incredible amount of focused energy. How did you build brand awareness before your Grand Opening?
ABBY: This was actually the part I was most excited about. I was able to apply my background in fundraising and community building to grassroots marketing. I fully immersed myself in the community, joining the Chamber of Commerce and local networking groups, attending events regularly, and making sure I had my elevator pitch at the ready. I wore barre3 gear everywhere and wasn’t afraid to ask to collaborate—whether that meant cold calling local businesses or walking into spaces to introduce myself. Our persistence with cross-promotion really paid off. A huge part of our growth came from partnerships and pop-ups, which allowed us to show up in all the different pockets of our neighborhood.
The barre3 Redondo Beach studio space (left) and retail display (right).
B3: Do you have any favorite boots-on-the-ground or collaboration moments that stood out?
ABBY: So many moments come to mind! Hosting pop-up classes was easily the most impactful way to reach people. One of my favorites was partnering with The Mom Walk Collective Redondo. We co-hosted a rooftop silent disco class and a community pop-up where we set up a children’s table with coloring pages and snacks. It immediately established that we are a family-friendly safe haven, and seeing those moms now coming in as regular members—with their little ones in tow—is such a special full-circle moment.
I also found incredible success through strategic networking. I pitched a collaboration to HERmosa Circle, a women-in-business group, where I managed the event planning and they drove the cross-promotion—we ended up with over 100 signups! Similarly, partnering with Manhattan Village for their ‘Community Sweat’ series allowed us to lead a class of over 70 people and even led us to recruit one of our current instructors.
One of my favorite “just go for it” moments was walking into our local lululemon wearing my barre3 hat to pitch a collaboration. That “cold-call” evolved into a massive outdoor class and a thriving partnership. They’ve since become incredible supporters, even inviting us back to lead a class for their International Women’s Day event.
B3: Outside of grassroots marketing, how did you go about developing your digital marketing presence?
ABBY: While I was comfortable with grassroots marketing, the digital side was much more of a blind spot for me. Barre3 provided essential marketing and Grand Opening playbooks, social media assets, messaging guidance, and a clear strategy that allowed me to stay consistent online without taking focus away from being out in the community. The Support Center also handled the technical heavy lifting—from setting up Google and Yelp profiles to thinking through paid advertising and providing templates for branded visuals. It created a strong, cohesive presence that bridged the gap between being “under construction” and being officially open.
Abby leads a barre3 Signature class (left) and stands proudly in front of the front desk (right).
B3: On that note, let’s pivot to your Grand Opening. What were the days like leading up to the Grand Opening, and what was the energy like in the room during your very first class?
ABBY: The final weeks were a whirlwind—countless hours of preparation, constant running around, and a lot of sleepless nights. I’ll be honest, it was really hard. I was completely exhausted and felt like I was running on empty. My biggest hope was that I would be present enough to actually enjoy the Grand Opening. My team showed up for me in such a big way and created the space for me to take it all in. It is a kindness and generosity I will never forget.
I thought I would feel nervous walking into the first class, but on the drive to the studio, I felt a surprising, quiet calm. In that early morning stillness, there was just this deep awareness: This is exactly what I’m meant to be doing. The moment I turned on the mic and welcomed everyone, I cried! The room was filled with people I love and who had supported me throughout the entire journey. There were tears, cheering, and just the most beautiful energy. What stood out most was that the sense of community was already there. We did so much work leading up to opening that it felt like we were stepping into something that was already established and growing.
B3: Now that the studio doors are open, what has the response from the South Bay community been like?
ABBY: Truly overwhelming. One story that stands out is from our very first dance studio pop-up class. Only three strangers showed up, and the music kept cutting out on our Bluetooth speaker, but we pushed through! I emailed them afterward to thank them for sticking with us and shared that one of barre3’s core values is “make it happen.” All three came back the following week—and they all became founding members. When they finally took a live class in the new space, seeing them experience the studio as it was intended—complete with a real sound system—was such a special moment. It felt like they had been along for the ride with me the entire time.
Another moment that comes to mind is a backyard class I pitched to a local women’s group. In those early months, I lugged my speaker and props all over town—the speaker was always strapped into the car seat like precious cargo! I didn’t know what to expect driving over that day, but the group was great and the setup was wonderful. That host and her sister ended up becoming our very first founding members the moment sales went live. My goal was always for our studio to feel like a homecoming—and thanks to this community, it absolutely does!
B3: You transitioned into studio ownership from a high-level career as a nonprofit executive for institutions like the Whitney Museum and the Sundance Institute. How have those leadership skills translated into the day-to-day of running a boutique fitness business?
ABBY: It’s been incredible to see how the skills I developed in my previous roles didn’t disappear; if anything, they’ve become even more valuable. In fundraising, there’s a structured cycle: identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention. At its core, it’s about building trust over time. I quickly realized that the principles of running a studio are almost identical—people stay where they feel seen and appreciated. Whether I’m meeting with local business owners or community partners, every partnership starts with listening to their goals to look for ways we can create something meaningful together. Ultimately, starting a business from scratch could have been exciting, but barre3 offered a proven framework and a network of experienced owners that allowed me to focus on what I do best: building relationships and taking responsibility for how the business grows and evolves. You’re constantly learning and adapting, but you’re always thinking about the bigger picture.
The studio’s prop wall (left) and bench in the lobby (right).
B3: You’ve mentioned that this is a family affair. What has been the most rewarding part of showing your kids the studio you built?
ABBY: Seeing my family in the studio has been incredible. My kids helped pick out the toys and books for the Play Lounge, so they feel like they helped build it, too. They love being “big helpers,” asking for jobs to tidy and reset the space. I love introducing them to our clients and using it as an opportunity to teach them about service, kindness, and how to treat everyone who walks through the doors as a guest. My husband was also deeply involved in the construction process. I honestly get a little emotional seeing my kids there, playing and learning, because they were such a big part of why I did this in the first place. Seeing my family feel so at home at the studio makes the space feel even more alive and meaningful.
B3: Is there anything about being a studio owner that has surprised you?
ABBY: Yes—how opportunities for connection show up everywhere. I wear my barre3 hat all the time, and it naturally sparks conversations. I’ve even been recognized out and about a few times! Early on, I spent a lot of energy putting myself out there—pitching ideas and asking for support. The most rewarding surprise is how quickly that evolved. Now, the community is reaching out to me. Whether it’s providing donations to school fundraisers or hosting local groups, the circle closed much faster than I expected. Being able to pay forward the support my community gave me has been the most meaningful part of this entire lifestyle change.
B3: Having been through the experience, what characteristics do you feel are crucial for a studio owner to embody in order to be successful?
ABBY: You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. There are so many unknowns, and you’re constantly being asked to grow and pivot in real time. It requires curiosity and vulnerability—being willing to learn and ask questions even when you don’t have the answers. Being present is also huge. Taking the time to truly get to know your clients and your team—learning their names and their stories—creates that connection. People can feel when you are being authentic. I also believe you have to have no ego. You really have to be willing to do every part of the job—from mopping the floors and cleaning, to teaching classes, to pitching partnerships. No task is too small. Finally, you need the courage to walk into a room where you don’t know anyone. You really never know what might come from it. Leading with kindness and a collaborative mindset is everything.
Abby welcomes a new client to the studio (left); barre3 branded hand weights (right).
B3: For someone reading this who—like you a couple of years ago—keeps the inquiry form open but is afraid to hit submit: What would you say to them today?
ABBY: You will never know if you don’t ask the question. Hitting that button opens up the door to a safe space to explore. Take the pressure off yourself and just start the conversation. Allow yourself to be curious—and eventually, you could be on a path to stepping into your purpose!
B3: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
ABBY: Owning a barre3 studio is quite literally a dream come true. I have “pinch me” moments every single day. Driving to the studio and seeing the sign outside, walking through the doors, seeing our members, hearing sweet Play Lounge kiddos say my name—I can’t believe I get to do this. I’ll never stop being grateful. Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime.
Ready to start your own journey? Click here to learn more about barre3 Franchise Opportunities.
Meet Abby in person and take a class at barre3 Redondo Beach.
