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FROM FIRST CLASS TO FRANCHISE OWNERS: LIZ & TIFFANY’S JOURNEY TO BARRE3 HAPPY VALLEY
When Liz Denfeld took her first barre3 class in 2018, she never imagined she’d one day be running a studio of her own. At the time, she was a busy mom of two, recently transitioned out of a corporate career at a Fortune 500 company, and searching for something she couldn’t quite name — a space to care for herself while caring for everyone else.
“I used to picture barre studios as these intimidating, clique-y places full of women in matching outfits,” she shares. “I didn’t think someone like me belonged there.”
Everything changed the day she heard barre3 CEO and co-founder Sadie Lincoln on NPR’s How I Built This podcast. The way Sadie described the barre3 philosophy — rooted in body wisdom, self-compassion, and inclusivity — was unlike anything Liz had ever heard in the fitness world. It felt approachable. It felt possible.
Soon after, Liz walked into her first class, and everything shifted. “I felt it almost immediately — not just in my body, but in how I thought about myself,” she explains. “I quickly realized that barre3 is more than a workout. It’s a practice that transforms how you relate to yourself, and that trickles into your daily life. I wanted to be part of sharing that feeling with others.”
Tiffany’s Barre3 Beginnings
For Tiffany DeLorenzo, barre3 came into her life years earlier, in 2014, at a time when she needed it most. A former marathon runner recovering from a chronic foot injury — and pregnant with her first child — she was desperate for a workout that wouldn’t punish her body. A friend mentioned a barre3 studio opening in her neighborhood, and Tiffany joined one of the first pop-up classes.
From that moment, she was hooked.
“It was so accessible — not just for my injury, but for my changing, pregnant body,” Tiffany recalls. “It was challenging but encouraging. Supportive and strong. I didn’t realize how much I needed that combination until I felt it.”
At the time, Tiffany’s work life was grueling. Constant travel left her feeling depleted and isolated. But barre3 was different. It quickly became a haven. “I loved the classes, but honestly, I loved being there even more,” she says.
Not long after, the studio owner planted a seed: Had Tiffany ever thought about teaching? By the time her daughter turned six months old, Tiffany completed her instructor training and fell in love with the brand all over again — this time from behind the scenes.
“The more I got to know the people behind barre3, the more I admired it,” she explains. “Everyone was so kind, so genuine. It felt like being part of something bigger than myself.”
The Journey to Studio Ownership
Tiffany took the leap into studio ownership in 2018, purchasing barre3 Camas after a long search for a Happy Valley location fell short. But Happy Valley never left her mind. In 2019, she finally signed a lease to bring barre3 to that community — only to watch the pandemic upend everything months later.
Still, Tiffany never wavered. “Even in the hardest moments — teaching in a parking lot in 30-degree weather or over Zoom when we were all so disconnected — I knew people would need barre3 more than ever on the other side of the pandemic,” she says.
Liz, meanwhile, was rethinking her next steps during the pandemic and admiring Tiffany’s determination from afar. The two had met through a mutual friend and stayed in touch, and Liz was inspired by Tiffany’s unwavering commitment to open a studio in Happy Valley “despite all the uncertainty.”
One day, Liz sent Tiffany a text that would change everything: “Would you ever consider a co-owner for Happy Valley?” Tiffany said yes.
And in April 2022, barre3 Happy Valley officially opened its doors.
Stronger Together: Partnership and a Supportive Network
For Liz and Tiffany, co-ownership makes all the difference.
“Having a true partner changes everything,” Liz says. “Tiffany’s strengths perfectly complement mine, which means we can each focus on what we do best. That makes the business stronger — and honestly, more fun.”
Tiffany agrees: “It’s like being spouses, sisters, and best friends all rolled into one. We balance each other out in the best ways, and that joy spills into everything we do.”
Owning a studio, they say, is both rewarding and demanding.
“No two days are the same,” Liz says. “But that variety — and the freedom that comes with it — is what makes studio ownership so meaningful. As a mom, I’ve been so grateful for the flexibility. I get to do energizing work that lights me up, while still being fully present for my family.”
Tiffany adds, “It’s hard work, but it fills your cup in a way not many things do. Every day, we get to create space for people to feel strong, supported, and connected. That’s why we do it.”
For both women, the barre3 network is one of the best parts of being a franchisee.
“The studio owner community is incredibly supportive,” Liz says. “There’s zero competition — just a genuine desire to help each other succeed.”
Tiffany agrees: “The studio owner network is full of some of the smartest, most generous women I know. Everyone has each other’s back, and that kind of community feels amazing.”
They credit barre3’s franchise team for setting that tone.
“I’m constantly impressed by the integrity of barre3 as a franchisor. The franchise team leads with heart, listens to us, and makes decisions that reflect a deep commitment to our success,” Liz says.
Tiffany adds, “I love being a barre3 franchisee! One of the things I’ve appreciated about barre3 from the beginning is how intentional the franchise team is about the evolution of the brand. Whether it’s shifts in our studio classes or smart, practical guidance for running the business, they’re always thinking ahead. Instead of chasing trends, they take the time to learn from the right experts and make decisions that keep both the client experience and franchisee success front and center.”
“At its core,” Liz says, “being a barre3 franchisee feels like being part of a family. It’s hard work, but I’ve never felt alone in it. And that makes all the difference.”
A Community-Centered Future
What started as a shared dream has grown into something far bigger than Liz and Tiffany imagined. Since its Grand Opening in April 2022, barre3 Happy Valley has become a true community hub — a place where people come not just to move, but to heal, connect, and celebrate their strength.
“Being a barre3 franchisee has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” Liz says. “We’re building something special here. And it all started with a shared love for movement, a lot of determination, and one bold text message.”
Tiffany agrees: “The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth every step. Barre3 is a breath of fresh air in the fitness world, and being part of this bigger shift — changing how people think about movement and their bodies — is the most rewarding part of all.”
Thank you, Liz and Tiffany! Sign up for a class at barre3 Happy Valley 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.
When Liz Denfeld took her first barre3 class in 2018, she never imagined she’d one day be running a studio of her own. At the time, she was a busy mom of two, recently transitioned out of a corporate career at a Fortune 500 company, and searching for something she couldn’t quite name — a space to care for herself while caring for everyone else.
“I used to picture barre studios as these intimidating, clique-y places full of women in matching outfits,” she shares. “I didn’t think someone like me belonged there.”
Everything changed the day she heard barre3 CEO and co-founder Sadie Lincoln on NPR’s How I Built This podcast. The way Sadie described the barre3 philosophy — rooted in body wisdom, self-compassion, and inclusivity — was unlike anything Liz had ever heard in the fitness world. It felt approachable. It felt possible.
Soon after, Liz walked into her first class, and everything shifted. “I felt it almost immediately — not just in my body, but in how I thought about myself,” she explains. “I quickly realized that barre3 is more than a workout. It’s a practice that transforms how you relate to yourself, and that trickles into your daily life. I wanted to be part of sharing that feeling with others.”
Tiffany’s Barre3 Beginnings
For Tiffany DeLorenzo, barre3 came into her life years earlier, in 2014, at a time when she needed it most. A former marathon runner recovering from a chronic foot injury — and pregnant with her first child — she was desperate for a workout that wouldn’t punish her body. A friend mentioned a barre3 studio opening in her neighborhood, and Tiffany joined one of the first pop-up classes.
From that moment, she was hooked.
“It was so accessible — not just for my injury, but for my changing, pregnant body,” Tiffany recalls. “It was challenging but encouraging. Supportive and strong. I didn’t realize how much I needed that combination until I felt it.”
At the time, Tiffany’s work life was grueling. Constant travel left her feeling depleted and isolated. But barre3 was different. It quickly became a haven. “I loved the classes, but honestly, I loved being there even more,” she says.
Not long after, the studio owner planted a seed: Had Tiffany ever thought about teaching? By the time her daughter turned six months old, Tiffany completed her instructor training and fell in love with the brand all over again — this time from behind the scenes.
“The more I got to know the people behind barre3, the more I admired it,” she explains. “Everyone was so kind, so genuine. It felt like being part of something bigger than myself.”
The Journey to Studio Ownership
Tiffany took the leap into studio ownership in 2018, purchasing barre3 Camas after a long search for a Happy Valley location fell short. But Happy Valley never left her mind. In 2019, she finally signed a lease to bring barre3 to that community — only to watch the pandemic upend everything months later.
Still, Tiffany never wavered. “Even in the hardest moments — teaching in a parking lot in 30-degree weather or over Zoom when we were all so disconnected — I knew people would need barre3 more than ever on the other side of the pandemic,” she says.
Liz, meanwhile, was rethinking her next steps during the pandemic and admiring Tiffany’s determination from afar. The two had met through a mutual friend and stayed in touch, and Liz was inspired by Tiffany’s unwavering commitment to open a studio in Happy Valley “despite all the uncertainty.”
One day, Liz sent Tiffany a text that would change everything: “Would you ever consider a co-owner for Happy Valley?” Tiffany said yes.
And in April 2022, barre3 Happy Valley officially opened its doors.
Stronger Together: Partnership and a Supportive Network
For Liz and Tiffany, co-ownership makes all the difference.
“Having a true partner changes everything,” Liz says. “Tiffany’s strengths perfectly complement mine, which means we can each focus on what we do best. That makes the business stronger — and honestly, more fun.”
Tiffany agrees: “It’s like being spouses, sisters, and best friends all rolled into one. We balance each other out in the best ways, and that joy spills into everything we do.”
Owning a studio, they say, is both rewarding and demanding.
“No two days are the same,” Liz says. “But that variety — and the freedom that comes with it — is what makes studio ownership so meaningful. As a mom, I’ve been so grateful for the flexibility. I get to do energizing work that lights me up, while still being fully present for my family.”
Tiffany adds, “It’s hard work, but it fills your cup in a way not many things do. Every day, we get to create space for people to feel strong, supported, and connected. That’s why we do it.”
For both women, the barre3 network is one of the best parts of being a franchisee.
“The studio owner community is incredibly supportive,” Liz says. “There’s zero competition — just a genuine desire to help each other succeed.”
Tiffany agrees: “The studio owner network is full of some of the smartest, most generous women I know. Everyone has each other’s back, and that kind of community feels amazing.”
They credit barre3’s franchise team for setting that tone.
“I’m constantly impressed by the integrity of barre3 as a franchisor. The franchise team leads with heart, listens to us, and makes decisions that reflect a deep commitment to our success,” Liz says.
Tiffany adds, “I love being a barre3 franchisee! One of the things I’ve appreciated about barre3 from the beginning is how intentional the franchise team is about the evolution of the brand. Whether it’s shifts in our studio classes or smart, practical guidance for running the business, they’re always thinking ahead. Instead of chasing trends, they take the time to learn from the right experts and make decisions that keep both the client experience and franchisee success front and center.”
“At its core,” Liz says, “being a barre3 franchisee feels like being part of a family. It’s hard work, but I’ve never felt alone in it. And that makes all the difference.”
A Community-Centered Future
What started as a shared dream has grown into something far bigger than Liz and Tiffany imagined. Since its Grand Opening in April 2022, barre3 Happy Valley has become a true community hub — a place where people come not just to move, but to heal, connect, and celebrate their strength.
“Being a barre3 franchisee has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” Liz says. “We’re building something special here. And it all started with a shared love for movement, a lot of determination, and one bold text message.”
Tiffany agrees: “The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth every step. Barre3 is a breath of fresh air in the fitness world, and being part of this bigger shift — changing how people think about movement and their bodies — is the most rewarding part of all.”
Thank you, Liz and Tiffany! Sign up for a class at barre3 Happy Valley 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.
