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“I WANTED TO WORK WITH A GROUP OF SMART, LIKE-MINDED WOMEN WHO WERE INDUSTRY DISRUPTORS”
There’s a lot that goes into the magic of a barre3 studio. The front desk, Play Lounge, and instructors are all here to help you experience the best that barre3 has to offer. But at the center of all of these efforts is a woman* (in some cases, two) who’s made it her mission to live and breathe all things barre3, and to share that passion with her community. In our Studio Owner Stories series, we explore these women’s journeys. Below, Sarah Heitman, owner of barre3 West Seattle, shares how she went from climbing the corporate ladder to stepping into a position tailor-made for her infectious energy and love of fitness. Who knows—maybe Sarah’s story will inspire your own.
BARRE3: What was your path to becoming an owner?
SARAH HEITMAN: In 2010 my life took a dramatic turn from climbing the corporate ladder to stepping down from my high-intensity job to become a stay-at-home mom with a newborn. As the months went by, and in an effort to take some time for myself, I looked into whether barre3 Capitol Hill might be interested in offering me a membership in exchange for help at their front desk.
Barre3 had by then become my lifeline to maintaining my health and well-being after becoming a new mom.
Eventually, I did go back to work in the corporate world, but barre3 remained a constant in my life. When a close friend from college discussed the idea of opening a barre3 in Eugene, Oregon, I encouraged her to go for it. After visiting her studio some time later, I knew that I too wanted to create a barre3 studio in my own community. As I became more and more excited about the idea, I took steps to move forward. The unfolding of that dream continues.
BARRE3: What was it about barre3 that made you want to become an owner?
SARAH: I wanted to work with a group of smart, like-minded women who were industry disruptors. I also appreciate that the barre3 concept originated in the Pacific Northwest and that it is privately held.
BARRE3: As an owner, do you feel empowered to be the driver of your studio’s success?
SARAH: Yes! I am running my own business but love having the support of a bunch of girl-bosses behind me cheering me on.
BARRE3: How does barre3 differ from other places you’ve worked?
SARAH: I had never worked somewhere so committed to the concept of inclusion and that every person matters. I very much enjoy the variety in my days as an owner—one day I’m teaching, the next day I’m running reports and sending emails, and the next, I’m working front desk and connecting with clients.
BARRE3: You run a thriving studio. What are some things you do to make sure your clients feel valued and welcome?
SARAH: I try to instill the idea that everyone has a story, and that barre3 is a place where it is possible to to be seen and heard. I am committed to creating an environment where our community is as vital as the workout, not just for our clients but to the employees as well.
BARRE3: What is some of the feedback you’ve received from clients about barre3, your studio, and the barre3 community?
SARAH: Getting love notes is the best part of the job! Before I opened the business, I had no idea how much our studio would mean to our clients. We regularly receive feedback that we are a literal life-saver, an escape, and the best part of our clients’ day.
Want to learn more about owning a barre3 studio? Head here for more info, and when you’re ready to start the conversation, fill out this form.
*And a few men as partners.
There’s a lot that goes into the magic of a barre3 studio. The front desk, Play Lounge, and instructors are all here to help you experience the best that barre3 has to offer. But at the center of all of these efforts is a woman* (in some cases, two) who’s made it her mission to live and breathe all things barre3, and to share that passion with her community. In our Studio Owner Stories series, we explore these women’s journeys. Below, Sarah Heitman, owner of barre3 West Seattle, shares how she went from climbing the corporate ladder to stepping into a position tailor-made for her infectious energy and love of fitness. Who knows—maybe Sarah’s story will inspire your own.
BARRE3: What was your path to becoming an owner?
SARAH HEITMAN: In 2010 my life took a dramatic turn from climbing the corporate ladder to stepping down from my high-intensity job to become a stay-at-home mom with a newborn. As the months went by, and in an effort to take some time for myself, I looked into whether barre3 Capitol Hill might be interested in offering me a membership in exchange for help at their front desk.
Barre3 had by then become my lifeline to maintaining my health and well-being after becoming a new mom.
Eventually, I did go back to work in the corporate world, but barre3 remained a constant in my life. When a close friend from college discussed the idea of opening a barre3 in Eugene, Oregon, I encouraged her to go for it. After visiting her studio some time later, I knew that I too wanted to create a barre3 studio in my own community. As I became more and more excited about the idea, I took steps to move forward. The unfolding of that dream continues.
BARRE3: What was it about barre3 that made you want to become an owner?
SARAH: I wanted to work with a group of smart, like-minded women who were industry disruptors. I also appreciate that the barre3 concept originated in the Pacific Northwest and that it is privately held.
BARRE3: As an owner, do you feel empowered to be the driver of your studio’s success?
SARAH: Yes! I am running my own business but love having the support of a bunch of girl-bosses behind me cheering me on.
BARRE3: How does barre3 differ from other places you’ve worked?
SARAH: I had never worked somewhere so committed to the concept of inclusion and that every person matters. I very much enjoy the variety in my days as an owner—one day I’m teaching, the next day I’m running reports and sending emails, and the next, I’m working front desk and connecting with clients.
BARRE3: You run a thriving studio. What are some things you do to make sure your clients feel valued and welcome?
SARAH: I try to instill the idea that everyone has a story, and that barre3 is a place where it is possible to to be seen and heard. I am committed to creating an environment where our community is as vital as the workout, not just for our clients but to the employees as well.
BARRE3: What is some of the feedback you’ve received from clients about barre3, your studio, and the barre3 community?
SARAH: Getting love notes is the best part of the job! Before I opened the business, I had no idea how much our studio would mean to our clients. We regularly receive feedback that we are a literal life-saver, an escape, and the best part of our clients’ day.
Want to learn more about owning a barre3 studio? Head here for more info, and when you’re ready to start the conversation, fill out this form.
*And a few men as partners.
