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STUDIO-OWNER STORIES: AURORA JONES, BARRE3 AUSTIN | CIRCLE C
Have you ever walked into a barre3 studio and wondered, who’s the magic behind this incredible place? The answer: An incredible woman.* Each of our 150+ studios is owned and operated by a strong woman (in some cases two women), and each studio is a reflection of that owner’s drive, warmth, and community spirit.
How did these women become owners, and what has their experience been like? We’re launching a new series to highlight their journeys—and the wisdom they’ve picked up along the way. We’re kicking it off with Aurora Jones, owner of barre3 Austin | Circle C since October 2014. See her in action in the video below, and read on to find out how she went from doing a barre3 DVD workout in her living room to owning a thriving studio.
How did you first learn about barre3?
I learned about barre3 from Sadie as she was opening her very first studio. Sadie and I had worked together for many years in the Bay Area. When she moved back to Portland, we stayed close, and when she started her new venture, I cheered her along from afar.
When did you first try the workout?
My first barre3 experience was actually doing Sadie’s Total Body Lift DVD in my living room while my kids were napping. It gave me 40 minutes to focus on me, and after every workout, I felt like I could successfully conquer the rest of my day.
What were you doing before you decided to become a barre3 studio owner?
After having kids, I felt like I needed to step away from my corporate marketing job of almost 9 years. This was a really difficult decision for me because my career was a huge part of my identity. I enjoyed going to work every day. I loved creating advertising campaigns, learning from my colleagues, and honestly just being part of a team. But when I had my twin girls, my heart told me it was time for a change. Being able to be at home with my kids was such a gift for me—it’s something I will always treasure. After a few years at home and a third child, I still had a desire to have a career, so when barre3 came my way, I jumped at the chance to become an owner.
When did you first begin to think about owning your own studio?
I started with barre3 as an instructor in Austin for the Downtown and Hill Country Galleria studios. I was completely fulfilled as an instructor, but when the owners of the two Austin studios asked if I would be interested in partnering with them to open a studio in my neighborhood, my heart skipped a few beats and I instantly said yes.
How long did you think about it before you took the first steps?
It literally took me less than a second to make the decision to move into ownership. I completely believed in the barre3 mission, vision, and brand and I knew this was exactly what I was meant to do. It was the perfect blend of my education (B.S. in Exercise Physiology), my work experience, and my passion of helping others discover what being balanced in body and empowered from within means to them.
What was your journey to ownership like?
From the moment I became a barre3 owner, I was fully embraced and supported by the entire team—a team comprised of incredibly smart, passionate, and collaborative owners, and experts in the franchise world. I valued the comprehensive training program and hands-on experience I received from the franchise team, but I also really appreciated the freedom to explore and discover what business processes worked best for our studio.
What was opening day like?
I remember our opening day like it was yesterday. I had so many emotions. I was beyond excited to share barre3 with our community, but with that excitement, I was also terrified—terrified that we’d open our doors and no one would come. I was completely wrong. The Circle C community showed up big time. Our classes were packed, the energy was off the charts, and we never looked back!
What do you love most about being an owner?
It’s so hard to say what I love most about being an owner because honestly, it’s everything. I love the workout—it’s smart, empowering, and it’s backed science (which is super important to me). And I love our community. When we decided to open a studio, I wanted to create an environment where team members and clients felt supported every time they walked through the doors—and I love that we’ve created that for each other. Every day, we are connecting with incredible people who are inclusive, who are committed to real, who celebrate progress—not perfection—and who believe in the power of lifting each other up. It just feels so damn good to be part of this movement that’s redefining what success in fitness means.
What advice would you give someone who’s considering becoming an owner?
My best piece of advice for someone who is considering ownership is simple: Take a deep breath, and go for it.
Interested in learning more about owning a barre3 studio? Head here for more info, and when you’re ready to start the conversation, fill out this form.
*With a few men in the mix as partners.
Have you ever walked into a barre3 studio and wondered, who’s the magic behind this incredible place? The answer: An incredible woman.* Each of our 150+ studios is owned and operated by a strong woman (in some cases two women), and each studio is a reflection of that owner’s drive, warmth, and community spirit.
How did these women become owners, and what has their experience been like? We’re launching a new series to highlight their journeys—and the wisdom they’ve picked up along the way. We’re kicking it off with Aurora Jones, owner of barre3 Austin | Circle C since October 2014. See her in action in the video below, and read on to find out how she went from doing a barre3 DVD workout in her living room to owning a thriving studio.
How did you first learn about barre3?
I learned about barre3 from Sadie as she was opening her very first studio. Sadie and I had worked together for many years in the Bay Area. When she moved back to Portland, we stayed close, and when she started her new venture, I cheered her along from afar.
When did you first try the workout?
My first barre3 experience was actually doing Sadie’s Total Body Lift DVD in my living room while my kids were napping. It gave me 40 minutes to focus on me, and after every workout, I felt like I could successfully conquer the rest of my day.
What were you doing before you decided to become a barre3 studio owner?
After having kids, I felt like I needed to step away from my corporate marketing job of almost 9 years. This was a really difficult decision for me because my career was a huge part of my identity. I enjoyed going to work every day. I loved creating advertising campaigns, learning from my colleagues, and honestly just being part of a team. But when I had my twin girls, my heart told me it was time for a change. Being able to be at home with my kids was such a gift for me—it’s something I will always treasure. After a few years at home and a third child, I still had a desire to have a career, so when barre3 came my way, I jumped at the chance to become an owner.
When did you first begin to think about owning your own studio?
I started with barre3 as an instructor in Austin for the Downtown and Hill Country Galleria studios. I was completely fulfilled as an instructor, but when the owners of the two Austin studios asked if I would be interested in partnering with them to open a studio in my neighborhood, my heart skipped a few beats and I instantly said yes.
How long did you think about it before you took the first steps?
It literally took me less than a second to make the decision to move into ownership. I completely believed in the barre3 mission, vision, and brand and I knew this was exactly what I was meant to do. It was the perfect blend of my education (B.S. in Exercise Physiology), my work experience, and my passion of helping others discover what being balanced in body and empowered from within means to them.
What was your journey to ownership like?
From the moment I became a barre3 owner, I was fully embraced and supported by the entire team—a team comprised of incredibly smart, passionate, and collaborative owners, and experts in the franchise world. I valued the comprehensive training program and hands-on experience I received from the franchise team, but I also really appreciated the freedom to explore and discover what business processes worked best for our studio.
What was opening day like?
I remember our opening day like it was yesterday. I had so many emotions. I was beyond excited to share barre3 with our community, but with that excitement, I was also terrified—terrified that we’d open our doors and no one would come. I was completely wrong. The Circle C community showed up big time. Our classes were packed, the energy was off the charts, and we never looked back!
What do you love most about being an owner?
It’s so hard to say what I love most about being an owner because honestly, it’s everything. I love the workout—it’s smart, empowering, and it’s backed science (which is super important to me). And I love our community. When we decided to open a studio, I wanted to create an environment where team members and clients felt supported every time they walked through the doors—and I love that we’ve created that for each other. Every day, we are connecting with incredible people who are inclusive, who are committed to real, who celebrate progress—not perfection—and who believe in the power of lifting each other up. It just feels so damn good to be part of this movement that’s redefining what success in fitness means.
What advice would you give someone who’s considering becoming an owner?
My best piece of advice for someone who is considering ownership is simple: Take a deep breath, and go for it.
Interested in learning more about owning a barre3 studio? Head here for more info, and when you’re ready to start the conversation, fill out this form.
*With a few men in the mix as partners.
