Connect
Studio Owner Stories: Building Community at barre3 Arlington, VA with Amy McNamara
Meet Amy McNamara, the owner behind the newly opened barre3 Arlington studio. A longtime fitness enthusiast, former corporate manager, and veteran barre3 instructor, Amy turned a decade-long passion into a thriving small business when she opened her doors this past January, offering mindful boutique fitnessand barre classes in Arlington, VA.
When she isn’t at the studio building a supportive environment for her clients, you can find Amy practicing yoga, getting lost in a good book, or enjoying intentional restorative time (naps included). Above all, she cherishes life in Arlington, VA with her husband, their three children, her sisters, and her beloved labradoodle, Gumbo.
Below, Amy shares her journey from the corporate world to franchise owner, her strategic approach to studio operations, and the distinct philosophy that makes barre3 a refreshing departure from traditional fitness culture.
B3: Can you share a bit about your background and what ultimately led you to discover—and fall in love with—barre3?
AMY: I studied psychology in college and quickly realized that I wanted a career where I could balance my professional and personal life. Utilizing my background alongside my outgoing personality, I transitioned into MBA recruiting for an investment bank in NYC, eventually moving into student career services and law firm management.
In 2013, while juggling work and family, I was training for a marathon and struggling with injuries after having my three children. A close friend suggested barre3 to strengthen my glutes and core. I was hesitant because while I was a longtime fitness enthusiast and former cheerleader, I was never a dancer! Because the nearest studio was quite a distance away, I started as an online client. I immediately did a 10-minute workout in my office during lunch breaks or at my kitchen counter during nap times—I just knew I wanted barre3 to be a bigger part of my life.
I fell in love with the message; it was the first time I had ever exercised to feel good and strong by tuning into my body, rather than focusing solely on aesthetics. I deeply resonated with the brand mission and everything from CEO Sadie Lincoln. Eventually, I made it to a brick-and-mortar studio, and in 2015, when I left corporate America to be more present at home, I decided to become an instructor. I then had the joy of teaching at the Old Town Alexandria studio for over eight years as an instructor, mentor, and studio manager, learning from incredible colleagues and clients who helped me grow as a human being.
B3: What inspired you to take the leap from manager to franchise owner, and what did your path to finally opening barre3 Arlington look like?
AMY: Even from those early days of doing workouts at my kitchen counter, I knew I wanted to own a studio full-time. My path to ownership actually took a major detour in 2019 when my family prepared to relocate for my husband’s career. I successfully navigated the franchise application process and was approved to develop a studio in our new neighborhood that fall. But just before signing the franchise agreement, a new opportunity arose that allowed us to stay put. While staying was the right choice for our family, putting my studio dream on hold was a massive disappointment.
Looking back, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Opening a new business while moving my family during the onset of the pandemic would have been an immense challenge. Since then, my growth as a person and a practitioner only reinforced my conviction that I was meant for this. Now that my children are older, I have the full capacity to focus on running a small business. This past January, everything finally aligned with the Grand Opening of barre3 Arlington. My journey serves as a reminder that it is never too late to pursue your goals, and when plans shift, an even better window of opportunity is usually waiting.
B3: How did your corporate background and life experience prepare you for the daily demands of studio ownership?
AMY: Before diving into barre3 studio development, my corporate career was fast-paced, highly client-facing, and always a balancing act. That background has proved invaluable as I’ve transitioned into owning and operating a boutique fitness studio, where I’m constantly wearing many hats and managing a demanding workload. Today, I rely heavily on my problem-solving skills and strong instincts to navigate daily operations. That professional foundation, combined with the real-world experience of raising three children, prepared me to handle the daily hustle of running a successful business.
B3: How do you structure the management and day-to-day operations of the studio?
AMY: While my management structure is designed to scale with strategic plans for our first and second years, it’s been highly structured from day one. Currently, I employ a Lead Operations Coordinator who manages the front desk and Play Lounge teams while overseeing studio events and general operations. Additionally, two Instructor Mentors provide dedicated support and development to our instructor team, ensuring class quality. Above all, it is vital for me to remain present and hands-on during this foundational phase. I firmly believe in mastering every role personally before delegating those responsibilities to others as the business grows.
B3: As a barre3 franchisee, you’re in business for yourself, but never by yourself. How does the barre3 Support Center foster your success?
AMY: Stepping into the role of studio owner with no prior experience opening a brick-and-mortar business, the Support Center’s partnership has been essential. They guided me through every phase of the build-out—from real estate selection and design to permits and construction—with the New Studio Development Manager providing exceptional, hands-on guidance. Before we even opened our doors, they handed me the proven playbooks and strategies needed to launch a strong pre-opening sales campaign.
Since opening, that support hasn’t stopped. They continue to offer invaluable marketing insights, industry expertise, and direct access to top talent in training and research, all to help my team deliver a remarkable experience. Beyond the logistics, the Support Center team is incredibly encouraging; they have been instrumental in pushing me to consider new approaches and viewpoints as a business owner.
B3: What would you want our readers to know about the barre3 studio owner community?
AMY: I absolutely cherish the studio owner community. As a new franchisee with a studio in development, I was fortunate to connect with six other incredible women launching their own barre3 studios across the country. We’ve forged deep friendships, constantly leaning on one another for advice, ideas, and emotional encouragement. At the same time, the veteran studio owners are incredibly generous with their wealth of knowledge. It is so reassuring to know that whatever challenge I face, someone else in this community has already successfully navigated it.
B3: What excites you most about owning and operating your own barre3 studio?
AMY: I love so many different aspects of this role! At my core, my passion lies in building meaningful relationships and fostering a supportive community where clients feel empowered and strong. I am equally energized by the opportunity to mentor my team—from our operations staff to our growing group of instructors—and provide them with the space to develop and master new skills. Ultimately, witnessing the transformation of both our clients and our team as they discover their own inner wisdom is the absolute most rewarding part of this journey.
B3: What have you learned in your first few months of studio ownership since you opened your doors?
AMY: I’ve learned that neither the studio nor I am perfect, and mistakes are inevitable. For me, the only way to lead is with vulnerability, staying true to our core value of practicing authenticity. I’ve also realized how essential it is to lose the fear of hearing ‘no,’ and instead view it as an opportunity to ask the right questions to get to the desired outcome. Leading with a growth mindset means viewing every single challenge as a lesson and an invitation to evolve.
B3: What qualities should a barre3 studio owner possess to be successful?
AMY: A barre3 studio owner needs grit—you have to be a proactive go-getter and a true self-starter. Successful owners are community builders who remain flexible and always willing to learn from their mistakes. Ultimately, you have to be the CEO of your business while still leading with an open heart.
B3: What goals do you have for barre3 Arlington going forward?
AMY: My primary goal is to always lead with our clients in mind, ensuring barre3 Arlington is a space where every single individual feels welcome, supported, and celebrated. Going forward, I want to cultivate an environment and a movement practice that lifts our community up every single day.
B3: Barre3 has a very distinct philosophy. What differentiates it from other fitness brands and concepts?
AMY: Barre3 stands apart through our focus on modifications, mindfulness, and our commitment to adapting to changing best practices. While the barre3 workout is open to all, it was proudly created by women, for women. Ultimately, our goal—to help our clients be balanced in body and empowered from within—is a refreshing departure from the traditional ‘no pain, no gain’ mentality so common in the fitness industry.
B3: What excites you about the future of barre3 as a brand, and your role in it?
AMY: I am incredibly excited for the future because I’ve seen firsthand how much barre3 has evolved since I became an instructor in 2015. Even after all these years, I am never bored and I’m always challenged. Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to play a part in our next phase of growth as we lead the boutique fitness industry. Being part of a global community that is actively redefining fitness as a tool for longevity is powerful. Closer to home, I can’t wait to keep encouraging women to remember that they are always their own best teacher—and that fitness can, and should, feel fun!
Ready to start your own studio ownership journey? Click here to learn more about the barre3 franchise opportunity and how you can join our network of 200+ studios worldwide.
Meet Amy McNamara, the owner behind the newly opened barre3 Arlington studio. A longtime fitness enthusiast, former corporate manager, and veteran barre3 instructor, Amy turned a decade-long passion into a thriving small business when she opened her doors this past January, offering mindful boutique fitnessand barre classes in Arlington, VA.
When she isn’t at the studio building a supportive environment for her clients, you can find Amy practicing yoga, getting lost in a good book, or enjoying intentional restorative time (naps included). Above all, she cherishes life in Arlington, VA with her husband, their three children, her sisters, and her beloved labradoodle, Gumbo.
Below, Amy shares her journey from the corporate world to franchise owner, her strategic approach to studio operations, and the distinct philosophy that makes barre3 a refreshing departure from traditional fitness culture.
B3: Can you share a bit about your background and what ultimately led you to discover—and fall in love with—barre3?
AMY: I studied psychology in college and quickly realized that I wanted a career where I could balance my professional and personal life. Utilizing my background alongside my outgoing personality, I transitioned into MBA recruiting for an investment bank in NYC, eventually moving into student career services and law firm management.
In 2013, while juggling work and family, I was training for a marathon and struggling with injuries after having my three children. A close friend suggested barre3 to strengthen my glutes and core. I was hesitant because while I was a longtime fitness enthusiast and former cheerleader, I was never a dancer! Because the nearest studio was quite a distance away, I started as an online client. I immediately did a 10-minute workout in my office during lunch breaks or at my kitchen counter during nap times—I just knew I wanted barre3 to be a bigger part of my life.
I fell in love with the message; it was the first time I had ever exercised to feel good and strong by tuning into my body, rather than focusing solely on aesthetics. I deeply resonated with the brand mission and everything from CEO Sadie Lincoln. Eventually, I made it to a brick-and-mortar studio, and in 2015, when I left corporate America to be more present at home, I decided to become an instructor. I then had the joy of teaching at the Old Town Alexandria studio for over eight years as an instructor, mentor, and studio manager, learning from incredible colleagues and clients who helped me grow as a human being.
B3: What inspired you to take the leap from manager to franchise owner, and what did your path to finally opening barre3 Arlington look like?
AMY: Even from those early days of doing workouts at my kitchen counter, I knew I wanted to own a studio full-time. My path to ownership actually took a major detour in 2019 when my family prepared to relocate for my husband’s career. I successfully navigated the franchise application process and was approved to develop a studio in our new neighborhood that fall. But just before signing the franchise agreement, a new opportunity arose that allowed us to stay put. While staying was the right choice for our family, putting my studio dream on hold was a massive disappointment.
Looking back, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Opening a new business while moving my family during the onset of the pandemic would have been an immense challenge. Since then, my growth as a person and a practitioner only reinforced my conviction that I was meant for this. Now that my children are older, I have the full capacity to focus on running a small business. This past January, everything finally aligned with the Grand Opening of barre3 Arlington. My journey serves as a reminder that it is never too late to pursue your goals, and when plans shift, an even better window of opportunity is usually waiting.
B3: How did your corporate background and life experience prepare you for the daily demands of studio ownership?
AMY: Before diving into barre3 studio development, my corporate career was fast-paced, highly client-facing, and always a balancing act. That background has proved invaluable as I’ve transitioned into owning and operating a boutique fitness studio, where I’m constantly wearing many hats and managing a demanding workload. Today, I rely heavily on my problem-solving skills and strong instincts to navigate daily operations. That professional foundation, combined with the real-world experience of raising three children, prepared me to handle the daily hustle of running a successful business.
B3: How do you structure the management and day-to-day operations of the studio?
AMY: While my management structure is designed to scale with strategic plans for our first and second years, it’s been highly structured from day one. Currently, I employ a Lead Operations Coordinator who manages the front desk and Play Lounge teams while overseeing studio events and general operations. Additionally, two Instructor Mentors provide dedicated support and development to our instructor team, ensuring class quality. Above all, it is vital for me to remain present and hands-on during this foundational phase. I firmly believe in mastering every role personally before delegating those responsibilities to others as the business grows.
B3: As a barre3 franchisee, you’re in business for yourself, but never by yourself. How does the barre3 Support Center foster your success?
AMY: Stepping into the role of studio owner with no prior experience opening a brick-and-mortar business, the Support Center’s partnership has been essential. They guided me through every phase of the build-out—from real estate selection and design to permits and construction—with the New Studio Development Manager providing exceptional, hands-on guidance. Before we even opened our doors, they handed me the proven playbooks and strategies needed to launch a strong pre-opening sales campaign.
Since opening, that support hasn’t stopped. They continue to offer invaluable marketing insights, industry expertise, and direct access to top talent in training and research, all to help my team deliver a remarkable experience. Beyond the logistics, the Support Center team is incredibly encouraging; they have been instrumental in pushing me to consider new approaches and viewpoints as a business owner.
B3: What would you want our readers to know about the barre3 studio owner community?
AMY: I absolutely cherish the studio owner community. As a new franchisee with a studio in development, I was fortunate to connect with six other incredible women launching their own barre3 studios across the country. We’ve forged deep friendships, constantly leaning on one another for advice, ideas, and emotional encouragement. At the same time, the veteran studio owners are incredibly generous with their wealth of knowledge. It is so reassuring to know that whatever challenge I face, someone else in this community has already successfully navigated it.
B3: What excites you most about owning and operating your own barre3 studio?
AMY: I love so many different aspects of this role! At my core, my passion lies in building meaningful relationships and fostering a supportive community where clients feel empowered and strong. I am equally energized by the opportunity to mentor my team—from our operations staff to our growing group of instructors—and provide them with the space to develop and master new skills. Ultimately, witnessing the transformation of both our clients and our team as they discover their own inner wisdom is the absolute most rewarding part of this journey.
B3: What have you learned in your first few months of studio ownership since you opened your doors?
AMY: I’ve learned that neither the studio nor I am perfect, and mistakes are inevitable. For me, the only way to lead is with vulnerability, staying true to our core value of practicing authenticity. I’ve also realized how essential it is to lose the fear of hearing ‘no,’ and instead view it as an opportunity to ask the right questions to get to the desired outcome. Leading with a growth mindset means viewing every single challenge as a lesson and an invitation to evolve.
B3: What qualities should a barre3 studio owner possess to be successful?
AMY: A barre3 studio owner needs grit—you have to be a proactive go-getter and a true self-starter. Successful owners are community builders who remain flexible and always willing to learn from their mistakes. Ultimately, you have to be the CEO of your business while still leading with an open heart.
B3: What goals do you have for barre3 Arlington going forward?
AMY: My primary goal is to always lead with our clients in mind, ensuring barre3 Arlington is a space where every single individual feels welcome, supported, and celebrated. Going forward, I want to cultivate an environment and a movement practice that lifts our community up every single day.
B3: Barre3 has a very distinct philosophy. What differentiates it from other fitness brands and concepts?
AMY: Barre3 stands apart through our focus on modifications, mindfulness, and our commitment to adapting to changing best practices. While the barre3 workout is open to all, it was proudly created by women, for women. Ultimately, our goal—to help our clients be balanced in body and empowered from within—is a refreshing departure from the traditional ‘no pain, no gain’ mentality so common in the fitness industry.
B3: What excites you about the future of barre3 as a brand, and your role in it?
AMY: I am incredibly excited for the future because I’ve seen firsthand how much barre3 has evolved since I became an instructor in 2015. Even after all these years, I am never bored and I’m always challenged. Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to play a part in our next phase of growth as we lead the boutique fitness industry. Being part of a global community that is actively redefining fitness as a tool for longevity is powerful. Closer to home, I can’t wait to keep encouraging women to remember that they are always their own best teacher—and that fitness can, and should, feel fun!
Ready to start your own studio ownership journey? Click here to learn more about the barre3 franchise opportunity and how you can join our network of 200+ studios worldwide.
