Studio Owner Stories
Studio Owner Story: Michelle Gimbutis, barre3 East Lansing & Ann Arbor
Michelle Gimbutis’s path to multi-studio ownership began in 2014. As a new mom, she was searching for a fitness home at The Barre Code Metro Detroit. She quickly fell in love with the community and the workout. In 2018, Michelle transitioned from client to studio owner with the opening of her East Lansing studio. Five years later, she expanded her footprint to include the Ann Arbor location.
Following barre3’s acquisition of The Barre Code in late 2023, Michelle led her two studio communities through a successful brand conversion. Today, her story serves as a benchmark for the strength of the barre3 model. It is proof of what’s possible when a resilient leader is backed by a world-class franchise system.
We sat down with Michelle to talk about her decade-long journey to entrepreneurship, the shift to multi-unit ownership, and why the move to barre3 has been an empowering chapter for her business.
From Client to Fitness Entrepreneur
B3: Thanks for joining us today, Michelle. You began your journey as a client in 2014 before leaping into ownership in 2018. What made you fall in love with boutique fitness?
MICHELLE: The people, hands down. I started as a new mom looking for something I could do out of the house, just for me. I had no expectations of meeting people or looking forward to seeing those same faces in the studio. However, that sense of community is exactly what kept me coming back.
B3: How did you decide to transition from client to studio owner? How did your professional background prepare you for franchise ownership?
MICHELLE: The studio made such an impact on my life. I found myself talking to anyone who would listen about how they needed a supportive community just like it. Eventually, a persistent thought took root: the best way to share this experience was to bring it to a new city.
That thought kept growing until I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I opened the East Lansing location in June 2018 and took over ownership of the Ann Arbor studio in July 2023. Both studios were fully converted to barre3 in April 2024. Prior to this, I worked in B2B marketing, so I was comfortable with communications and social media. After many conversations and even more spreadsheets, my husband and I decided to become franchisees.
Leading Through the barre3 Brand Conversion
B3: In late 2023, your studios transitioned to barre3. What was that conversion process like for you as a leader? What was the most rewarding part?
MICHELLE: The conversion process was smoother than I expected. Coming in through an acquisition is a unique experience. However, the regular check-ins from the barre3 Support Center helped keep us on schedule. The timeline was measured enough to allow our clients and instructors to get to know the barre3 classes one at a time. This really helped our community make the transition.
One of the most rewarding parts was that our entire team—managers, instructors, and staff—stayed with us. It was a huge undertaking. Having them commit to our community and make the move with me is something I’ll always be grateful for.
The barre3 Mission and Empowering Community
B3: What was it about the barre3 workout and mission that felt like the right fit for your studios?
MICHELLE: Barre3’s re-framing of modifications is empowering. As The Barre Code, we always encouraged modifying movements. As barre3, we truly celebrate making choices that feel good in your body. There is a depth to this community where we say a lot of the quiet parts out loud.
Every one of us has been through a lot—school, jobs, moves, and even a global pandemic. No matter how long someone has been a member, no one is the same as when they first walked in. We acknowledge and celebrate that. By choosing ourselves and showing up to class no matter how we are feeling, we’re directly investing in our mental and physical health.
Scaling to Multi-Studio Ownership
B3: How has the barre3 Support Center helped you scale your business? How do you manage two locations effectively?
MICHELLE: The systems and processes designed by the Support Center allow me to be present for my family. Implementing campaigns at the local level versus creating them from scratch saves unquantifiable time. The corporate team wants each studio to succeed, and you feel that support on a personal level.
Working “on” the business versus “in” the business was the big shift I had to make when taking on a second location. It helped me prioritize better. I’m also so grateful to my leadership teams at both studios. They help me manage the daily operations at each location.
Looking Toward the Future
B3: What qualities must a successful barre3 studio owner possess? Why should other business-minded women consider this network?
MICHELLE: Beyond being organized and a good communicator, I would say you need an open mind. We are always evolving. You have to accept that we go through ups and downs to grow. Our owner network is an incredible resource of like-minded women who truly want each other to succeed. You have a huge support network behind you.
B3: What excites you most about the future of barre3 as a brand?
MICHELLE: I love that barre3 as a company is never standing still. We’re not chasing the latest fad; we’re staying true to ourselves and our clients while continuing to learn and grow. I look forward to continuing to pour into our incredible staff and grow our communities in Michigan.
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.
Michelle Gimbutis’s path to multi-studio ownership began in 2014. As a new mom, she was searching for a fitness home at The Barre Code Metro Detroit. She quickly fell in love with the community and the workout. In 2018, Michelle transitioned from client to studio owner with the opening of her East Lansing studio. Five years later, she expanded her footprint to include the Ann Arbor location.
Following barre3’s acquisition of The Barre Code in late 2023, Michelle led her two studio communities through a successful brand conversion. Today, her story serves as a benchmark for the strength of the barre3 model. It is proof of what’s possible when a resilient leader is backed by a world-class franchise system.
We sat down with Michelle to talk about her decade-long journey to entrepreneurship, the shift to multi-unit ownership, and why the move to barre3 has been an empowering chapter for her business.
From Client to Fitness Entrepreneur
B3: Thanks for joining us today, Michelle. You began your journey as a client in 2014 before leaping into ownership in 2018. What made you fall in love with boutique fitness?
MICHELLE: The people, hands down. I started as a new mom looking for something I could do out of the house, just for me. I had no expectations of meeting people or looking forward to seeing those same faces in the studio. However, that sense of community is exactly what kept me coming back.
B3: How did you decide to transition from client to studio owner? How did your professional background prepare you for franchise ownership?
MICHELLE: The studio made such an impact on my life. I found myself talking to anyone who would listen about how they needed a supportive community just like it. Eventually, a persistent thought took root: the best way to share this experience was to bring it to a new city.
That thought kept growing until I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I opened the East Lansing location in June 2018 and took over ownership of the Ann Arbor studio in July 2023. Both studios were fully converted to barre3 in April 2024. Prior to this, I worked in B2B marketing, so I was comfortable with communications and social media. After many conversations and even more spreadsheets, my husband and I decided to become franchisees.
Leading Through the barre3 Brand Conversion
B3: In late 2023, your studios transitioned to barre3. What was that conversion process like for you as a leader? What was the most rewarding part?
MICHELLE: The conversion process was smoother than I expected. Coming in through an acquisition is a unique experience. However, the regular check-ins from the barre3 Support Center helped keep us on schedule. The timeline was measured enough to allow our clients and instructors to get to know the barre3 classes one at a time. This really helped our community make the transition.
One of the most rewarding parts was that our entire team—managers, instructors, and staff—stayed with us. It was a huge undertaking. Having them commit to our community and make the move with me is something I’ll always be grateful for.
The barre3 Mission and Empowering Community
B3: What was it about the barre3 workout and mission that felt like the right fit for your studios?
MICHELLE: Barre3’s re-framing of modifications is empowering. As The Barre Code, we always encouraged modifying movements. As barre3, we truly celebrate making choices that feel good in your body. There is a depth to this community where we say a lot of the quiet parts out loud.
Every one of us has been through a lot—school, jobs, moves, and even a global pandemic. No matter how long someone has been a member, no one is the same as when they first walked in. We acknowledge and celebrate that. By choosing ourselves and showing up to class no matter how we are feeling, we’re directly investing in our mental and physical health.
Scaling to Multi-Studio Ownership
B3: How has the barre3 Support Center helped you scale your business? How do you manage two locations effectively?
MICHELLE: The systems and processes designed by the Support Center allow me to be present for my family. Implementing campaigns at the local level versus creating them from scratch saves unquantifiable time. The corporate team wants each studio to succeed, and you feel that support on a personal level.
Working “on” the business versus “in” the business was the big shift I had to make when taking on a second location. It helped me prioritize better. I’m also so grateful to my leadership teams at both studios. They help me manage the daily operations at each location.
Looking Toward the Future
B3: What qualities must a successful barre3 studio owner possess? Why should other business-minded women consider this network?
MICHELLE: Beyond being organized and a good communicator, I would say you need an open mind. We are always evolving. You have to accept that we go through ups and downs to grow. Our owner network is an incredible resource of like-minded women who truly want each other to succeed. You have a huge support network behind you.
B3: What excites you most about the future of barre3 as a brand?
MICHELLE: I love that barre3 as a company is never standing still. We’re not chasing the latest fad; we’re staying true to ourselves and our clients while continuing to learn and grow. I look forward to continuing to pour into our incredible staff and grow our communities in Michigan.
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.
