Building Community and Redefining Fitness

I started my company to fill a gap I saw in boutique fitness, prioritizing community over just exercise. My goal was to foster a space where people could be present and empowered in their bodies, countering the fitness industry's focus on future results or "bouncing back." This mindset shift began during my first pregnancy when I embraced workouts that honored my body, which led to a positive relationship with fitness and inspired the creation of barre3.

My husband and business partner, Chris, and I shared a vision for our company and family, and we connected with local entrepreneurial organizations for support. We wrote a detailed business plan focused on franchising with women partners, starting in Portland and expanding from there. Interest quickly grew, with our first franchise in the Philippines, followed by others in nearby cities.

The COVID-19 shutdown was a major challenge since our business relied on in-person classes. Fortunately, our digital streaming platform, launched in 2011 and revamped in 2019, helped us stay afloat. Our diverse revenue streams and strong community relationships allowed us to survive and even grow during the pandemic, while many other studios closed.

The lessons I've learned share a common theme. Embracing the struggles, pain, and challenges of growing a company, and knowing deep down that I would emerge stronger, made my role as a leader rewarding. Each time I overcame a difficult period, I gained more confidence. Now, when struggles arise, I face them head-on, using them to build strength. It was only when I tried to avoid, numb, or shame myself for these hard moments that I felt miserable.

You’re likely an entrepreneur because you see the world differently or have identified an unsolved problem. There’s no clear road map, and you may face skeptics—that’s perfectly fine! You’re the one with the vision and wisdom to make it happen. Trust yourself and your unique perspective.

Today, barre3 has 191 studios, all owned and operated by women, and a thriving online presence. Seeing our franchisees bring their unique touch to each studio is inspiring. Our omni-channel business, reaching clients globally, is beyond what I imagined when we started with just a DVD and one studio in 2008. Reflecting on our journey reminds me of the power of re-imagining and creating the world we want for ourselves and our communities.

• Sadie Lincoln , CEO + Co-Founder of barre3

After I had Leo, I embraced the "bounce back" mentality that Sadie refers to, eager to return to my pre-pregnancy shape on my own terms. However, my body wasn’t cooperating as I had hoped. I had to learn to cultivate a relationship between my body and my workouts, creating an environment where I could thrive and see results. This experience parallels our journey as entrepreneurs: just as I needed to listen to my body and adapt my approach, entrepreneurs must be attuned to their business, nurturing it patiently to achieve success.

Initially, I pushed myself too hard, trying to force my body into a preconceived mold, which only led to frustration and setbacks. Similarly, in business, rigidly adhering to a plan without considering changing circumstances can hinder progress. By embracing a more mindful approach and being open to change, we can create a sustainable path to success, whether in personal fitness or building a thriving business. This holistic mindset encourages resilience, growth, and long-term achievements, allowing us to truly thrive in all aspects of life.

And then sometimes circumstances out of our control happen. I don’t think there’s a business out there that wasn’t impacted by COVID. Sadie understands this well. By diversifying revenue streams early on, they created a robust safety net that allowed them to weather the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to invest in a digital streaming platform years before the pandemic paid off significantly, showcasing the importance of innovation and adaptability in business. The experience underscores a vital lesson for all businesses: diversification and preparedness are key to enduring and thriving through unforeseen challenges.

In today’s fast-paced world, the prevailing mindset often pushes us to go faster and do more, constantly striving for immediate results and rapid progress. However, Sadie's story teaches us a different lesson: the power of slowing down and being attuned to our surroundings. Her experience highlights the importance of pausing to listen to our bodies, our businesses, and our environments, allowing us to make thoughtful and informed adjustments.?

By stepping back and taking the time to understand our current state, we can foster a more sustainable and balanced approach to growth and success. This perspective not only leads to more meaningful achievements but also cultivates resilience and well-being in both personal and professional realms. Slowing down doesn't mean losing momentum; it means ensuring that our actions are deliberate, purposeful, and aligned with our long-term vision.

If you would like to know more about how I do it, my routines and products that make my life a little less wild, subscribe at rebeccaminkoff.substack.com .?

And if you want to learn more about how to elevate women on a mission to break barriers, join our ecosystem where we provide content, capital, and learning to propel these women to the next level at https://femalefoundercollective.com/