Inspiring Conversations with Kat Doty of barre3 Studio City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat Doty.

Hi Kat, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m from Toronto, Canada, and worked as a Script Supervisor in film and television for 21 years in both Toronto and Los Angeles.

A barre3 studio was very close to my home in Toronto, and I was a client there until I moved to Los Angeles in June of 2019, only to discover there were no barre3 studios in LA County. I committed to driving to the 2 closest studios (1.5 hours away), in San Clemente and in Santa Barbara, about once per week. Then COVID hit and everything changed. They introduced Livestream classes that I could take from home.

Professionally, in a pandemic world, working on films sets became very challenging, and very lonely. Being new to the city, masked up and somewhat isolated from the other departments meant not being able to forge friendships at work as I’d been accustomed to in Toronto. The long days and often distant locations also felt less attractive as I navigated a new marriage in a new country.

I was craving community. To me, that was exactly what barre3 was. My husband George and I began discussing the possibility of opening a barre3 franchise in Los Angeles. As a woman in my mid 40s with no experience running a brick and mortar business, the idea was as terrifying as is was thrilling. I knew I had plenty of “pandemic time” to learn as much as I could about being a business owner and a leader so we decided to make it happen. I signed my franchise agreement in January of 2022.

We opened the doors to barre3 Studio City in January of 2024 – almost 2 years to the date of signing. I spent those two years learning everything I could, including how to teach a remarkable barre3 Signature class. If there were a PhD in owning a barre3 studio, I definitely earned it!!

My goal had been community, and the community we have created at barre3 Studio City goes far beyond my wildest dreams. I truly had no idea what community could be. Both our team and our clients, are some of the kindest, most inclusive, thoughtful people I have ever known.

In a country that is so horribly divided, creating this third space for people to come to; to unplug, to build strength in not only their bodies, but in their minds as well has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I’m so grateful every day to be surrounded by people I never would have had the good fortune to meet, and to see them support one another in the most incredible way.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It took us 15 months to find a studio location. That struggle was very real, and I often thought we would never get there. We ended up signing our lease in May of 2023 in what I think is the most awesome space in LA. Our plaza neighbors have been so welcoming!

Last year during the wildfires, many of our clients and team members were affected. We closed our doors for a few days, but otherwise did our best to be a place where people could honestly take whatever they needed, and leave what they did not need at the door. The emotion in our community was so pure and so honest, people reaching out to one another, helping one another.

We held a fundraising class at Radford Studio Center, and raised over $1000 for Wildfire Relief through the Red Cross. The generosity of our community was humbling to witness.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Barre3 is an efficient and effective workout, that combines strength, cardio, and mindfulness. What I love about barre3 is that it is suitable for every fitness level, age and body type. Our expertly trained instructors offer options for every posture in class so that our clients are empowered to modify to exactly what their body needs. Whether recovering from an injury, or training for a marathon, every person in class works in the way that strengthens their body in a safe, efficient way.

AND we offer childcare! Our reservation only Play Lounge is for kids aged 0 -13 and offers our moms the ability to take the time they need for themselves. We have trained childcare attendants that care for the kiddos while mom works out. It’s been a game changer for so many Studio City parents. Play Lounge is free for one child with our Unlimited Memberships.

Pricing:

• First Class Free!
• $69 – 2 weeks of unlimited classes for new clients

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.barre3.com/studio-locations/studio-city
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barre3studiocity
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barre3studiocity
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/barre3-studio-city