Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Workman.
Vanessa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been dancing professionally since the age of 18 and started teaching fitness, specifically Pure Barre, in 2009. I feel in love with teaching and the Pure Barre technique and it became a huge part of my life. When I turned 30, I knew my dance career may be coming to an end and as I looking to the future, I only saw wanting to teach fitness to help people feel strong and happy inside and out – I loved teaching and I loved the community group fitness created. My boyfriend at the time (now husband and father of our two years old and one on the way) suggested I open my own Pure Barre studio. I laughed hysterically at the thought, what did I know about running a fitness studio? All I knew was how to perform and teach.
But the seed had been planted and I somehow was approved for a loan and before I knew it was opening my own studio: Pure Barre Hollywood! We opened in 2012 and I never looked back! The studio was my first baby and I have put my blood sweat, tears, and entire heart into the studio everyday since we opened, and I could not be happier with my life-changing decision to own my own business! We have been changing lives, making clients strong, happy and healthy for eight years, and then COVID hit. We have to sadly close our doors on March 13th and which to only virtual live-stream classes. We opened up (with all the extra safety precautions in place) for a week in June, but then when the second wave of case increases hit California, we were forced to close again. We remain currently remain closed and I am saddened every day that I cannot teach clients in person.
Although we are still offering our live stream classes, we lose clients and members daily because of COVID concerns and unemployment. Thank goodness my landlord is giving me a break on rent because I could not stay “open” let alone afloat with the massive loss of revenue I have been facing. I am just trying to stay hopeful that this will all be (at least somewhat) over soon so I can keep my studio. I know I am really reaching by even being slightly optimistic for any progress with getting COVID under control anytime soon, but I am holding on! Until then, I am teaching virtual classes, spending time at home with family (without going crazy) and taking care of my wild toddler.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As mentioned earlier, COVID has been the biggest challenge I have had to face as a business owner. However, situations ranging from crazy clients with insane demands and outlandish accusations, to having to dig up the center of the floor to fix ancient plumbing, to having two clients physically fight in front of the studio over a parking spot…I can definitely say there have been many bumps along the road….but they have all been worth the ride!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Pure Barre Hollywood story. Tell us more about the business.
Pure Barre is a group fitness studio holding daily workout classes that improve strength and flexibility in a safe yet challenging manner through low-impact, purposeful movements. Our technique builds a strong core enabling you to strengthen and tone your entire body with each class. You will also build cardio respiratory endurance through high-intensity, low-impact movements- each class is different, and our staff of knowledgeable, well-trained teachers make sure to cater the class to every client- making it feel like a personal training experience in a welcoming community setting.
Pure Barre Hollywood stands apart from other boutique fitness studios in LA not only because of our friendly and welcoming staff, our beautiful, spacious and impeccably clean studio but because of the tight-knit community we pride ourselves on creating. Whether you come to class once a month or everyday, you will feel like family. From “Wine down Wednesdays,” Complementary coffee and mimosa on Sundays, celebrations for clients class milestone accomplishments, client of the month, and monthly charity events- we create not only strong body but lasting relationships and a happy place for our clients to look forward to going (even though they know it comes with an hour of booty kicking Pure Barre).
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I feel very lucky! The approval of getting the loan eight years ago to start my dream business, my amazing teachers and staff that have come to me, my loving and loyal clients, and even getting a break on rent when COVID hit, I feel grateful and lucky everyday.
Pricing:
- Unlimited Live Stream classes for $49/month
- Once studio re-opens for in studio classes: 1st class free, $99/month unlimited classes (Includes live stream as well).
Contact Info:
- Address: Pure Barre Hollywood
7519 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046 - Website: www.purebarre.com/ca-hollywood
- Phone: 323-850-1800
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purebarrehollywood/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PureBarreHollywood
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/purebarrehw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pure-barre-hollywood
Image Credit:
Lindsay Rosenberg Photography (only pictures where we are all wearing red, black and grey).
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