Today we’d like to introduce you to Verna Le.
Verna, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up internationally and sports was always a common ground for me when I found myself in a new place or environment, so I played volleyball and ran track. After college, I worked out and took a lot of group classes like yoga, spin, Pilates, etc. Being ambitious, I ran a half marathon without any training and injured myself. It was the first time in my life that I was in so much pain that even walking hurt. I couldn’t work out for a year and after some rehabilitation, I found The Bar Method through a NorCal friend’s recommendation since it was created by a Physical Therapist and all over NorCal. So, I sought out the nearest one to my work, took one class and was amazed I felt no pain yet it was a work out for me! I knew that I had to continue it and luckily one was opening up near my home. I signed up for class on their first day and I’ve been a loyal Bar Method follower ever since. Besides it being the most effective work out I’ve ever done, I felt the connection with my fellow classmates. It was more than just a physical work out, but also a mental and emotional work out. I knew that if I could, I wanted to not just teach, but own a studio so that I can create a nurturing and encouraging environment for everyone. It was a long journey as well and last year I finally became a studio owner. It is still a lot of work and it’s never ending, however, every day I’m encouraged and driven by all the clients and my staff who all share the same love for The Bar Method.
People from all walks of life come in to our studio and for one hour we are connected through sweat, smiles, and empowerment. In our world today where we may be physically detached from each other with our phones and social media, it’s really refreshing to have real human connections. What I love the most about my studio and The Bar Method is that for one hour, we have the privilege to empower someone and make someone’s day better. It is an honor that we don’t take lightly and we strive to do our best every day in every class to make someone’s day better.
Has it been a smooth road?
As mentioned earlier, it was not a smooth journey at all. Finding the perfect location was probably the hardest. My broker and I searched and negotiated with so many landlords and locations. Only to have to do it all over again when negotiations fell through.
Another obstacle was finding the right teachers. Finding people who wanted to teach was easy, but the right people who can make it through training and get certified is another level. Starting your own business, you also have to find funding and that was another obstacle too. Even now that I have my own studio, there are still daily struggles.
The daily struggles could be the overall picture of where do we want to be in a month, 6 months, 1 year, and how do we get there. The struggles are also in the small details such AC not working or speakers and stereo not working. As a business owner, no task is too small or too big for you. For the past year I’ve worn so many hats that I could be the jack-of-all-trades. Of course, I couldn’t have done this all by myself and I am thankful for my husband who supports me throughout all of this and helps me with everything. My family and friends too who let me vent my daily struggles and give me advice. And of course my Bar Method staff who really do so much for the studio and the clients. I am so grateful for my team!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Bar Method Tustin – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Bar Method is a barre-based workout developed in conjunction with a Physical Therapist so it is safe and effective. Our full-body work out is specifically designed to work your entire body in one hour, while also incorporating stretches so to prevent injuries and help you recover. We are a franchise and you can find us in many locations throughout the US and Canada. Our teachers go through a rigorous 6-month training and certification process where we learn the anatomy and the correct way to adjust someone so that they are not injuring themselves while getting the most effective work out. We are constantly evolving and learning new techniques to make sure our teachings are the best it can be.
Besides being an effective work out and having many celebrity followers, our Tustin studio is located in a quaint suburban city where you will find working moms, stay-at-home moms, working professionals, and students as our clientele. What I am most proud of is the tight-knit community we have created at our studio. We genuinely care for each other and are emotional supports for each other in times of need. Even though our classes are one hour, it extends beyond that one hour.
We see each other grow stronger and take challenges in class and we acknowledge it and it inspires us to take challenges in class and outside of class. What sets us apart technique-wise is that we are safe and effective workout. What sets us apart other ways is that we are more than just a workout, we are a strong community of people who inspire and empower each other to do our best in all aspects of life.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
We love our quaint little city of Tustin in Orange County! There is so much history to be found in Old Town Tustin and many of the restaurants and businesses have been here forever! It is a family-friendly city while also having lots of new businesses that meets everyone’s needs. If you can’t find it in Tustin, you probably don’t need it. So come visit us at The Bar Method Tustin!
Pricing:
- Our New Client Special of One Month of Unlimited Classes is currently $69 (usually $99)
Contact Info:
- Address: 631 E 1st St.,
Tustin, CA 92780 - Website: Tustin.BarMethod.com
- Phone: 714.730-2207
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/BarMethodTustin
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/BarMethodTustin
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-bar-method-tustin-3
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
