Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Diane Numark, Owner of Barreworks Studio Redondo Beach, located in Redondo Beach, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Barreworks is proud to be the best boutique fitness studio in the South Bay, with classes that include Barre, Trampoline, Yoga, Circuit Training, Dance Cardio, Step Aerobics, Barre Boxing, and Sound Bath Meditation. We offer group classes for all levels of fitness and love seeing clients fall in love with barre.
Tell us about yourself
As a former Emmy-winning Producer, I began my love of dance at the young age of three, started teaching jazz, tap, and ballet classes at sixteen, and added Circus Choreographer to the mix at eighteen. But after majoring in Broadcast Journalism at Pepperdine University, I put my passion into making television. After a 3-month-gig turned into ten years working for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, I decided it was time to take a “break” to focus on my kids. Then, I discovered Barre and credited it for getting my body back.
For three years, I devoted myself to the practice and was recruited to instruct. After saying no about three times, I became an instructor and took my practice to the next level. Then, three years later, I knew I wanted to buy the business and began the next chapter of my life as the Barre Boss.
I love to teach Barre, Trampoline, and Barre Boxing. My favorite classes to take are Barre & Trampoline, of course, Yoga and PLYOJAM. My Barre Motto is, "Barre doesn't get easier, but YOU get BETTER."
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
When the pandemic hit, we NEVER closed. Not even for a day! We moved our classes onto virtual live stream, and I used my TV training to coach all our instructors to teach from home. We not only were able to stay in business, but many of our clients also say it was the only thing that kept them sane during the lockdown. When it was safe, we successfully re-opened and have been thriving ever since. I absolutely LOVE seeing our barre family back together in person. Plus, we have live stream options for anyone who feels like they need to take a class from home.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
My father always told me, "Do what you LOVE!" That is such great advice. I LOVE being the barre boss and working every day to help people feel good about themselves. And I have two young kids. Being the owner of a small business is never-ending work. I do not have a work-life balance, but maybe I have work-life integration.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Build a great team that works hard and plays hard! We can accomplish so much more with a great team. My business partner is my sanity. She keeps me on track, organizes the studio, and is a great decorator. Thanks, Tracey!!! We have very talented teachers who sometimes shoot commercials, model, and need vacations. Let your staff go on vacation - it makes them better when they get back.
- Learn the stuff that is really hard. I am a creative, and my energy is all gas, no breaks. Our software with Mindbody is really complex, but I am embracing it and taking an eight-week onboarding course to incorporate all the new marketing techniques. Wish me luck!
- Focus on what matters. Customer service is #1 - check in with your customers on a quarterly basis at a minimum. Find out what they need and be sure you can give it to them, or they will go somewhere else.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://barreworksstudio.com/redondo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarreworksStudioRB
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barreworks_studio_redondo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-korman-numark-54b28632/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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