Ever since I took my first barre class almost two years ago, I was hooked. I loved the challenge, the group exercise component and let’s be honest- the cute clothes, among many other things. I did it to complement my half marathon training, through pregnancy and beyond. I had been taking it at a studio near where I worked before Bryce came along, but now that I work from home, I actually get my barre fix at a local studio in Indiana whenever I visit my parents. I’ve been hunting for barre studios near my like a hawk and found a place that offers them, so will give it a try this week- we will see! But despite the serious lack in barre in my area, maybe it’s a sign that I should open my own barre studio? Hmm…or maybe just start small and be an instructor somewhere? But seriously, that is totally on my my bucket list. What a dream! I’ve even went so far as to do some research, look at rental property, attend barre chain ownership webinars, etc. It’s in my blood to own my own business someday. But so many questions…independent studio versus franchise? Northern Illinois vs. SE Wisconsin? So, so many thoughts always running in the back of my head. A girl can dream right?!
But anyways, back to reality.
Like I said, barre class is an awesome time to bust out the cute activewear. I wear it all the time anyways since I work from home too, so it definitely gets some serious wear. And then I stumbled across EDJE Activ. The owners, Elizabeth & Jackie, met at the barre in Texas and had an ideal to make shirts for themselves, and EDJE Activ was born…talk about #girlboss!
Motivated by their love of fashion, the ladies of EDJE create feminine fitness apparel that inspires you to feel pretty while working out. Their dream is to bring barre fitness fashion to every barre studio and enthusiast around the country. And all made in the good ol USA!
They provided me with a couple adorable tanks (and I am seriously tempted to get one of each from their shop…including their newest one!) They are great quality, and run true to size. Here’s how I styled them:
Tank c/o Edje Active | Socks | Fair Isle Leggings c/o Shopbop
Tank c/o Edje Active | Capri Leggings c/o Shopbop | Shoes (similar)
Aren’t they so fun!? I wore this ensemble to barre class in Indiana (where my cousin just became an instructor…how cool is that?!) I figured I could still get some where out of the outfit since it is January and seems seasonable appropriate, right?
Rocking our seasonably appropriate leggings…that’s how we roll.
So, have you done barre before? Any fun clothes/accessories that you recommend? I love finding new shops…especially small business owners! Share them in the comments below.
If there’s no barre by you, I really think a barre studio is a solid investment right now. A Studio Barre just opened in NWI and they seem to be doing really, really well– at the very least, I’m spending 3-4 days a week there. ;)
My favorite barre wear would have to be Teeki leggings: https://teeki.com
They’re super fun, unbelievably soft, and USA made!
Hi Erin! I would LOVE to open one near me (I think my area is a great market for it), but just trying to wrap my head around the investment and when/if I could be profitable…I need to talk to more barre studio owners :-)
And I think the studio you are referencing is the one I go to- Barre + Beyond in Chesterton, right?!
Thanks for the barre wear suggestions- I am definitely going to check them out!
Actually, no, I didn’t realize there was a barre in Chesteron! I go to Crown Point–it just opened this fall. http://studiobarre.com/crownpoint/schedule/#modal-iframe
I definitely do wonder about the start up cost, in terms of the equipment and branding.
Oh how cool! That’s awesome NWI has a couple options…and looks like this one is part of a chain! Yeah I go back and forth on an independent studio versus a franchise. Definitely advantages and disadvantages to both!
Working out is so much easier when you have cute workout clothing! You always manage to find adorable stuff!
Most definitely. Thanks Laura! I think I need to start doing #ootd posts with workout clothes instead of regular clothes ha!
I love and became obsessed with the Dailey Method– Sadly, my schedule doesn’t allow for classes but I do have a DVD that I like to bring out every now and then. Hoping to make a return to the barre this summer when I am training for the marathon as a way to get good core workouts in!
Yeah it’s tough with work and kiddos to go to class- especially if they aren’t at convenient times. But you’re right- barre would be a great compliment to your marathon training!
I was just talking to a friend of mine last night about this and he offered to help me out by running census data based on the demographic we would be trying to target. He said he’s done it before (for McDonald’s, even!). That could help figure out where there’s a dearth of options.
Also, I was thinking that a franchise/chain might be the way to go initially. Then you have some name recognition plus the backing/assistance of the company for training, etc, right? Although, if no companies approve you to open one than you could always go on your own!
My goal for 2016 is to get my personal training certification and try to do it part time so that I can leverage that into something bigger….like owning my own studio of some kind!