From Client to Franchisee: How barre3’s Studio Model Turned Stephanie Nielson’s Recovery into a Business Opportunity

After rebuilding her life through barre3, Stephanie Nielson is opening her own studio

When Stephanie Nielson opens her barre3 studio in Pittsboro, North Carolina, later this year, it won’t just be a business milestone.

In 2008, Nielson survived a catastrophic plane crash that left her with burns over 80% of her body. She spent months in a coma and years in recovery.

“After the accident, I was healthy in some ways but completely broken in others,” she told Athletech News. “I didn’t recognize myself. Movement was painful and worse, I resented what I had lost.”

She was hesitant to return to group fitness until 2018, when her then-teenage daughter encouraged her to try a barre3 class.

“I was nervous. I’ve been both silently and openly judged because of my outward injuries — the scars, the stares — it can be exhausting,” she said. “But that first class felt completely different. The energy in the room said: You belong here. We’re just glad you showed up. I wasn’t defined by what had happened to me. I was a mom, working out with her daughter.”

That experience sparked a connection that would evolve into something more. “I was hooked,” she stated. “I loved the music, the movements, the instructors — but mostly, I loved that the class was functional. It was helping me move through life, not just through a workout. That clicked for me.”

Nielson’s path from loyal client to franchisee is not an outlier. Barre3 CEO and co-founder Sadie Lincoln told ATN it’s part of a broader pattern within the brand’s 207+ location system.

“Stephanie’s story is deeply moving, but what’s remarkable is how many of our franchise owners started out just like her — as clients who had an ‘ah-ha’ moment,” Lincoln said. “That personal connection to our method is the first thing we look for when considering potential owners. It’s not just about financial qualifications; it’s about alignment with our values.”

Lincoln noted that barre3 has been refining its franchise support systems for nearly two decades. “From day one, we surround new owners with resources,” she said. “We guide them through site selection, pre-opening milestones and grand opening strategy. In the first year, we’re especially high-touch — there are weekly coaching sessions, performance groups and access to our B3 Hub, which houses training modules for everything from staff onboarding to KPI tracking.”

Most importantly, barre3 emphasizes instructor development. “We believe the quality of our classes drives everything — from retention to referrals,” Lincoln explained. “So, our instructor training and ongoing development programs are core to the business. Owners like Stephanie don’t just get operations support; they’re plugged into a living network of mentorship and continuing education.”

For Nielson, the decision to pursue studio ownership was less about entrepreneurship and more about extending the sense of belonging she found through the brand. “My accident taught me that everyone carries scars — some visible, some not,” she said. “I want my studio to be a place where people feel safe to show up as they are. Because that’s what barre3 gave me: acceptance, strength and a path forward.”

As she prepares for her May 2025 opening, Nielson is already connecting with the local community in Pittsboro — a town with growing interest in wellness but limited boutique fitness options. “There’s often a misconception that group fitness is only for people who look a certain way, wear a certain brand, or are already fit,” she said. “But I think when people see me, they understand that this space is for everyone. If I can move — and thrive — in this environment, so can they.”

That message, Lincoln stated, is part of what makes the barre3 model so sustainable. “Our brand is built on inclusivity, mindfulness and local relevance,” she explained. “We provide the infrastructure — marketing, branding, systems — but owners bring their own voice and story to the table. That’s how we scale with integrity.”

All barre3 locations are independently owned and operated, with the majority led by women who own one or two studios.

“Stephanie reminds all of us why we do this,” said Lincoln. “She’s not just opening a studio — she’s creating space for others to feel seen, supported and strong.”