BABE #21: RACHEL ROBERTSON-BROWN,Owner @ PBTP + PBJC

I met Rachel the very first time I decided to take a Pure Barre class at her studio. Now 10 months and over 100 classes later, she can't get rid of me. Rachel does such an incredible job at running the studio that she's in the process of opening her second! She always has a positive attitude and her passion for what she does is so apparent. She makes her clients feel so comfortable and welcome, and the overall morale of the studio and staff is something a babe who hustles can truly appreciate. Jacksonville babes - stay tuned for a special Pure Barre discount class pass at the end of this interview! ;) Welcome, Rach!

The Basics:

Hometown: Miami, FL
Current city: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Alma mater: University of North Florida
Degree: Bachelors in Business Management & Public Relations
Hustle: Owner @ Pure Barre Jacksonville - Tapestry Park & Julington Creek

The Interests:

Babe you admire and why?
My mother is one of the strongest, most selfless, and loving people I have ever known. She is always doing things for others, and the way she chooses to live her life has always inspired me.

How do you spend your free time?
Although watching movies is one of my favorite things to do, I am usually always at the studio teaching class, taking class, or managing things behind the scenes. When I do find downtime, movies have always relaxed me. My husband and I are also big foodies and love trying out restaurants together. 

Go-to adult beverage?
Dirty martini.

Must-have item in your purse?
Lipstick and mascara. I find that if I have these two things with me, the day always goes a little bit smoother. ;) 

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The Hustle:

Tell us about your hustle:
I am the owner of two Pure Barre studios in Jacksonville, FL - Pure Barre Tapestry Park (PBTP) + Pure Barre Julington Creek (PBJC - opening soon!)

What does your typical workday look like?
When you run your own business, every day is different. Some days I'm at the studio until 10pm, and sometimes I just sleep there. Throughout the day, I can be found teaching, training potential teachers, running the front desk, choosing inventory for next year, planning events, restocking supplies, running the social media or cleaning toilets. Being a business owner, you wear a variety of hats. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What did you do before opening your studios?
For three years after college, I worked as the Lead Event Planner for a community in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL called Nocatee. I organized all of the resident events and activities, as well as managed their monthly farmers market and served as a liaison between the builders and the community development district. 

How did you get involved with Pure Barre?
I began taking classes in Jacksonville Beach and truly fell in love with the technique. It changed the way I looked at working out, it changed my body - it actually worked. I knew I had to take a leap of faith and look into opening my own. It turned out to be the best decision I've made for my career.

What's your fitness background like, and what made you choose PB? 
My fitness background is mainly in cheerleading; I cheered my entire life and competitively through high school. I danced at a local dance academy on the side as well. While I've always tried to stay active and love being part of a team, group fitness has always been a back and fourth game with me - I would be so into one thing for a while and then move onto the next. Nothing stuck. When I tried Pure Barre, it all changed. It was in the way the class flowed, the constant challenge, the music, the teachers, the community; everything about the experience pulled me in. I have been taking Pure Barre for nearly 5 years and teaching for 3, and I am still excited before each class starts.
 

What was it like to make the switch from a 9-5 job to being your own boss?
It was, and still is, exciting and terrifying - basically a big mixture of emotions and feelings. I have learned more about myself than I could have ever imagined, I am the most fulfilled that I have ever been, and I know this is what I am meant to do.

What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced as a business owner, and how’d you overcome it?
Delegating and trusting others. It is harder than it sounds, especially for a control freak like me. With the addition of the new studio, it has become vital to make sure I have a strong team that I can truly depend on when I can’t be there. It takes a lot of time and long nights of doing all the work, before feeling comfortable to choose individuals to be a part of the team. I didn’t want to just bring on people to have them - each person on my team is carefully chosen and I take a lot of pride in making sure the team blends and each person feels respected and important. At first I felt like I could never give things up, and that I could do it all, but the truth is you have to be able to lean on others to help you accomplish your goals.  

What is your advice for someone who might be intimidated to give PB a try?
Our goal is for each person that walks into the studio to know there is zero judgment - you are welcome no matter your fitness level. We ensure your most sufficient workout by tailoring it to your needs - Pure Barre is all about the individual. Our teachers spend months training to ensure your class is not only challenging, but also enjoyable! Pure Barre requires you to focus and find the connection between your mind and body, giving you the opportunity to just forget about everything else for an hour. Our teachers will always provide you with individual attention and positive support to ensure you feel stronger and more confident leaving class than you did when you arrived.
 

How do you find a work/life balance?
I make sure that I take time for myself, whether it is exercise, or volunteering. I am currently training for a race, which is a big deal for me considering running is not my strong suit. Getting that time outdoors clears my mind, and it has been a good challenge for me. I also make sure to spend quality time with my husband and friends. We try and have at least one night set aside for just us. Make dates and keep them! Even if there is a ton of work you could be doing, nothing is more important than friends and family at the end of the day.


Do you have any additional community involvement?
In college, I served as President of Kappa Delta, my sorority at UNF. I was recently asked to join the Chapter Advisory Board for the Leadership Council in the sorority, and it is one of my favorite things to do. It provides me with another opportunity to serve the community, and I love being able to reconnect with sisters and learn from other leaders. 

Any advice for other babes?
Take chances, and know it is okay to make mistakes before you get where you're going. You can change your mind and you can try new things, and in the end it will all make sense - I truly believe that. Take opportunities that scare you. The ones that take you out of your comfort zone are the ones that are the most rewarding. 

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Follow PBTP + PBJC

Tapestry Park // Instagram | Facebook | Website
Julington Creek // Instagram | Facebook | Website

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Jacksonville Babes: Join us in class!

Present the following coupon at Pure Barre Jacksonville - Tapestry Park (PBTP) for an exclusive $5 Babes Who Hustle first-time class discount! ($12 value) // Questions? Email babeswhohustle@gmail.com.

We know group fitness can be intimidating, but we want to help give you that extra push to give it a try. Skip that next Starbucks run and put your $5 toward a killer workout instead! Babes Who Hustle personally knows, loves and supports the PBTP community and we know you will too.