Dream Job Profile: Susie Grobler of Pure Barre Anchorage
image c/o: Susie Grobler | via: @purebarreanchorage
Name:
Susie Grobler
Hometown:
Clyde Park, MT
Occupation:
Owner and Establisher, Pure Barre Anchorage
Located at: 3700 Old Seward Highway Suite 5 Anchorage, AK 99503
*Next to New Sagaya Midtown*
image c/o: Susie Grobler | via: @purebarreanchorage
How and when did Pure Barre Anchorage become a reality?
I am a Montana girl through and through. I grew up living a very active lifestyle - from volleyball to skiing to horseback riding, and then during my time at Montana State University, I discovered Pure Barre. I fell in love with the 50 minutes of intense, body changing workouts.
After college, I moved to Anchorage to pursue a career in engineering in a place that catered to my active lifestyle, but during my four years there I realized I was missing something. I was feeding my Pure Barre craving in my living room, working my way through the entire Pure Results DVD collection multiple times.
Through my involvement in the community - whether it be the young professionals I work with, the ladies at the stable, or my regulars at Double Shovel - I realized I’m not the only one with a Pure Barre shaped hole in my life. I’ve been looking for an opportunity to invest my personal wealth in a meaningful way, and it dawned on me that I could solve two problems at once. This franchise would allow me to financially invest in something that I am passionate about, and introduce my community to the Pure Barre experience that they didn’t know they were missing.
What was the biggest challenge in getting started?
Making a long-term commitment to both the business and rooting in Anchorage as well as making a major career change. Also, shipping, shipping to Alaska is a giant pain :)
image c/o: Susie Grobler | via: @purebarreanchorage
What did/do you do to overcome doubt/stay inspired to continue to pursue your dream?
Growing up our dinner table conversations were always about business ideas and how to grow and evolve in what we were currently doing. My dad loves talking business and always challenged us to think of the next big thing that might take off. My parents have been fundamental in supporting and inspiring me to grow and challenge not only myself but the community and those around me.
Back in October, we started doing pop-up classes at Lululemon in Anchorage and over 50 people showed up. After the class, the amount of support and interest was absolutely astounding. People expressed to me the classes were everything they were missing and looking for. Others were truly falling in love with Pure Barre in front of me and those moments inspire me greatly- especially during the last few months of the business start-up hustle and bustle.
How does one start as an Engineer and decide to open a Pure Barre?
I went into engineering because I have a family of engineers and was good at math. So basically just like everyone else career decisions. I love the intellectual challenge of being a rotating equipment engineer for BP, it has enabled me to gain a lot of technical expertise that I can transition into real life especially with troubleshooting. But in the end, being a rotational slope worker is not where I see myself for the next ten years - so I am opening up a Pure Barre to shape the life that I see fit for myself.
image c/o: Susie Grobler | via: @purebarreanchorage
What can one expect during a typical Pure Barre class?
Pure Barre is an exercise made for everybody! It works for any age, fitness level, and gender. No dance or fitness experience necessary. Pure Barre is a total body workout that uses a ballet barre and your own body weight. The goal is to work every muscle group to fatigue while stretching in between to create a long lean physique.
Classes are 50 minutes and focus on areas we struggle with most: seat, hips, thighs, abs, and arms. The flow of class is always the same but you will never do the same exercises and the upbeat music is always changing. It starts out with a warm up in the center of the room followed by a weight section. In Pure Barre we use small weights (less than 5lbs) and small movements to really fatigue the muscles. The rest of class is done in combination at the barre and on the floor. You will work your thighs, then your seat and then get deep into the core muscles. All major sections are followed by a stretch which gives you the long lean muscle!
You do not need ANY dance experience to do Pure Barre, if you can hold onto a ballet barre, you can do it! It is a non-impact workout designed for people of all ages and fitness levels, anyone can do it!
Besides from seat kicking class, the studio also offers athleisure apparel and other retail. Brands include Pure Barre Brand apparel, Beyond Yoga, Onzie and much more. Pure Barre Anchorage really focuses on apparel that is convenient to wear to and from class, and have many layering pieces for our cold winters.
What should clients plan to wear to class?
For class, make sure you wear leggings or capri length pants/shorts- this helps keep your muscles warm as we work them to fatigue. Wear a top that fully covers your midriff and make sure you bring socks (our sticky socks are highly recommended). Bring water to stay hydrated and a sweat towel is optional. We will provide all of your other equipment!
Don't fret if you don't have sticky socks for your first class! We will have plenty available for purchase in the studio. They come in lots of fun colors and prints! <3
image c/o: Susie Grobler | via: @purebarreanchorage
What do you look forward to most about opening the doors of the studio?
I am super excited to get a home base out of the studio, not only for myself but for my clients. It's going to be an incredibly cozy but also safe space for people to connect and find their best selves. I've honestly never walked into a Pure Barre studio across the country and not been uplifted by a fellow client or instructor. I can't wait to create that same environment in my studio.
What is some advice you wish someone had given to you when you just started out:
Start everything earlier than you think. I’m not a huge procrastinator but things always pile up. :)
image c/o: Susie Grobler | via: @purebarreanchorage
What is your daily mantra?
My family is German and my Mom always told me: “Mut zur Lücke” It means that sometimes you just need to have the courage to take a step forward, even if all you see is a big empty space.
How can readers sign up for Pure Barre classes and specials?
Currently, we are selling a Pre-Opening Special of 5 weeks of unlimited classes for only $99. This special goes away once the studio is open but you can activate it whenever you are ready. It won’t expire for an entire year after the studio doors open. Follow this link to get signed up now:
https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=640019&stype=43&prodid=100003
image c/o: Susie Grobler | via: @purebarreanchorage