Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Godfrey.
Julie has an extensive background in health and fitness. She spent her childhood dancing and went on to earn a BFA degree in Dance Performance from Kent State University. While pursuing a dance career in NYC, Julie was teaching group fitness classes for additional income. That’s when she realized she had a real passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals and ultimately live healthier lives. It was that passion that led her back to Pennsylvania to complete her Masters in Exercise and Wellness Promotion. An internship at Texans drew Julie to Dallas and she hasn’t looked back.
Prior to opening The Barre Code Plano in August of 2015, she had worked for 11 years in corporate fitness and wellness. She has a wealth of experience from running corporate fitness centers, to working as a Health Coach, assisting individuals with improving their health status through healthy eating and physical activity, to managing corporate wellness programs for Fortune 500 companies trying to lower their healthcare costs through wellness interventions.Julie had taught Pilates and other group fitness formats for many years as her “fun” job in the evenings after work. She frequented other local fitness studios for her own workouts and that’s how she discovered The Barre Code, after a visit to the Dallas-Design District location.
With her fitness background, it took a lot to impress Julie, and she was immediately intrigued by The Barre Code’s classes and philosophy. It seems like a blur now, but she essentially went from having no intention of opening her own business to applying for a Barre Code franchise. After struggling for many years with a negative body image, The Barre Code’s philosophy of building strength from the inside-out, and taking the focus off aesthetic motivators, was extremely refreshing and appealing to Julie. She was compelled to spread the message of positive body image and to build a community of women in Plano who support one another. That’s essentially how The Barre Code Plano was born.
TBC Plano has grown an amazing community of women in just a little over 2 years and has been named The Best Gym for Women in Plano, by Plano Magazine the last 2 years.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nobody could prepare me for business ownership and the long hours, sweat and tears involved. Although my husband has a business (Paradigm Soccer Performance), our journeys are very different. I worked my corporate job right up until 3 weeks prior to the studio opening. Although it was extremely difficult to manage both jobs, it did prepare me for all of the jugglings I would be doing as a business owner.
My studio is my baby and I have basically been giving it the same 24-hour care a parent would give to their child. Eventually, I had to accept that to truly run a successful business, I had to also have a life outside of the studio. I can’t truly service my team and my community if I’m not also taking care of myself. It’s a learning process, but I’m working towards a better work-life balance in 2018.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Barre Code Plano – what should we know?
The Barre Code Plano is the most unique and inspiring group of women I’ve ever had the honor to be a part of. From the moment you walk through our studio doors, you are greeted with a warm smile and immediately feel welcome and part of something. Our classes are very effective and the workouts speak for themselves, but the community is what truly keeps our clients come back month after month and year after year.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My team plays a huge role in our success. Even though I have a large presence in the studio, I can’t be there all of the time. Every interaction a client has with a member of our team must be a positive one. I have worked to build a team that shares the same passion for helping women to live more positive lives. Many of our community members (clients) have also played a huge part in our growth. I would say our number one marketing source is referrals. It’s also very common that when a new clients comes in for their first class, one of our veteran clients will also take them under their wing and help to ease any nerves they may have.
Pricing:
- First Time Studio Visit: $12.00
- New Client Unlimited Month: $99
- 15% off for students, teachers, and military/ law enforcement
Contact Info:
- Address: 4757 W. Park Blvd. Suite 112
- Website: www.thebarrecode.com/studios/plano
- Phone: 469-298-0482
- Email: Plano@Thebarrecode.com
- Instagram: barrecode_plano
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBarreCodePlano
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-barre-code-plano-plano-4
Image Credit:
Allison Davis photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
