February 11th 2024.
Ashley Allen may only be 33 years old, but she has already achieved impressive success as an entrepreneur. At the young age of 21, she embarked on her journey as a business owner and now owns two Pure Barre fitness franchises. Pure Barre, a boutique fitness concept that combines Pilates, yoga, and ballet, offers a variety of effective and low-impact workouts for people of all fitness levels. Part of the Xponential Fitness family of brands, Pure Barre has gained a loyal following for its high-intensity, full-body workouts that focus on strength, agility, and flexibility.
In 2023, Allen celebrated 11 years in business for her first studio, Pure Barre Greenwich, and her second studio in White Plains, NY, is approaching its fifth year. Her entrepreneurial achievements at such a young age have not gone unnoticed, as she has accomplished more than most people twice her age. In an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Allen shared that she always knew she wanted to study Exercise Science. She had been teaching at a local Pure Barre studio for about a year when she began considering the idea of owning her own franchise during her senior year at Temple University.
While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Allen also obtained a National Academy of Sports Medicine personal training certification and CSCS certification to expand her knowledge in the field. After college, she was drawn to the idea of being in a big city and decided to open her first studio in Greenwich, CT, just 45 minutes from New York City.
Entrepreneurship runs in Allen's blood, and she has been inspired by both her father and a former employer. Her father owned a clothing store for many years and now owns a boutique hotel in Jamaica. Allen recalls attending her father's monthly team meetings for his employees and being impressed by his leadership and connection with his team, even during challenging times. She also worked at a local arts and crafts store in high school, where she admired the owner's hands-on approach and genuine care for her employees.
Allen's journey from instructor to franchise owner is fairly unique and has given her valuable insight into running a successful business. She first experienced Pure Barre as a participant at an instructor training in Denver, Colorado, and fell in love with the workout. Having been an instructor and deeply connected to the brand, Allen can lead by example for her employees. Her familiarity with the programming and leading a great class allows her to train strong teachers and maintain the high quality of classes at her studios. Despite the challenges of running a business, such as the unexpected amount of work, Allen's hands-on experience as an instructor has helped her understand and connect with her employees on a personal level.
While funding was not a challenge for Allen, thanks to support from her family and a venture capitalist, she has faced other obstacles in her journey. Hiring and retaining top talent, especially instructors who can lead a room of 20-plus members, has been a major challenge for her small businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic also presented a significant hurdle, with Allen's White Plains studio closed for six months and Greenwich for three months. However, she remained resilient and found ways to keep her community engaged through virtual classes, social media, and outdoor events before reopening her studios.
Another challenge Allen has faced is opening her first location in an area where she was not part of the community. In hindsight, she wishes she had done more community outreach to establish herself and build connections outside of her studio. Still, she remains focused on her current studios and clientele and has no immediate plans for expansion. However, she is open to future ventures down the road.
For those considering entrepreneurship, Allen suggests exploring the boutique fitness sector, especially in a post-pandemic world where health and wellness are becoming increasingly important to people. She encourages others to connect with a brand or workout they are passionate about and consider opening a studio in their community. Allen feels lucky to be her own boss and make a positive impact on her community every day through her Pure Barre studios.
In conclusion, Ashley Allen's success with Pure Barre is a testament to her determination, hard work, and passion for fitness and entrepreneurship. Despite facing challenges and obstacles along the way, she has remained resilient and continues to inspire others with her story.
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