She Helped Build Neighborhood Barre. Now She’s Building a Community of Her Own.

Stephanie Arlington had spent years helping Neighborhood Barre grow, first as a studio manager and later as the brand's director of training. She loved the work, but as the franchise expanded, the demands on her time grew with it. Having raised her own children largely as a single mother, Arlington didn't want to miss out on watching her seven grandchildren grow up, too.

When the opportunity came to buy the Powell studio in August 2023, Arlington already knew the people and the business. She had trained the studio's opening team, and taking over meant she could stay with Neighborhood Barre while stepping away from her demanding role as director of training. She still serves as a master trainer and writes content for the brand, but she has more time to spend with her family and the people who come through her studio.

Arlington spoke with 1851 Franchise about her transition from corporate leadership to studio ownership and why she remains committed to the brand she helped build. Here’s what she had to say:

1851 Franchise: Tell us your story in one sentence.

Stephanie Arlington: My history is long; I was a restaurant manager, then I went into dentistry, and then I fell in love with Neighborhood Barre because it gave me a chance to make more of a difference by connecting with people than my previous two careers had. It was more honest and more fulfilling in terms of what I valued in life.

1851: What was happening in your life that made you realize it was time to make a change?

Arlington: I had already been teaching and managing for Neighborhood Barre for a few years, and that’s when we really started to grow as a franchise. As director of training, I was working so much that I was lacking what I needed in my family life. Seven grandchildren had come along, and I didn’t get the chance to spend much time with my own kids when they were little. I was a single mom, and my ex-husband wasn’t very involved.

My husband in my current marriage always supported my growth, and he told me, “You should think about doing this for yourself instead of for others. You really should be focusing more on yourself or you're going to burn out.” I was feeling like I was hitting that point.

The previous owner of the Powell studio, Tabitha, owned an insurance company and wasn’t able to give the studio the focus it needed. I had trained her whole opening team. I knew all the girls and half of their clients already. So I told her, “If you’re serious, I’m interested.”

I stepped down as director of training because I felt it would be a conflict of interest to hold such a high corporate position and be an owner. I didn’t think it was fair for other studio owners to say, “Well, she’s the director of training, so she can do what she wants here.” I stayed on as master trainer, and I still write content for the corporation. Now I’m here for most of the classes, and I have time to plan events and go to them with the ladies. It’s a better quality of life.

1851: Why did you choose this franchise over every other opportunity?

Arlington: I first went because the studio was right next to my work, so we could literally clock out and walk next door. I fell in love with it. It was the friendliness of the staff, of Katy, the founder, and of all the clients. I loved that they offered options so you could modify the class or amp it up for your body. I was dealing with the beginning of arthritis, and other workouts weren’t working for my body. I had gained weight and wasn’t happy with myself. This was a challenging class without being too strenuous on me, and it never got easier. I used to be the HIIT queen, and I love CrossFit, so I need a hard workout. Barre killed me without killing me.

I tried other studios, including when I was visiting family out of state, and it wasn’t the same. Neighborhood Barre has a warm, inviting feeling, especially because we started in the South. You don’t feel like a number; you feel like a person. I always came back to barre.

It’s really about the community. Without that community tethering you, you can go anywhere, but the community is what Neighborhood Barre is so good at building, and that’s what keeps people. It kept me. When people ask if I’ll do my own thing, I say no. I helped build Neighborhood Barre. Why would I leave that? It’s in my heart and my blood.

1851: What is it really like owning a Neighborhood Barre franchise?

Arlington: It’s hard work. You have to be in the studio to make those connections, and if you can’t be there, you need someone you trust. You have to stay on top of communications with your clients, upcoming trends, ordering retail and planning pop-ups and events. You always have to be two to three steps ahead while staying in the thick of things.

You also need a support system. I have a studio manager who’s in charge when I’m out and two lead instructors who help. I don’t have much turnover, which I’m blessed with. But you need to be aware of what’s going on in your instructors’ lives. Right now, I have three who are pregnant, and I have one more who is trying. If all four of them are on maternity leave at the same time, you’re going to see my head spin.

We keep things fun, too. We host events every month, including mahjong nights, pop-ups at a local development, teacher in-service pop-ups at area schools and a puppy yoga class that was a hot mess, in the best way. We’re doing it again in December. And I love my neighbors. We’re in a medical building next to a children’s hospital urgent care, and moms bring their kids to therapy next door while they take class with us.

1851: How has owning this franchise changed your life?

Arlington: It’s brought me peace, comfort and stability. My stress level is very low. My children cause me the most stress, which is how it should be. I never thought I had the capability of being an owner because I’m not a very good delegator. I’m the type who says, “I’ll just do it.” That’s been my biggest challenge, but I have a good staff who ask, “What can I take off your plate?” Being an owner has forced me out of my comfort zone to be more of a leader and to take ownership of my path in life. Owning my franchise has allowed me to have more space for myself and my family.

1851: If your best friend had enough money to buy this franchise tomorrow, what would you tell them?

Arlington: Make sure you get a good location, and be smart about it. Don’t overspend. Be smart about your month-to-month budget, and as you grow your client base, you can take on bigger projects.

Be smart about your hiring, too. Take your time to find the right people instead of hiring the wrong ones and repeating the process down the road. I saw that a lot as director of training: owners hiring just to fill their schedules. Before you open, try to meet a few people in your area and build those relationships, so you’re set up for success right off the bat. Finding the right people is the key.

1851: What's the one thing you wish someone had told you before you bought this franchise?

Arlington: Because I’d been in the system so long, that’s a hard one. The biggest challenge for me has been technology, since I’m not tech-savvy. Social media is my biggest stress, and with AI coming into play, I feel like I can’t keep up with how fast the trends are moving. Bringing someone in to help can be costly, and this is a boutique market, so you have to keep your overhead as low as you can. There are a lot of hands going into your pocket, and before you realize it, you’re paying a little for this and a little for that, and you have no money left to pay yourself. You have to be smart about who you work with.

ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD BARRE

Founded in 2011 by Katy Richardson, Neighborhood Barre delivers a fresh, modern approach to fitness, one that is welcoming, effective and rooted in community spirit. With studios across the United States, Neighborhood Barre combines low-impact, high-results training with an inclusive atmosphere that empowers clients of all fitness levels. For more, please visit www.neighborhoodbarre.com.