We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Diane Numark. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Diane below.

Diane, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in the field that you currently practice in.

Second Mountain – The First Job

My heart raced as I ran from my house to my favorite place in the world, “Pop Physique.” I didn’t want to be late for Michelle’s barre class. It was liberating to drop the kids at pre-school and have a place where friends gather to hangout and get fit. But today, I was nervous. Michelle asked me to stay after class. That had never happened before. I wondered if something was wrong.

I stayed in the lobby and waited for Michelle. “Diane, your form is amazing,” Michelle began, “I have a proposition for you. How would you like to become a barre instructor here? We are always looking for great new instructors.”
My eyes widened in surprise. Teaching? Me? The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying. I had taught dance as a young adult, but gave it up to pursue my TV career. I admired all the barre instructors from the sidelines for so long, but to step into their shoes felt like an entirely different realm.

“Me? Teach barre?” I laughed, my nerves mingling with amusement. “I mean, I’ve never thought about it before. Am I too old, I have kids?”

Michelle chuckled. “You’ve been coming here for years, Diane. You know the format, you understand the technique, and most importantly, you have a natural charisma that draws people in. I believe you can do this.” Encouraged by Michelle’s words, but totally scared. I said no. My mind flooded with self-doubt and uncertainty. But, I smiled and walked away.

However, as the days passed, the idea lingered in my thoughts like an insistent whisper. Images of guiding a class, sharing my love for dance, and inspiring others began to play like a persistent reel in my mind. I found myself analyzing the possibilities, replaying the conversation with Michelle, and imagining the fulfillment that such a role might bring. The more I thought about it, the more my initial hesitation gave way to a growing curiosity and a sense of excitement. I decided to take the leap.

But, there was one more step. I had to tell the Barre Boss. Approaching Elena to secure the job required careful consideration and a dash of courage. She was a captivating blend of intimidation and nurturing care, a force to be reckoned with and a guiding light for her studio. With an air of commanding presence, she carried herself with unwavering confidence, her every step echoing authority and an unyielding commitment to excellence. Her piercing gaze could be intimidating to those who crossed her path, yet behind those sharp eyes lay a deep understanding of each individual’s potential.

I knew that I needed to convey my genuine interest and dedication while also showcasing my capabilities. Taking a deep breath, I chose a moment when Elena seemed approachable, after her class. With a confident yet respectful demeanor, I approached Elena, making sure to maintain eye contact to convey my sincerity.

“Hi, Elena,” I began with a warm smile, “Michelle told me you are hiring, and I would be a great instructor and I’ve been thinking a lot about it. At first, I was a bit unsure, but the more I’ve thought about it, the more excited I’ve become about the idea.”

I went on to express my deep passion for dance, years of training and teaching, and my commitment to the studio’s ethos. Elena listened attentively, her expression a mix of interest and consideration. After a long pause, Elena replied, “I appreciate your openness and enthusiasm, Diane. Teaching is a big responsibility, and I need to think about it.”

I was shocked, and felt 100% rejected. But, with a smile on my face, I thanked her for considering me and told her how much I loved her class. Leaving my ego at the door, I walked home feeling deflated.

Two days later, Elena sent me an email, which essentially said – I believe in nurturing talent within our own community. Training begins this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for three hours a day and lasts for six weeks.

My heart swelled with gratitude and excitement. I had approached Elena with honesty, confidence, and a heartfelt desire to contribute to the studio I held so dear. With Elena’s support and belief in my abilities, I knew I was embarking on a new chapter that could shape my journey in unexpected and rewarding ways.

Lessons learned.
1.Be Open to New Things
2. No doesn’t always really mean No
3. If you really want something, be willing to leave your ego at the door
4. The key to happiness is finding things that make you happy and doing them more.

On a final note: Why do I love barre so much, well explaining a barre class is very difficult. It’s kind of like childbirth and puberty. You have to go through it and get to the other side. Class buzzes with energy, music draws everyone into a symphony of movement with bodies engaging in graceful pliés, fierce leg lifts, and empowering isometric holds, creating a sense of collective momentum. As the class progresses, the camaraderie deepens. Encouraging words and friendly smiles or unpleasant frowns if the move is hard are exchanged, enhancing the sense of community. The music evolves, and with it, the tempo of their exertions. Heart rates soar during cardio intervals, muscles tremble during isometric holds, and a symphony of synchronized breaths fills the air. At the end of class, the room is charged with a triumphant aura, and the participants, breathless but elated, gather for a shared moment of accomplishment.

Diane, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hey there, I’m Diane Numark, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you. My passion for the fitness industry was sparked by a desire to create a space where people could not only get in shape but also feel empowered and confident in their bodies. It all started with my own journey into dance – a form of self-expression that captivated me from the young age of 3. Which is my lucky number. I worked in reality television as a producer for shows like “ABS’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “E!’s True Hollywood Story” and “Blind Date.”

After having kids, I needed a change and wanted to stay home and be a mom. My desire to become more fit took me on daily walks with my daughter in the stroller. And, one day I walked past a billboard that featured a gorgeous woman in a green bikini bottom with a real body. Then, I found out this studio was literally 1 block away from my house. I strolled into the studio and the girl at the desk, named Michelle told me all about Barre. The rest is history.

What sets Barreworks Studio apart is our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. We offer a wide range of services that cater to different preferences and fitness levels. From high-energy trampoline sessions and exhilarating cardio dance classes to the rhythmic intensity of Pound, the explosiveness of PlyoJam, the empowerment of barre boxing, and the classic fun of step aerobics – we have something for everyone.

But it’s not just about the workouts; it’s about building a community. The Barreworks family is a tight-knit group of individuals who support and motivate each other every step of the way. We share successes, tackle challenges, and celebrate milestones together. It’s this sense of camaraderie that truly sets us apart. Our clients aren’t just clients; they’re like family, and together, we accomplish great things.

What makes me most proud is seeing the transformations – not just physical, but emotional and mental as well. Witnessing someone conquer a tough routine, gain confidence, or discover newfound strength is incredibly rewarding. Barreworks Studio isn’t just a place to work out; it’s a place where dreams are realized, limits are pushed, and friendships are forged.

So, if you’re looking for a fitness experience that’s more than just a workout, if you want to be part of a vibrant and supportive community, and if you’re ready to achieve greatness alongside like-minded individuals, then welcome to Barreworks Studio Redondo Beach. Together, we dance, sweat, and inspire each other to become the best versions of ourselves.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND… THEN BE UNDERSTOOD… Stephen Covey

As a small business owner, managing staff is a challenge that I didn’t expect. On a TV set, I learned from the best to treat people with respect and they will respect you in return. I encourage my team to take vacations, I cover for them when they are sick or need a mental health day. I even took a pay cut myself to give an employee a raise. I do not micromanage and I support creativity. I think on a scale of 1 to 10, I aim to be an 11.

However, my bottom line is we need customers and there is plenty of competition. So, when I overheard one of my teachers talking about a class she taught for another studio, I freaked. I asked her to come chat with me in the lobby and it did not go well. It was not the “What”, but the “How.” I was naive. I wish I had just been clever enough to talk to her about the weather, instead I tried to quietly ask her not to talk about another studio. She perceived it as I was laying into her. We both walked away upset and deflated.

In the end, I apologized to her and I genuinely felt terrible for months. Had I only followed the Covey Lesson. Next time…

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

VULNERABILITY WINS

“I’m just so tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us. And if all of that is also true for a doll just representing women, then I don’t even know.” – Barbie Movie

As an owner of a boutique fitness business, I manage as I teach with love, empathy, humor and kindness. But, true constructive criticism is not only helpful, but essential to being top of the game. Just try to put yourself in the shoes of anyone who needs to improve – do it in a way that is empathetic and supportive. Don’t be afraid to admit if something is equally challenging to you and offer up a brainstorm instead of a lecture.

I would add – we can all learn a lot from the wisdom of the Barbie Movie. Women are tired of being compared to other women, so let’s just stop doing that. So many lessons to take from Barbie, and this is my favorite. It applies to every aspect of management. We can not expect perfection, nobody is perfect. But, we are a symphony of excellence when we help each other, support each other and encourage everyone to find their happiness and do it more. Including ourselves.

Happy people are easier to work for. Are you happy? It’s a good question to ask our staff and ourselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.barreworksstudio.com/redondo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barreworks_studio_redondo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarreworksStudioRB
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/barreworks-studio-redondo-beach

Image Credits
Please Credit – Rose Pierce Portrait Photography