We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa Chera a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Melissa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

From Ballet Roots to Building Body and Ballet Collective: My Journey into Creating A New Platform In The Fitness Industry

Growing up, movement was my language. As a young girl, I
did ballet, where every plié and tendu taught me discipline, grace, and the beauty of intentional movement. Those early years on the studio floor weren’t just about dance—they shaped how I saw the body as a canvas for strength and artistry.

Fast forward to adulthood, fitness became my new stage. I explored every trend—classical Pilates, contemporary reformer Pilates, barre, even high-intensity HIIT workouts— But something never quite felt right. In all the many classes I took, I kept spotting a pattern: beneath the flashy rebrands and catchy names, the movements often traced back to ballet’s precise, purposeful forms. It was like seeing a little sparkle of gold buried beneath the ground waiting to be excavated and returned to its original splendor. The further these methods strayed from their roots, the muddier they became.

By the time I was at my final fitness club, post-maternity, I was frustrated. I’d invested time, money, and energy into workouts that promised transformation but delivered lackluster results. I remember being in that crowded studio, surrounded by pulsing music and generic routines, thinking, “This isn’t it.” I wanted more—not just for myself, but for everyone who showed up hoping to feel stronger, more alive. That’s when I took a leap— I started bringing my own props with me to workout and began weaving in PURE ballet movements instead of muddy form. I’d flow through sequences with the precision and elegance I’d learned in my youth as a dancer.

Heads started turning. Other members, even instructors, would come up and talk to me after class asking “What is that prop?” Or telling me how elegant I looked when I’d workout.
And it worked, as my body started to change in ways those trendy classes never achieved, that sparked a fire in me to bring my knowledge to other women who could benefit from PURE Pilates & Barre.

In those moments, my goals crystallized. I wasn’t just chasing personal results anymore; I wanted to share this clarity, this purity of movement, with others. I’d lie awake at night, thinking, “What if I could create a space where people move with intention, where fitness feels like art?” My aspiration wasn’t just to open a studio—it was to redefine fitness, stripping away the fluff and bringing it back to something authentic and effective. I wanted to build a community where people could discover the strength and grace I
I’d known in the origin of Pilates and Barre— ballet without the dilution and bad form.

There wasn’t a traditional “first job” or recruiting process for me because I carved my own path. Instead of applying for a role, I created one. In January 2025, I took a deep breath and opened Body and Ballet Collective in Nashville. I poured everything into it: my savings, my vision, my belief that people were hungry for something real. Looking back, the process was less about landing a job and more about building a movement. There were no interviews or résumés—just late nights designing classes, finding the perfect space, and spreading the word to anyone who’d listen.

Was it worth it? Absolutely. Body and Ballet Collective has become more than I ever dreamed. In less than a year, we’ve been voted one of Modern Luxury’s top three best new fitness spots in Nashville, Featured as Bala’s Studio Edit, Won A Who’s Who Award, and have 500+ glowing five-star reviews.

Standing in the studio now, watching clients move with confidence and joy, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. That young girl who fell in love with ballet could never have imagined this, but she’d be proud. I’m not just teaching fitness—I’m sharing a piece of my heart, one plié at a time.

Melissa, 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?

Meet the Visionary Behind Body & Ballet Collective: A Journey of Resilience and Grace

My journey into fitness wasn’t a straight line—it’s a story of rediscovery, resilience, and a deep-rooted love for movement. Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and a few years ago, after the birth of my daughter, I faced an unexpected challenge: I became legally blind. That moment could have dimmed my vision for the future, but you don’t need to have great vision to be a visionary.

I saw clearly my path to founding Body & Ballet Collective in January 2025 dispite my visual impairment, I knew what I wanted to build—a fitness haven that feels like home, with real community, and safe, effective workouts that become the highlight of your day.

What sets us apart?
Our method was created under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist for a “smarter workout.” and offers comprehensive fitness that strengthens the body’s most vulnerable areas—knees, ankles, hip flexors, and rotator cuffs—the things that often fail us as we age. Whether you’re a busy mom, a seasoned athlete, or someone rediscovering fitness later in life, our small, intimate classes (capped at eight clients) provide personalized attention in a peaceful fitness environment.

We solve the problem of ineffective, one-size-fits-all workouts by offering a tailored approach that’s as kind to your body as it is transformative. Our clients leave feeling stronger, more confident, and connected to their bodies in a way that trendy fitness fads can’t match.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a Reputation with Love: The Heart of Body & Ballet Collective

When I opened Body & Ballet Collective I had a vision: to create a fitness studio that wasn’t just about movement but about meaning. What truly built our reputation? It’s not just our PURE Pilates and Barre workouts or our fun partnerships with brands like Bala and Lucky Honey—it’s the love we pour into every person who walks through our doors. As a Christian company, we’ve built a studio that’s more like a sanctuary, creating a space that feels like home.

From the moment you step into our studio, you can feel something different. It’s not just the soft lighting—it’s a holy presence, a sense of peace that wraps around you like a warm blanket. Our Christian values guide everything we do, from the way we welcome newcomers to the way we listen when life gets heavy. Whether someone’s moving to Nashville and navigating the isolation of a new city or facing personal challenges, we’re there—not just as instructors, but as a community that cares.

Our reputation grew because we invest in relationships. What makes us stand out— Love.

Any advice for managing a team?

Leading with Heart: My Advice for Managing a Team

Running Body & Ballet Collective has taught me that a company’s strength lies in its people. When I opened our doors in January 2025, I knew our success would hinge on the team I built.

My advice for managing a team? Hire people who care, be the heart center of your company, and put your employees first. They are the ones who bring your vision to life, and at Body & Ballet Collective, our warm, welcoming community flows from me to my team to our clients like a radiant wave.

The first step is hiring people who genuinely care—not just about the job, but about the mission. When I interview potential instructors or staff, I don’t just look at their credentials; I look at their heart. Do they light up when they talk about helping others? I’ve learned that skills can be taught, but passion can’t.

As a leader, I see myself as the heart center of Body & Ballet Collective, My vision, my faith, and my love for what we do radiate outward, first to my team.
I prioritize their well-being—checking in on their lives, offering flexibility, and fostering an environment where they feel valued and heard. A company is only as strong as its employees, and they’re often the only face our clients see. If my team feels supported, they carry that warmth into every client interaction. Our clients feel that sincerity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bodyandballet.co
• Instagram: @bodyandballetco
• Facebook: @bodyandballetco
• Twitter: @bodyandballetco