Cheers to an Amazing 2017

We want to thank you for such a great 2017!  Because of YOU, Elite Barre grew 127%!  It was a phenomenal year for us, putting Elite Barre on the map as a leading niche studio in Redding.
 
​There are several items to mention and reflect on as we look back…
 
As a recap for those just joining us, we closed our Henderson studio doors and moved to our Bechelli location in the fall of 2016.  As we did so, we redesigned our membership benefits platform and revamped our pricing schedule.  Previously, our pricing schedule only offered drop-in classes and month-to-month memberships. Long-term membership commitments didn’t exist yet. We also launched MindBody as our Point of Sale software for attendance tracking, sales, online class scheduling and more. 
 
In late November 2016, we opened our new Bechelli studio with minimal floor space and no mirrors due to a construction setback, delaying our opening.  Being without a studio for almost four weeks was a challenge. Fortunately, we had launched our exclusive Elite Barre video before construction began, allowing members to maintain their Barre regimen during the down time between studios. 
 
In January 2017, we hit the ground running!  We participated in the annual Redding Health Expo at the Civic Auditorium. It was a fantastic day for us, making new friends and increasing Barre awareness.  Hilary, our former instructor, began teaching for us again after taking a six-month break.  She never left and kept taking classes while she was on her break. I think she missed teaching. We welcomed her back with open arms.  Because of Hilary, we were able to keep our 6:00 am Barre class and clients happy. At that time, we also launched our Beginning Barre class, which allows our intro level ladies to learn at a comfortable pace. We focus on form, technique, gaining strength and building confidence in order to advance on and enjoy regular Barre classes.  We also revamped our Bootcamps from being a monthly fitness challenge to every other month.  The four-week program was adjusted to a more effective three-week program, bringing the participation - completion rate up to 90% from the previous 75% of the original four-week program.
 
In late spring, Lisa joined our team after being a loyal client for over a year.  She launched the 12:15 pm Barre Express class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She took a leadership role and dove in with both feet!  Being the career girl that she is, this was a perfect fit for us.  Lisa is a natural and has helped us build our lunchtime classes and clientele.
 
In June 2017, Kim (our friend and neighboring business owner) also joined our team, launching the Wednesday 6:00 am class.  Kim taught for three months and unfortunately injured her knee at her home, which led to a necessary surgery.  She hopes to come back and rejoin the team after her recovery.
 
Throughout the summer and fall of 2017, we were busy with promotions, events and launching two new classes: our very popular Stretch and Team Barre classes.
 
We celebrated our second business anniversary on September 16th, 2017.  It was a fabulous event, filled with smiles and tears of joy.  Much love was expressed and exchanged between members and instructors.
 
Late November, we hosted our second annual post-Thanksgiving Detox Barre: a two-hour Barre class shedding unwanted holiday goodies with hard work and detoxifying liquids.  It was another hit!
 
In December, Holly joined our team and we are thrilled to have her.  She teaches our 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm classes and is a wonderful addition to our studio.  She delivers a fun and challenging workout.  We also hosted our first annual Holiday Bazaar.  It was such a fun day showcasing nine of our business owners.  We are looking forward to offering it again this year.
 
We completed six Bootcamps in 2017, with a total of 75 participants, averaging 12 ladies per Bootcamp. The Bootcamp numbers were impressive! Our participants lost a grand total of 703 inches and 235 pounds!  703 inches is almost 20 yards of unnecessary tissue!  That’s an average of over 9 inches and 3+ pounds per person GONE. Simply fabulous results indicative of immense dedication and commitment.
 
2018 has started off with a bang! We’ve launched our new class schedule, adding 6:30 pm classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, as well as adding back the 4:15 pm classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  We’ve also added a second Barre class on Saturdays at 10:00 am, meeting demands due to continued growth.
 
I am happy to announce Carrie will be rejoining our team as a Barre instructor, soon to be teaching the 4:15 pm classes. She is going to be an amazing instructor. Carrie’s backgrounds consist of Pilates and Martial Arts.  We are super excited to have her.
 
With the New Year well upon us, we are off to a fantastic start, welcoming new faces and new energy into our studio.  We intend to continue this year with the same Bootcamp schedule as last year; every other month – January, March, May, July, September and October.  However upon requests, we are currently in the middle of our first February Bootcamp.  Stay tuned; we may be having a Bootcamp in April.  Please let us know if you are interested.
 
Special mention to our two ladies who work so hard behind the scenes, Robin and Tiffany.  I am so blessed to have these two lovely ladies by my side, helping with graphic arts on our website, Facebook, Instagram, Google, and Yelp, as well as all of the work that goes into Bootcamps, recognition, promotions, incentives and more.  I love these ladies like sisters. 
 
And finally, we would like to recognize and thank our professional photographers who made us look so good in our Bootcamp photos: Lynette Penick with URmyART Studios and Monica Frere with Creative Portraits.
 
With all of this excitement, we are anticipating another incredible year of growth.  We appreciate you, your energy, enthusiasm, and the way you continue to share with your friends, family, coworkers and more. 
 
Thank you!
 
 
Your Elite Barre Team,
 
Michele, Robin, Tiffany, Hilary, Lisa, Holly & Carrie
 

---