2017 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Staples Start-up Award Finalist: Marlo Brausse

Marlo Brausse

Owner/President, Barre Body Studio

Staples Start-up Award, WEST

Barre Body Studio offers group fitness classes which incorporate elements of yoga, Pilates, and dance to sculpt, define, and shape your body, all while using the ballet barre. The classes give participants a new and exciting challenge by combining the best of three worlds in one fitness class. Each class is choreographed to top 40 music and delivered in a high-energy and supportive atmosphere — Barre Body Studio strives to create an environment where all levels of fitness are welcomed. In addition to drop-in fitness classes, specialty classes such Mom and baby classes, Form Workshops, Teen classes, and Prenatal fitness are offered and each location also includes a retail boutique of branded apparel, grip socks which are worn in classes, and a variety of fitness apparel.

What is the one piece of advice that you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Simon Sinek speaks in great length about the importance of knowing your ‘why’ because it you will allow you to tolerate your ‘how’. I learned this early on and am so thankful for the mentors that have helped me along the way. The road to entrepreneurship is a long one and can be lonely at times. If you already eat, sleep and breath your ‘why’ then I have no doubt that you will put in the work to master the ‘how’ which will get you there.

What, if anything, are you doing differently to prepare for the next stage of success?

We have spent the past year focused on building a strong reputation by offering quality services. A great deal of our world operates within a ‘bigger is better’ mentality when in fact we have seen huge success by focusing inward instead of outward. Understanding our product offering, investing in our resources and staying current in the fitness industry has pushed us forward and will continue to do so as we position ourselves for second stage growth.

Who else are we celebrating? See all of the 2017 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award finalists.