Barre3: Sadie Lincoln (2017)

The 'How I Built This with Guy Raz' episode featuring Sadie Lincoln, the founder of Barre3, delves into her journey from an unconventional upbringing to becoming a leader in the boutique fitness industry. Sadie's story begins with her unique childhood, raised in a collective by her mother and her friends, which instilled in her a sense of community and the value of intuition over following prescribed formulas. This foundation laid the groundwork for her future entrepreneurial endeavors.

Despite her non-traditional background, Sadie's desire for normalcy led her to pursue cheerleading and eventually a corporate job at 24 Hour Fitness, where she met her husband, Chris. The couple's dissatisfaction with the corporate world and their personal fitness experiences led them to a pivotal moment: Chris proposed selling everything they owned to create a life that felt meaningful and free. This idea evolved into the concept for Barre3, a fitness company that would focus on sustainability, community, and intuitive movement, rather than strict exercise regimens.

Barre3's first studio opened in Portland, Oregon, with Sadie teaching numerous classes and building a dedicated following. The business model quickly expanded through franchising, with a focus on empowering other entrepreneurs to own and operate their studios. Despite the rapid growth and the pressure to conform to fitness industry norms, Sadie remained committed to her vision of a health and wellness company that prioritized long-term well-being over short-term results.

As Barre3 gained popularity, Sadie faced the challenge of balancing her role as a public figure with her personal values. She experimented with traditional marketing techniques, which led to a disconnection from her core beliefs. However, feedback from her community prompted her to reevaluate and ultimately reject the conventional fitness narrative, reaffirming her commitment to the original ethos of Barre3.