This weeks Meet a Mom is Michelle Gimbutis, owner of The Barre Code East Lansing. In 2014, Michelle was a new mom and struggling with what form of fitness she actually enjoyed. She was introduced to The Barre Code in the metro Detroit area through a friend. “I wanted a distraction-free environment where I could just focus on me,” she explains. Michelle was nervous to try something so new to her, but she was hooked after the first class!
The Barre Code offers group fitness classes like barre, boot camp, cardio kickboxing and strength training. Their mission statement: to offer in-class fitness program for everybody and every BODY, while promoting personal growth and self acceptance in an environment where women support one another and they do just that!
Fast forward to 2018 – Michelle got word that the franchise was looking to open a location in the East Lansing area. The Michigan State alum and mom of two felt like it was a sign to move her family back to her college town to share her passion for The Barre Code. And she did just that. Michelle took the leap and hasn’t looked back – opening The Barre Code East Lansing studio located in the Trowbridge Plaza.
This week Michelle is celebrating her 3rd anniversary of opening her studio doors! She balances her busy mompreneur life with a sense of humor that is refreshing and relatable, follow along on her IG stories for all the #boymom jokes! Oh and don’t forget the cocktails 😉
Welcome, Michelle!
Hi Michelle! Please introduce yourself
Thanks for having me! I’m Michelle Gimbutis, owner of The Barre Code East Lansing. The Barre Code is a fitness studio that offers cardio, strength and restorative classes that are intentionally designed to help people find appreciation and love for their bodies within every stage of their fitness journey.
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I’m originally from Shelby Township in northern Metro Detroit, and currently live in Haslett.
You’re a mom! How many kids do you have and what are their ages? What is your favorite thing about being a mom?
I have two boys, they are 8 and almost 6! It’s hard to say what my one favorite thing about mom’ing is, but one of the best things is watching them “experience” life. Seeing holiday celebrations, new places and experiences, etc. through my kids’ eyes is so special.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a family around the Greater Lansing area?
We love getting out to explore all the walking trails, biking around MSU, and kayaking with River Town Adventures.
What are your go to restaurants and shops in the Greater Lansing area?
My husband and I both graduated from MSU, and Crunchy’s is still our favorite local restaurant. I live in athleisure wear,haha, but when I want to shop for “real clothes,” one of my first stops is always Sweetlees Boutique. It’s owned by a friend of mine who is another local mama!
What’s your favorite thing to do when you need some “me” time?
Moving my body – whether that’s just taking class at my studio or just getting out for a long walk with the dog, I’m always in a much better mood when I get some movement in.
You are the owner of the fitness studio-The Barre Code® in East Lansing! Please tell us how you got started in the fitness industry and how you became involved with The Barre Code®.
I started as a Barre Code client in Metro Detroit! It made such a huge impact on my life that I wanted to bring it to a new community. The Barre Code is a franchise, and I knew they were targeting East Lansing for a location – after lots of soul searching (and even more spreadsheets haha), I left my full-time job and we moved to the 517 to open the studio.
Tell us about the types of classes offered at The Barre Code®. Is it only for women? Do you offer childcare?
Men are more than welcome to come take class! We offer Barre, Bootcamp, Brawl (Cardio Kickboxing) and Strength Training, as well as BarRestore which combines our signature Barre class with an extended stretch and meditation. We do offer childcare! Our kids room is available to book during our mid-morning and afternoon classes during the week, and also on Saturday mornings.
What’s the best thing about your job? Most challenging part?
The best part is hands down our community – getting to see women push past limits that they thought they had, and cheer each other on as a fellow barre babe chases a goal – it’s seriously incredible. The hardest part is giving myself permission to “turn off” – I know there is always something I can be doing, and trying to be present at home and not check in at the studio is something I think I’ll always be working on.
If you could give one tip to fellow Mom Entrepreneurs what would it be?
As women we’re so often told to make ourselves smaller… It can be hard to speak up for yourself, and to do so with confidence. Have faith in yourself and your idea, and take one step at a time.
What’s one thing we would be surprised to know about you?
Because I teach early morning classes at the studio, I think most people assume I’m a natural early bird which is definitely not true! I love teaching and taking early classes, but I also stay up way too late every night after the kids go to bed.
Now some fun ones-
Can’t live without skincare or beauty product – Mascara
Oh Burpees! Exercise you dislike doing the most – Mountain Climbers
Favorite foods to splurge on – Do cocktails count?? 😂 I don’t make fancy drinks at home so ordering a specialty cocktail at a restaurant is my idea of a splurge haha
Favorite place to visit in Michigan – Pentwater
Last question, who is your mentor in this business or in general?
Our other franchise owners across the country – we are all so supportive of each other, and are constantly sharing ideas and suggestions.
This is great Michelle thanks so much for sharing! And GLAMom followers – the best way to get in touch with Michelle is:
Instagram – @mgimbutis @barrecode_eastlansing
Facebook – The Barre Code East Lansing
Website – www.thebarrecode.com
Michelle has generously offered GLAMoms a special offer to try The Barre Code® East Lansing- For our third anniversary, we are offering everyone 3 FREE classes as we celebrate our 3rd anniversary! Classes are valid from today thru 6/27.
Do you know an area mom that would be the perfect Meet a Mom feature? Email us at [email protected]
