I’ve known about Barre Body for a long time and just recently stumbled upon its founder, Emma Seibold. Once I learned a little bit about her, I knew I had to interview her for the blog as part of the Happsters Happy Questions series. She is an incredibly inspiring business owner and mom and I’m excited to share her story with you. Enjoy ♥♥♥
1. Why did you decide to start Barre Body?
Barre Body was born not long after I had my first baby, Xavier. I had been a yoga teacher for a long time and then started incorporating barre into my post baby yoga practice and noticed incredible effects with very little effort almost straight away. I loved how the small, controlled movements at the ballet barre made me feel stable and toned and shaped my body in a way that no other exercise ever had. It really is the most effective workout you’ll ever find and the blend of yoga, pilates and ballet barre conditioning means that it’s always creative and varied and you never get bored.
2. What does a typical day look like for you?
I wake up at 5am so I can fit in meditation and yoga/barre practice before my children wake up sometime after 6. Then it’s a rush to get everyone dressed and fed and out the door for school and day care. Then I sit down at my desk and get to work. I do a lot of phone conferences and create a lot of online content now that I live in Byron Bay away from our studios so I have to be really creative about how I manage the team and how I connect with Barre Body clients and social media followers. I work until about 2.30pm and then we pick the little ones up and often go to the playground before coming home and starting on dinner. The afternoon and evening is for family and then I’ll often do a little bit more work and/or connect with my husband (who is also my business partner) after the kids go to bed. Then I get ready to do it all again the next day! I try to fit in a yoga class here and there and some me time when I can. I also travel a lot for work so I’m often in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane visiting our studios.
3. What book have you recommended to friends the most?
A Return To Love by Marianne Williamson is a beautiful guidebook for how to live a life that is guided by love rather than fear. I also really like Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert which is all about nurturing creativity.
4. What gives you energy?
Alone time. I really need quiet time by myself every now and again to fill me up. A walk on the beach or a yoga class usually does the trick.
5. What depletes your energy?
Too many demands on my time or feeling anxious.
6. What’s your super power?
I fall asleep the minute my head hits the pillow which means I get to make the most of those precious sleep hours and get up nice and early the next morning.
I would also say my power of positivity!
7. What is your favorite mantra that continues to be relevant in your life and why?
Live in joy. Be present. Do it all with love.
This came to be at the beginning of this year and it was like it was to be my mantra or my guide for the year. I want to live joyfully and be present in everything I do and make all of my decisions and let all of my actions be guided by love.
8. How has being a mom changed how you’ve run your business?
I was a mum before I started my business or rather, the two happened at the same time so I’ve always had to juggle the two demands on my time. I would say that as my business has grown and matured, I’ve been able to step back a little and give more focus to my children, which is a lovely way to be. It’s always a juggle though and so I just try to really BE wherever I am. If I am with my babies, I am 100% present and likewise for Barre Body.
9. If you could tell your past self something 10 years ago, what would it be?
You are in for one hell of a ride. Trust yourself and amazing things are going to happen.
10. Do you have any self care rituals that you’ve found recharge you?
Absolutely. Daily meditation and movement practices are central to my wellbeing and a peaceful state of mind. I also love baths and cups of tea! And walking is a favourite way for me to both exercise and clear my mind and allow my creative energy to come through.
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You can find Emma and Barre Body online at: www.instagram.com/barrebody (brand) or www.instagram.com/emmabarrebody (personal), www.barrebody.com.au and www.facebook.com/barrebody
This interview is part of Happsters Happy Questions, an ongoing series of interviews that take a peek inside the lives of inspiring women around the world.
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