Shelly Smith, owner of Pure Barre in Riverchase, began her career in retail sales and management with her family’s business, Mark’s Outdoor Sports, before venturing into her own business.
“After trying Pure Barre with a friend from the gym, I instantly knew that it was something that would be in my life for a while. A few months later, I was addicted to the positive changes in my body, the mind/body relations, and the community that was built.”
Smith soon realized this was the opportunity and the business venture that she had hoped to find.
“I wanted to take my desires to be my own boss to a new level. Yes, the hardest part was to take that leap into the dark — not knowing what would be waiting for me on the other side. Would I succeed? Would I be able to offer a franchise- style business the family-style business model that my father, Mark Whitlock, had instilled in me? Would I regret that change in my life?” she said.
But the outcome turned out to be worth the risk.
“Looking back now, I ask myself, what else could I have asked for? The answer, not much else! This business journey has been rewarding in more ways than I can list. Financial [success] of course is always the goal, but the friendships, family, good times, and memories are what make the job the best part of my day,” she said. “We are a community — a Pure Barre family.”
