Have you ever experienced something that inspired you so much, it compelled you to start your own business? This type of lightning-bolt transformational moment happened to Ella Jotie in a workout class in Los Angeles in 2010 — and it motivated her to create Barre Fitness, Canada’s original chain of barre studios.
Previous to founding Barre Fitness, Ella was a self-employed dancer, actress and choreographer, and also had a background in fitness instructing. Because of her career in dance and fitness, Ella has tried every type of class and workout technique on the market — so when she tried barre for the first time in LA, she knew that it was sorely needed in Canada. Originally founded by legendary ballet dancer Lotte Berk, barre is designed to sculpt, tone and condition your entire body. As opposed to workouts that utilize frantic movement and cardio, barre is about small, controlled movements — but while it may appear easy, these small repetitions are extremely challenging and create incredible results.
What does “Babes Supporting Babes” mean to you?
Redefining the word “babe” is really important to me. Being a babe is about focusing on inclusivity. I own a barre studio in Yaletown in Vancouver and let me tell you — stereotypes are so interesting. Our clientele is WAY more diverse than people would expect. Babes supporting babes is also about creating a pipeline of female leadership, which is why we franchised — we truly believe in the power of women. At Barre Fitness, we are about community over competition. I really do believe in abundance.
If you could go back in time, what year/era would you travel to?
The 1990s, specifically for the music. The music of that era was next level.
If you could fly anywhere in the world tomorrow for 24 hours, where would you go? No jet lag, obvs!
I would go back to the Philippines. It took me 40 years to visit the country that raised the most important people in my life, and when I visited for the first time last year, I truly understood my heritage for the first time, and what my parents sacrificed for me. I would love to go back with my Dad.
Who are your mentors? What have they taught you?
I have a number of mentors. My Dad ran his own business. Judy Brooks founder of Blo Dry Bar. Tony Hsieh was an early mentor of ours. Be scrappy, you’re not going to get everything perfect, and if you wait for perfection it will never happen. Creating core values and culture in my company drives success. And that luck is where preparation meets opportunity.
What is your karaoke song?
Come Together by The Beatles is my all-time favourite. If I’m really feeling myself, I’ll pick Janis Joplin’s legendary Me and Bobby McGee…Janis is the ultimate!
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
Believing in myself enough to open a business.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
Kate Hudson. She is funny, relatable and has great energy. Doesn’t she seem like she would be the greatest best friend?
What would you consider your “superpower”, aka the thing you can do better than anyone else?
Empathy. Sometimes I wonder if I could be further in business if I didn’t feel things so much, but I always see the human side of things. I also think it’s why I connect so much with the regulars at our studios — I really feel where they’re at and what they need.
What are three things you would take with you to a desert island?
I would just need one thing, really — my cell phone, so I could communicate with my loved ones. Nothing else matters as much as that.
Who is your current celebrity obsession?
Michelle Obama. I love her so much
What characteristics do you most admire in the people you work with?
Passion, authenticity, integrity. In this day and age, when everyone hides behind their online persona, walk over talk. It’s a lost art.
If you could see any live act in the world right now, who would it be and what venue?
The Wimbledon Finals. I’m a tennis junkie. I’ve started playing again and it’s my stress reliever. I am so hooked.
What are three things we would find in your fridge at all times?
A bottle of rosé, eggs and spinach — I am a smoothie and juice junkie.
What quality do you most admire in a person?
I’m attracted to really “real” people who don’t care about looking good or keeping up, but live their true selves.
What is your version of a “power suit”?
Leggings, sneakers and a cut off sweatshirt. I’m so happy that athleisure is a thing. Authentic and comfortable. I can put on heels and a suit and feel at home, but my most powerful attire is leggings.
What are you reading right now? What’s a book you believe everyone should read?
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. It’s almost like a scientific blueprint about how to find happiness. I like logic and facts. Also Tribe of Mentors by Timothy Ferriss. I learn something from every page.
Favourite city?
Vancouver. I’ve travelled a lot, but Van always feels like home. The beauty and the accessibility is next level and I am always excited to come home after I travel.
What is your evening ritual before bed?
I’m working on that. I have a solid morning ritual but my nights are a work in progress, aside from using the bedtime function on my iPhone.
Keep up with Ella on Instagram @ellabarrebella and @barrefitness
Introduction written by Alexis Sheridan.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.