Meet Diane Numark | Barre Boss, Mom & Optimist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diane Numark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diane, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My biggest tip for work-life-balance is learn to say “NO!” Its ok to not answer every text, dm or email instantly. Remembering to prioritize our health mentally, physiclaly and emotionally is the key to balance. Learning to work smart today means WE do not have to do everything ALL the time. Balance doesn’t come naturally or easy for me, I try to make it a habit by starting each day mindfully thinking about my most important values. And most recently, I made a list of things that make me happy. I was told to use my age as the goal and each year add something on my Birthday. What a GREAT present we can give ourselves.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Girls Just Want To Have Fun

Smart people figure out what makes them happy and do more of it. I love fun!!! Cyndi Lauper’s brilliant lyrics still ring true, and if we can mesh life, exercise, community, and love into ways that actually make us happier, healthier and more hopeful – we keep doing them.

At the core of Barreworks is a basic philosophy of Barre WORKS When You work It! We provide more. We focus on the classes, the workout the music and the feeling that you leave stronger than you ever thought possible when you make barre a habit. At Barreworks, we offer 30+ new classes every week. Not just barre, but trampoline, yoga, dance, hiit, cardio, bootcamp, pound and plyojam. It never gets old, when you mix it up and allow different teachers and new music to take you through the classes.

I was a client and could not get enough of the classes, I was hooked from day one. I walked in the door and there was no judgement, no competition. Instead a fierce group of diverse women, who really empower each other. This vibe is anchored in the Barreworks Culture.

BUSINESS LESSONS I’VE LEARNED – Barreworks doesn’t really feel like a busines to me. That’s part of the reason I LOVE it so much. It feels organic, I am not selling anything I don’t do myself. And really it feels like I am hanging with my friends and family and we have these great movements classes. But, in any business the customer is always right and figuring out what they need is essential, talk to them more and really listen.

1.CHECK-INS – Ask yourself when is the last time you spoke with your customer, If you are not reaching out already, try to check in with your customers at least four times a year. At BWS, I text daily with every client who is taking live classes. We have a daily Facebook Morning Meeting and an open door policy. Most big businesses recommend quarterly check-ins at a minimun,

2. STAY POSITIVE – If you project a negative space it turns people off. When times are tough, its usually not just you. So try to look for the light, reflect it and keep the message inspirational. Focus on the Good and the Good Gets Better! I like to smile, it helps me stay in that good place. And, Scientists at Harvard, who study the brain say even if you are not feeling happy. If you smile it will tell the brain to be happy and you will start to feel happy.

3. NEVER GIVE UP – If you are all in, it shows! I love setting goals! But really, so long as you are all it, have passion and dream big, the rest has a way of working out. Obstacles and Mistakes are lessons and tests. To quote Imagine Dragons, “Whatever It Takes…”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Let’s hit the Beach! Here is an overnight 24 hour getaway:

Barreworks is located in the Redondo Beach Village. (We are technically Torrance – where Beverly Hills 90210 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer were filmed.) The South Bay is truly a hidden gem. I love going for Coffee at Hi-Fi Espresso and talking a long walk to the Redondo Beach Pier. In 3 miles round trip, you may see dolphins, surfers and a view of the “Queen’s Necklace.” On the way back, stop and shop at my favorite boutiques in the village, Alandrea and Lolipop (owned by sisters.) Before Lunch take a Trampoline Class at Barreworks (not biased) and grab a bite at Bettolino’s Kitchen where they have perfect lunch specials. These are all female owned business.

Of course, we would then drive into Palos Verdes and stay at Terranea. Spa dates and pool time before dinner at any of their fine restaurants. We’d take the morning nature walk to the Lighthouse and then jump on a kayak and get our paddle on before heading home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A few years ago, I was at a crossroad in my life. Having trouble finding a job that would allow time with my young children and the excitement of production life. It was then that I turned to exercise to escape the stress, fell in love with my Barre Classes and was moved by the motivation and inspiration that I felt from the Instructors. Each class was more than just a few exercises and some sweat. I pushed through obstacles physically and mentally and got out of my comfort zone to get to the next level. Quite the metaphor for life. I felt such a deep sense of joy after each and every class. Lindsay, Michelle, Allison, Elena and Katie were the perfect medicine to help me heal from the inside out. So, when Michelle recruited me to teach, I laughed and said No. The next time she asked, I laughed and said may be.

It was just after that when I heard Mindy Kaling talk about her New York Times bestselling book “Why Not Me.” This book inspired me to allow the turning point to lead me to the next level for my life.

Website: https://barreworksstudio.com/redondo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barreworks_studio_redondo/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-korman-numark-54b28632/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarreworksStudioRB

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/barreworks-studio-redondo-beach?osq=barreworks+studio

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWxeUVB3uho&t=210s

Other: LIBRARY – https://momence.com/video/plugin/4947

Image Credits
Photo credit – Rose Pierce Portrait/Just Add Color Photography