When barre took the fitness world by storm, Ali Bramhall was ready.
The low-impact, ballet-inspired exercise class was a natural progression for the former-dancer-turned-certified-personal-trainer. After eight years teaching barre in Boston, Bramhall moved to Providence to start her own studio.
On May 1, 2019, Divine Barre opened its Gano Street space with a large banner proclaiming its grand opening – a sign that proved to be the best way to generating new customers, according to Bramhall.
Starting a business in a state where she “knew virtually no one” was challenging, Bramhall acknowledged, but within a few months, business was booming. That Bramhall has a background in marketing doesn’t hurt, either.
While there are several other barre studios in Providence, Bramhall said there were more than enough customers to go around. She prided herself on her studio’s welcoming environment, which emphasizes a judgement-free attitude for people of all ages, fitness backgrounds and sizes.
Now that gyms and fitness studios have been closed for the foreseeable future because of the coronavirus pandemic, she has kept the business running through web-based virtual classes with her members.
Nancy Lavin is a PBN staff writer. Contact her at Lavin@PBN.com.