Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Morris Bernards area?
I was born and raised in China. I got my bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in China then went to the United Kingdom to pursue my master’s degree in Data Communications. I moved to NJ about 15 years ago with my husband after we lived and worked in Shanghai for a few years. We have started our family in beautiful Westfield.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
One lovely daughter (age 9) with an old soul. She has shown a great level of understanding and support to my career that are beyond her age.
Are you involved in a business venture or corporate world? Please Share!
Both! I own a boutique fitness studio, Pure Barre, in Morristown. It is an instructor led, low impact and high intensity total body workout. It uses ballet barre to develop grace and power. The results are long, lean muscles, improved strength, agility, and flexibility. I also work for a chemical company as a strategist. Both endeavors have kept me very busy, but I’m having the best time of my life! They give me a great sense of achievement. I’m also very proud that I’m setting a good example (hopefully) for my daughter that she should live her life to the fullest by continuing to challenge herself and exploring what more a person is capable of achieving.
When did you decide you wanted to open your own Pure Barre Studio?
2019! I started doing Pure Barre in 2017 after witnessing the results that Pure Barre exercise delivered to my colleague at that time. I have always been trim, so staying fit hadn’t been my priority. But I was really drawn by the nice muscle tone and this kind of glow my colleague had. I tried a class and fell in love right away for the fact that I can do a total body workout in 50 minutes- super-efficient for my busy schedule. I started doing 2-4 classes a week. I saw my shoulders get sculpted and more defined biceps in the first month! I was so thrilled! By early 2018, after hundreds of classes under my belt, I started thinking about and looking into how to introduce Pure Barre to more people. Because it is such a great and effective workout, not only for the physical benefits, but also the energy and confidence boost. I did my research and analysis of the franchise and business model and made my decision to open a studio in 2019.
If you could give one tip to fellow Mom Entrepreneurs what would it be?
Always expect challenges and be prepared to develop creative solutions. This is the mindset you need to have so you don’t feel easily defeated. I opened the studio during the COVID pandemic. There have been so many challenges along the way. There were times that I wasn’t sure if I could or should continue. I learned to change my mindset to get used to difficulties. Challenges are normal- the important part is to think ahead and plan ahead.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I collect teapots made from purple clay that are unique to China. I have about 30 in my collection. I had thought about opening a tea house years ago as my entrepreneurial pursuit.
Ok 10 Fun LOCAL favorites – ready, go!
1 – Favorite thing to do with your kids?
Take a trip together so I learn with my daughter! We still need to go to Speedwell, the Washington Headquarters Museum and soak up more local history. I also want to try Glassworks with my daughter!
2 – Favorite coffee spot?
I’m a tea drinker in search of a good tea house. But I do like Starbucks Emperor’s Clouds and Mist green tea.
3 – Favorite lunch place?
Masago. Excellent quality and value for a quick bite, also great customer service. They will bring me green tea after they sit me at the table.
4 – Favorite farm to go fruit picking?
I have only been to Wightman Farms for apple picking, but open to suggestions for berry picking.
5 – Favorite date night restaurant?
My husband and I have been drooling over the pics from 1776…
6 – Favorite activity to relax?
Having a facial or a massage at Massage Heights (also so convenient, two doors down from my studio)!
7 – Favorite spot to grab a drink?
My members and staff highly recommended Sushi Lounge. I also want to try Revolution.
8 – Who has the best baked goods in town?
I sneak off to Swiss Chalet any chance I get!
9 – Best slice of pizza?
Not so much a pizza person, if I want something really quick, I go to the Salad House (right next to my studio) and get a Green Giant or a bowl!
10 – Favorite spot for a cookie or cupcake?
My eyes are always bigger than my stomach when I go to The Cookie Connect.
April is stress awareness month and Pure Barre Morristown has candle lit classes held every Friday evening at 4:30pm and 5:30pm. Plus this week kicks off an 8-week Barre challenge (from Apr 3 – May 28) with us to get a beach-ready body!
To participate, download the Pure Barre App in the App store to purchase memberships, class packs or single classes. You can also contact the studio directly by phone 973-434-2688 or email [email protected]
This post was done in partnership with Pure Barre Morristown. Be sure to also follow them on social media below:
