Born and raised in Denmark, Siri Nordheim is a mother of three and co-founder of MYbarre Fitness. She and her partner in business Anne McClellan founded MYbarre in 2016 through their friendship and passion for fitness. The company expanded from online to physical studios in 2023. Now China’s first boutique He Barre Studio has become his chain, with two locations in Shanghai, and his third location opened in May.
Courtesy of Siri Nordheim
Siri Nordheim was born and raised in Denmark and is the co-founder of MYbarre Fitness.
Before we talk about your brand MYbarre, please introduce yourself.
My name is Siri Nordheim and I was born and raised in Aarhus, Denmark. I’ve lived in Shanghai since 2011 and am a business co-founder of his MYbarre Fitness with my partner Anne McClellan from the UK. MYbarre is China’s first boutique bar studio chain. Currently, he has two studios in Shanghai and is about to open his third studio in Xintiandi. I am also the mother of three wonderful children, ages 9, 7, and 5.
Courtesy of Siri Nordheim
Anne McClellan and Shiri Nordheim created their own barre program and instructor education program.
After living in Shanghai for several years, why did you decide to go out on your own and start your own company?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2011, I co-founded his one of the first boutique fitness studios in Shanghai. This studio later became a chain of studios and gyms. It was at this time that I brought the concept of barre fitness to China. In 2016 Anne and I created our own barre program and instructor education program, which is now her MYbarre. And in 2023, he opened his first standalone MYbarre studio.
At MYbarre, you can expect a full-body workout that combines ballet, Pilates, and fitness. This is a workout created by women, and therefore with women’s bodies in mind (although men can also participate in this great workout). Focus on correct form, alignment, and posture while improving strength, muscle tone, and stamina.
You don’t need any experience in ballet or Pilates to improve or enjoy our classes. Movements are broken down by your instructor and introduced slowly with options to speed up or practice more intensely as the class progresses. Beginners and advanced students can be combined in one class with her without any problems, since there is always an option for every student.
Why is Shanghai’s business environment so noteworthy?
Shanghai is a diverse and never-sleeping city. It’s fast-paced and I love it. Fitness has been booming in China, especially in the last few years, and it’s great to see how much focus there is on healthy lifestyles. People here are not afraid to try new things and take on challenges. It’s an open-minded environment and it’s becoming a really great community.
What did you want to bring to the local community?
I want to share my passion for fitness and healthy living. People here work very hard, but it’s important to balance your life and invest in your health. Barre fitness is a very special and unique type of workout that makes you feel elegant and strong while also breaking a sweat and pushing your fitness limits. As busy moms, entrepreneurs, and fitness enthusiasts, we want to create not only a fitness program, but a community that welcomes everyone, empowers, supports, and inspires people to transform their minds and bodies. had.
Courtesy of Siri Nordheim
Our founders had a desire to create more than just a fitness program, to create a community that welcomes everyone and empowers, supports and inspires people to transform their minds and bodies.
What is the biggest challenge in starting a business here? How do you stay motivated?
The biggest challenges when starting a business here are finding a location that offers value for money in rent, ensuring product consistency, and most of all, sourcing and retaining talent. Although this is still a young industry, we have a team of amazing and motivated instructors, and their passion for delivering great classes and being part of the MYbarre community motivates us to continue to grow and develop. helps maintain.
I am raising three children while running my own business here in Shanghai, so it comes with the challenge of balance. I’m very lucky to have a great community around me. Anne and I are both mothers in business together, so certainly finding like-minded friends and other inspiring women is the best way for me to stay focused…and They say it takes a village, and I am grateful to the village of “Shanghai” for helping me overcome difficulties and keep moving forward.
Courtesy of Siri Nordheim
Featuring a minimalist design with a calming atmosphere, the studio is a community hub for volleyball enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts to train and connect.
What is your proudest moment?
I would say that was our first MYbarre Studio opening. We worked hard on designing our studio and were waiting for so many clients to come to our classes. It has been incredible to see the support from our community. Another similar moment is when a client becomes a teacher and teaches their first class. It’s so great to see their growth and passion to learn something new and step out of their comfort zone.
What are you working on?
As well as running the day-to-day operations of the studio, I am constantly creating new movements and MYbarre training, both internally and for all social media platforms. We deliver free online workouts on Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) and Bilibili, so we’re always busy filming new and fun workouts that you can do anywhere. Our biggest project over the coming months is the design and construction of our new Xintiandi studio on Lake Bin Island, which will open in summer 2024.
Who are your female role models who inspire you?
I am inspired by many of my female friends who are fellow entrepreneurs in Shanghai. I will also forever be inspired by her mother, who was also a working mother and gave us balance and stability, but also taught me to achieve my goals. I admire women who are confident, ambitious, respectful, caring, and fearlessly pursue what they want and deserve. And most importantly, nurturing other women. Women are strong as a group.
Do you have any advice for female entrepreneurs?
I truly believe that the energy you put out is the energy that comes back to you. Your outlook will always be brighter if you surround yourself with positive people who inspire you. Fitness and wellness are tools that can help you feel incredibly empowered. Being physically strong will also make you mentally strong. You will feel more confident and connect with like-minded women.
