How lifelong friends became Barre3 business partners

Megan Raposa -

This is a paid piece from Barre3 Sioux Falls.

Simplified: Barre3 Co-Owners Amanda Roder and Angela Jones have a friendship that spans generations. Now, as business partners, they're hoping to grow the community that's meant so much to them over the years.

Why it matters

  • Both women grew up in Le Mars, Iowa, where Jones' mother and Roder's grandmother were close friends.
"We've known each other since birth," Jones said. "Amanda's been with me through so many changes in my life."
  • Roder first discovered Barre3 about eight years ago, even before the physical location in southwest Sioux Falls was established. She would often encourage Jones to join her at classes.
  • The two women fell in love with the Barre3 community, as well as the organization's philosophy of finding balance in your body, meeting yourself where you are, and moving in a body-positive environment.
"We’re kind of like a warm hug when people walk through the door," Roder said. "We want people to feel empowered ... You go so many places that you don't feel that way. I think that's what sets us apart – everybody’s different, and that's exactly how you’re meant to be."

Tell me more about the co-owners

Roder was going through the process of instructor training a little over four years ago when the then-franchisee approached her about potentially taking over ownership.

"I started really thinking about it, and then I was like, well, I feel like Angela and I could rock this," she said.

The two women fully took over in February of 2021, and it's been their goal ever since to continue to grow the community of Barre3 members.

"My hope for Barre3 is that word keeps spreading, and people come here and they find what I found," Roder said.

In addition to teaching Barre3 classes and working as co-owners, Roder also works full-time as a middle-school teacher in Sioux Falls, and Jones works a few days a week as a nurse while also working as a mother of four kids between ages 6 and 15.

Tell me more about Barre3 - how can I get started?

Barre3 classes incorporate small movements, large movements, weight training, cardio and mindfulness all within a 45-minute class.

Your first class is free, and the studio is also running a special where you can get two weeks of unlimited classes for only $59.