Meet Your Bar(re) Tender: Mallory

Time for another edition of Meet Your Bar(re) Tender! As we near the end of 2017, isn't that crazy to think, I love that Pink Barre continues to motivate their clients with fun challenges, pop-ups and instructors that have all the energy (even at 6am)!

This month, I'm featuring one of the fabulous Virginia Highlands instructors, Mallory! Talk about a ball of energy, this chick does it all from teaching and handling the social media for Pink Barre to running her own business, HopefullyPlated, this woman stays busy. But she does it all with a smile on her face and occasionally pink hair! It's no wonder why she was recently named Best Self Atlanta's 'Best Barre Instructor.' #YouGoGirl

Now it's time to meet this inspiring instructor, Mallory!

How did you first connect with Tara and Pink Barre?

M: I grew up dancing in Richmond, Virginia and took a jump into teaching Group Fitness classes at the University of South Carolina. I moved here a little over 2 years ago from Los Angeles and had previously taught Barre at boutique studios in LA. I started my Pink Barre career at the Sandy Springs location and was able to join Tara's newly formed Virginia Highland studio last December. I asked to take on a bigger role in Pink Barre and Tara kindly guided me into a strong Team Leader position for the Virginia Highlands location.

For those who don't know you, you're a girl on the go! You're not only an instructor, but handle the Pink Barre social media channels. What does a typical day look like for you?

M: Yes my days move very quickly. I help with Pink Barre's Instagram. The best way to work on a professional Instagram page is with a plan. I look over the schedule ahead of time in order to find when, what, and how to post. It's best to guide each post with a few key points.. Who is it directed to? What do we wish to portray to our participants? And How do we best engage strong female fitness participants across Atlanta to enjoy Pink Barre. Typically I have a post daily, either personal picture from a client, a fun boomerang from the studio, or a motivational boost on the page.

I'm a #SnackQueen and always like to know what other active ladies keep in their bags! What do you make sure to keep on you?

M: Homemade Trail Mix! I love to make my own mixture. I have a 'Trail Mix Box' Larger quantities of Almonds, Cashews, Dried Fruit (Pineapple/Mangos/Dried Cherries) and a splurge- for example: Macadamia Nuts, Pistachios, & Mini Honey Sesame Sticks. The best part of homemade trail mix is I can balance the ingredients and decide what 'mood' I'm in that week. Luckily, my HopefullyPlated clients always get a share of these mini mixes.

When it comes to your diet, what's your motto?

M: Eat with all your SENSES: Sight, Sound, Taste, Texture, Smell... all very important parts to a healthy balanced diet. I aim for mostly gluten free and dairy free options, but I do not hesitate to enjoy those items in smaller amounts. I am a big proponent on less processed, homemade items. I am spoiled since I cook for a living. I own HopefullyPlated a concierge nutritional planning company. So if I'm craving something I do my best to make it from scratch so I know exactly what has gone into it.

We all know that abs are made in the kitchen, but there are always days where you need to #TreatYoSelf. How do you treat yourself?

M: I'm a cookie fairy!! I love making homemade cookies. I have a variety of flours and oils at home that guide my creativity... but my normal go to combination is Peanut Butter & Chocolate.

Where is your favorite healthy spot to dine in the city?

M: My normal go to healthy spots is ethnic cuisine: Cafe Agora in Buckhead, Chai Pani in Decatur, Genki Sushi in Virginia Highlands, We Suki Suki in East Atlanta.. all great spots to find a mix of protein, veggies, and gluten free carbs!

I love how Pink Barre celebrates the little and big things! What do you love most about being about of this family?

M: You said the word already...family. This is truly my family. I love every minute I'm helping, teaching, and discussing Pink Barre. Just like my Schwartz family- I want to support, build, and boost my Pink Barre teammates and participants.

I struggled with my weight and self image for years. What is your advice for ladies that struggle with self confidence?

M: I have a rule I started a few years back. Acknowledge your insecurity and release the energy it holds over you. Every day when I get ready I acknowledge my insecurity: whether it's an issue with my weight, a pimple on my face, a bad mood, or a tired busy day ahead. I verbally acknowledge the mood or attitude I am feeling, but I leave it behind the door. Literally when I leave my house I leave that mood or feeling behind. As long as I can address the issue or moment I can get past it strong enough to move on with my day. BUT the first step is to allow yourself to be vulnerable and in return be a stronger, more confident female.

Why should someone who has never tried out Pink Barre come to a class?

M: Barre is very empowering and I believe every female (or male participant) should find something fun and enjoyable about class. I want people to embrace change and challenges, mentally and physically, that will make them excited to return to Pink Barre.

Tara is such a #GirlBoss, how has she motivated you in your life?

M: By helping me believe that I can... whatever the scenario or idea or busy week. Tara is always there to inspire me to work hard and believe I can conquer whatever challenge may come my way. And when I know I've pushed a little too hard she is there to help wrangle me back! I am a Do'er. Tara and I share that passion to DO it all! She inspires each of us differently and for me it's about saying I can do it!

Huge thank you to Mallory for being a part of this fun series for Pink Barre! If you're interested in joining me for a class, e-mail me or leave a comment below.

XO,

Kel

5 Reality Checks You Need To Have Right Now

After turning another year older last week (the big 2-9), it has caused me to start thinking about where I am in my life right now. As a little girl, I thought by 29 I would have "it together!" Well, life has a funny way of not always going according to "our plan." In the past, I've struggled with not always keep it 100. But after my birthday this year, I made a list of five things I (and I'm sure some of you reading) need to recognize. And not sweat all the small stuff. Channeling Glamour's 'Hey, It's OK' column...

5 Reality Checks You Need To Have Right Now 

1. It's OK ... if you are not in your dream job right now. Sure you may have graduated, have a stacked resume and just not caught that break yet. Keep going and staying connected with people in the industry where you want to work! I've found recently, it's all about timing. Stay positive and true to yourself! While you may have an idea of your "dream job," God may have a different plan for you. One that is more than you could have ever imagined!

2. It's OK ... if you're not engaged. This goes back to my our plan (let's be real) we had as little girls. It's 2016, and times have changed. So the next time you see a high school friend's FB status or a perfectly staged Insta post, don't sweat it. Your time will come! I can say this, because I'm not :)

3. It's OK ... if you are on the job hunt. This one comes from my current situation. While I had a certain plan for my life, being on the job hunt the past few months was not in the "plan." But it has opened my eyes to several things. One of them being, that people do care. People I didn't even know. While it can be trying at times, it's showed me that things do happen for a reason and that people have been placed in my life for a purpose. Be grateful and thankful for the people who make an effort to help you when going through a tough time. You never know when you'll need to be that kind of person for someone else!

4. It's OK ... if you've fallen off the workout wagon. Whether you've hit a plateau, missed a couple weeks at the gym or can't seem to stick with a workout to save your life...it's OK! I speak from experience when I say that finding what works for YOU takes time. Just because your girlfriend loves yoga doesn't mean you need to love yoga. I suggest trying a bunch of different studios, classes, instructors, etc. You'll know when you find what works for you! For me, Pink Barre is my jam. I knew it was the workout for me. when I found myself NOT looking at the clock. Class flies by and I am constantly challenged with every workout. So, if you've fallen off the wagon...don't sweat it. Try something new and mix it up!

5. It's OK ... to not have it all figured out. This one could not be more true for me right now. Being on the job hunt means that I have to be OK with the unknown. While I know the field I would love to work in, I can only put my best foot forward. This applies to every area of life. Whether you're on the job hunt, a new mom, a recent graduate, bride-to-be, or girl boss trying to do your thing..it's OK to not have all your ducks in a row. You're doing the best you can with what you have! So, cut yourself a break, because you're pretty awesome!

Hope this helps one of you lovely ladies out there! I know we like to act like we are tough and have it all together, but sometimes it's refreshing and even comforting to know that one of us has been there before.

Till next time!

XO,
Kel

Milestones - Celebrate the Big & Small Things

Last week, I hit a HUGE milestone at Pink Barre -- I joined Club 100! 100 classes under my belt  tutu. Wow!

As I think back to my first class, it's caused me to reflect on my fitness journey. After graduating from high school, where I played volleyball and swam, I did not workout for a couple of years. Being a college student and getting used to a new environment, working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle fell to the bottom of my list. I realized during my Junior year that something needed to change. Eight years later, it's humbling to see how far I've come. That if you put your mind to something -- you can achieve ANYTHING! Does it happen over night? Heck no. Will it involve sacrifices? You better believe it. But is it worth it? 100%, yes!

That's why I am a firm believer in celebrating the big and little things in life! Say you love soda, and went a week without having one. That's huge! Or you started working out for the first time in years (aka my story), and set your goal at twice a week. You go girl! Everyone's big and small accomplishments are unique, but each should be celebrated!

Hitting 100 classes was a major accomplishment for me, and I chose (well it's the Pink Barre way of celebrating) to wear a pink tutu in reaching that mark! So next time you hit a milestone, whether it be big or small, CELEBRATE! Life is too short not to.

XO,

Kel