Learn how Taryn Morris founded Raise the Barre, creating a thriving fitness community that spans online platforms, physical studios, and activewear collections.
Taryn Morris: Raise the Barre was born in 2020 during level 5 lockdown of the COVID pandemic.
Founded with the goal of creating an online fitness community, Raise the Barre brings barre classes with that “in-studio feeling” straight to your home. Our classes are easily accessible, affordable, fun, interactive, and effective.
Since its launch, Raise the Barre has grown into a successful online community featuring the Studio To You and On Demand platforms. In 2022, we opened our first physical studio in Gold’s Gym Sandton, followed by a second studio in Illovo, Johannesburg.
In addition to our online and physical studios, we offer a popular activewear collection that focuses on fit and comfort, giving our RTB babes the confidence to get the most out of their movement.
A career highlight for me, aside from opening the studios, has to be the Raise the Barre Live events. Both were sellouts, with over 100 RTB babes Raising the Barre alongside us, enjoying goodie bags, a DJ, and brunch. These events were a joy, bringing us closer to our RTB community.
My approach to business emphasizes constant customer feedback and engagement, making our members feel like an integral part of the community. I also prioritize treating my employees like family. Their value and growth are essential to our success.
What drives me most is my fierce passion for what I do. Helping people stay fit and healthy, while creating a supportive RTB community, is my greatest inspiration.
What sets us apart is our community. RTB is more than just fitness classes; it’s a space where members inspire and motivate each other. Our highly trained instructors, music, and unique class offerings make us stand out. I am passionate about continuing to create and improve RTB with our customers always top of mind.
Taryn Morris: One of the biggest challenges for me was growth. Adjusting to more complex systems and managing a growing team was difficult. Time management is also tricky. As a business owner, there’s no such thing as an off button. Many entrepreneurs will agree—there’s no out-of-office email or leave when you run your own business.
Taryn Morris: My day starts with a coffee, followed by emails and admin tasks like daily reports, customer engagement, social media, marketing, scheduling, and content creation. I also choreograph and prep for the classes I instruct.
Taryn Morris: Maintaining balance is a priority for me. Setting daily goals and rewarding myself with downtime after achieving them helps. During the week, I enjoy walking with friends or watching my favorite series. On weekends, I explore new restaurants. My job doubles as a way to socialize and fuel my energy through interaction with the RTB community.
Taryn Morris: I aim to continue expanding RTB both locally and internationally.
Taryn Morris: Social media is key to creating a supportive community of female entrepreneurs. Networking events and social clubs would also help us meet, share ideas, and support each other.