We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Bar Method and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting your own business can be full of challenges, but the desire to bring something to Preston Hollow that was positive, healthy, and added jobs to the community continues to make my dream worth all the work.

Opening my own studio after years of being a teacher throughout DFW, was always appealing to me. When Covid first hit, I used my “2 week shutdown” to deep dive into opening a studio. In the following months, I utilized the time to secure a location and do our complete build out so every inch was new, modern, and clean when clients were ready to return to group classes.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The majority of my working career began straight out of college working in corporate luxury good sales for Dior and later Chanel. Luckily, they relocated me to Dallas in 2004 and I’ve been here ever since. The main offices for both companies were in NYC so it gave me a lot of autonomy to run my region, which most likely helped with my confidence to start my own business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dallas is far more diverse in it’s offerings than people might think. I am outdoorsy so I love the Katy Trail but recently have been on the Northaven trail which is far less of a scene and a nice nature break in the city. Arbor Hills or the Arboretum are great too.

For cocktails with my friends, we like to go to Drakes or Hudson House or anywhere with Ranch Water.

My good friend is coming to town next month and we are visiting the JFK Memorial and of course the new Dallas Cowboys Headquarters at the Star

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that I am forever thankful for including, Cynthia Smoot, of Gangway Advertising. She’s been a lifelong friend and always there to listen, give feedback, and brainstorm ideas. She helped me put together a local marketing strategy, meet neighboring businesses, and of course join us for class.

My team is truly the glue that holds us all together. I’ve never seen such a dedicated group of people in one place. Our teachers work so hard and our sales staff is one of the happiest and friendliest I’ve ever worked with.

Website: https://barmethod.com/locations/dallas-preston-hollow/

Instagram: @funfashfit

Twitter: @funfashfit

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.