Emma Seibold is a rare mystical modern-day career success story: Corporate girl cruises out of office job on a wave of wellness – and wins.
After a decade in marketing, Emma swapped the constraints of deadlines and a hefty social diary for the unknowns of India, New York and Byron Bay, following her true love of holistic wellness and yoga teachings.
Upon returning to Australia, Emma launched Urban Remedy Cleanse in 2009, but another professional pirouette soon took place following the birth of her first child, Xavier. Emma found herself practicing an at-home yoga/ballet hybrid, which resulted in astounding energy levels and increased tone.
It was then that Emma’s inner compass finally found its place with Barre Body.
“Life takes you on a magical journey that doesn’t always feel so magical, but leads you to exactly where you need to be,” Emma reflects. “I am happier than I’ve ever been with an amazing husband, two beautiful children and seven Barre Body studios to be incredibly proud of.”
Here are Ten of Emma’s top tips for dealing with a career about-face, approaching it with bravery and kindness and the importance of social media – and a good man!
The Inspiration:
“After I had my first bubba, Xavier I started incorporating Barre exercises into my yoga practice and the results were incredible! I knew that the barre trend was huge in the US and that it was still yet to really take off in Australia so I decided to create my own method, blending yoga, Pilates and barre exercises, We found a gorgeous little studio in Flinders Lane, Melbourne and Barre Body was born!”
The Motivation:
“The best lesson we’ve learnt since launching Barre Body would be to be brave and not always wait until you have all your ducks in a row. Sometimes it pays just to go for it and not overthink things. You can refine business plans and strategies as you go.”
The Acceleration:
“In 2012 we opened our first studio in Flinders Lane, released the first DVD (Lengthen and Tone) and launched our Online Studio. In 2013 we opened two more Melbourne studios in Windsor and Fitzroy, hosted our first retreat in Fiji, released a second DVD and expanded into Sydney with a studio in Bondi Junction. In 2014 we opened studios in Richmond and Surry Hills and made another baby! In 2015, so far we’ve had a beautiful baby Isla Rose and opened our flagship Sydney studio in the CBD.
The Balance:
“It’s not easy, mainly due to the sheer volume of things I have to do. With seven studios, major growth initiatives planned and two children, it’s a juggling act and the first thing to go is always self-nourishment. Hopefully things will settle down as Isla, (Emma’s newborn daughter) gets older. It’s definitely a challenge and I wouldn’t be presenting my life honestly if I didn’t admit that.”
The Wins. The Losses:
“The greatest pitfall would have to have been when I was made redundant (within her marketing career) as it really affected my confidence and self-belief. The greatest windfall was meeting my husband Matt, as he is the one that encourages and inspires me and was the driving force behind starting Barre Body.”
The Evolution Of The Industry:
“It is ever-changing as society becomes more aware that prevention is better than cure and thus becomes more health focused. The wellness industry is also becoming increasingly trend-driven so it’s important to focus on things that aren’t affected by trends – for us that means client service and product quality innovation.”
The Instagram Effect:
“Be true to yourself and create a product and service that you can be proud of. Make sure that your social messages are in line with your brand and only post content that your subscribers will want to hear and be interested in (and not just what you want to tell them.”
Wisdom For Other Wellness Wannabes:
“Do it with great love. The more love you put into a business the more rewards (including financial) you will receive.”
Be Kind To You:
“To all mothers, be kind to yourself. Talk to yourself with love and respect that you would your best friend.”
In Retrospect…
“It might sound dull, but its very sage advice: Due diligence and compliance are very important. Dot the ‘I’s’ and cross the ‘T’s’ to avoid future drama and work. “
