Navigating Motherhood, Fitness, and Design

Balancing Acts: A Journey with barreAlley founder, Kendra Alley

In a world where juggling motherhood, personal well-being, and professional endeavors can feel like an intricate balancing act, finding inspiration from those who have mastered the art can be invaluable. Kendra, the powerhouse behind barreALLEY, graciously shared her insights into her journey as a fitness entrepreneur, navigating the complexities of motherhood, and infusing her home with design elements that promote balance and serenity.

How did barreALLEY start?

Kendra's journey into the world of fitness entrepreneurship was born out of necessity and a profound personal transformation. As a former Division 1 gymnast who retired due to back injuries, she was accustomed to high-intensity workouts.

“I was used to high-intensity-high-impact workouts.  I was convinced that if I wasn’t crawling into my car after a workout - I didn’t push myself hard enough.”

However, after multiple fractures and a stern recommendation from her doctor to embrace low-impact exercise, Kendra reluctantly ventured into the world of yoga. To her surprise, what began as skepticism quickly transformed into a newfound appreciation for mindful movement.

Realizing the transformative power of low-impact workouts, Kendra embarked on a journey to master various disciplines, including yoga, barre, and pilates. Fast forward to 2017, amidst the challenges of motherhood and a burgeoning career, Kendra found herself hosting her signature barre class on Facebook Live, inadvertently laying the foundation for what would become barreALLEY—a virtual fitness platform offering a diverse array of workouts to individuals worldwide.

“I had no intentions of starting a business, but I was so excited that people were excited about the opportunity to workout at home, while their babies napped (or crawled all over them) that I couldn’t say no.  Seven years later and barreALLEY has over 1300 on-demand workouts, providing live in-person classes, live-online classes and corporate wellness programs expanding the globe.”

Juggling Motherhood and Personal Well-being

For Kendra, balancing motherhood, personal well-being, and professional aspirations is not about striving for perfection but rather about embracing priorities and maximizing efficiency. I am not a do-it-all mother. Kendra acknowledges her limitations and focuses on what truly matters—her family, her health, and her business.

“I have a handful of priorities and I do what it takes to Get. Ish. Done.” 

Creating Calming and Stress-free Environments Through Design

Kendra's philosophy on interior design revolves around simplicity, organization, and functionality. Embracing the mantra of "less is more," she advocates for regular purging to minimize clutter and maintain a sense of tranquility within the home.

“Less is more. I encourage you to purge. Often.”

While acknowledging the challenges of maintaining order in a household with children, Kendra emphasizes the importance of establishing designated spaces for relaxation and mindfulness. By strategically designing living spaces to accommodate both practical needs and individual preferences, she creates environments conducive to peace and serenity.

“I have kid-zones in each space (toys in the cabinets of our living room, crafts in an extra closet, and a homework station in the kitchen."

Harnessing the Power of Colors in Home Design

While Kendra's design aesthetic leans towards neutrals, she recognizes the impact of colors on mood and mindset. Experimenting with neutral patterns and accent pieces, she adds depth and warmth to her living spaces while maintaining a sense of tranquility.

“I used to say that I was allergic to color, and stick with neutrals. Everywhere.  As my style has evolved, I am still drawn to neutrals, but I am always searching for something that makes each room sparkle.   I love using neutral patterns to warm up the space.  Our living room is neutral - but our swinging chairs are show stoppers.”

Designing Home Workout Spaces

Kendra's approach to designing home workout spaces is grounded in simplicity and functionality. By dedicating a designated area for movement, she creates a physical and mental space conducive to exercise. With a focus on minimalism and organization, she ensures that her workout space remains clutter-free and inviting.

“My rule is to create a space for movement, and use it for movement only.  That space only needs to be the size of a yoga mat.  But when you walk over to that little corner, your mind and body knows exactly what is about to go down. Keep this space simple and clean.  I love a beautiful mat spray to set the mood, and I think it’s fun to build a color-coordinating collection of equipment that makes your space feel intentional.”

Creating Spaces for Mindfulness and Meditation

When it comes to fostering mindfulness and meditation within the home, Kendra encourages individuals to draw inspiration from their personal preferences and experiences. By curating spaces that evoke feelings of tranquility and relaxation, she creates environments conducive to mindfulness and self-reflection.

"I think people often think that mindfulness means cold and empty.  But I think mindfulness is different for everyone.  What makes you smile? What allows you to take a sigh of relief after a long day? For some of us, minimalism promotes a calming affect, for some of us it’s an upbeat patterned wallpaper."

In essence, Kendra's journey serves as a testament to the power of intentionality, balance, and self-awareness in navigating the complexities of modern life. Through her commitment to holistic well-being, both personally and professionally, she empowers individuals to embrace their priorities, cultivate serenity within their surroundings, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.

Kendra's dedication to empowering women through fitness and design exemplifies the profound impact of aligning passion with purpose, ultimately inspiring others to embrace their unique journeys towards fulfillment and vitality.