Healthy Chicks

I’m a big fan of women supporting women, which is a big reason I launched the Healthy Chicks in the Community series. Heads up: I also recently created a private Facebook group for women to connect, create and cultivate if you’re looking for more community. (You can request to join here!)

Speaking of women in the community, I’m excited to introduce you to this month’s feature, Connecticut local Kimberly (KC) Brunini. As the Owner of THE BAR[RE] CT in Rocky Hill, CT, KC offers a variety of fitness classes to suit your unique style. (Fun fact: I’m hosting a Spring Equinox Spark Your Bliss Circle there on March 19th!)

In this inspiring interview, we chat about the challenges of launching a business, her love for pasta, and their sister yoga studio coming this spring!

NAME:

Kimberly (KC) Brunini

WHERE DO YOU LIVE:

Cromwell, CT

GIVE US A SNAPSHOT INTO YOUR BIZ/WHAT YOU DO:

I own THE BAR[RE] CT in Rocky Hill, which is a small group fitness boutique studio, where we specialize in barre fitness but offer a variety of other formats. The idea behind THE BAR[RE] is you would never show up to a bar where you’re only served one type of beverage, you’re always going to be offered a variety and will ultimately chose based upon how you’re feeling that day.

I am also excited to be opening our sister studio this Spring, Hot 11 Yoga Studio, which will be just a few doors down from THE BAR[RE] and will be fully equipped with infrared heat. 

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE/LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED OPENING YOUR OWN STUDIO:

Two things! First, there are no days off in self employment. I’m originally from the Boston area and because I own my own business there have been a lot of things I’ve had to miss out on with family or friends. I do my best but I always wish I could do more.

Second, at the end of the day it is a business. Everyone has an opinion and reason why as to what you should/shouldn’t be doing. I wear my heart on my sleeve and used to take a lot of the outside voices personally, which started to weigh really heavily on me. It became unhealthy and emotionally draining. I still listen to feedback because it’s important in order to grow. But at the end of the day, I have to stay true to myself and my business and honor it’s integrity because ultimately I won’t make everyone happy as much as I try. 

NUMBER ONE PASSION OUTSIDE THE JOB:

My relationships. Boyfriend, family, friends.

INTENTIONS/GOALS YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT 3 YEARS:

Work a little smarter and take more classes! I opened THE BAR[RE] because I love to move, physically and mentally. I always feel better because of it. I have another job aside from owning THE BAR[RE] so in my “spare time” I’ll often try to catch up on work for the studio.

Ideally I’d love to find time I could designate to catch up, to free some time to hop into classes at the studio more. I’ve also made it a goal to appear on Hartford Business Journals “40 Under 40.”

ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D TELL YOUR CHILDHOOD SELF:

Don’t sweat the small stuff! I should have won an Academy Award as a kid. The big stuff, the small stuff and everything in between. Nothing is as big as it seems; everything will figure itself out. If you need to have a cry, go ahead (but wait until you’re in the car…my mom always said there’s no crying on stage) then keep moving forward.

FOODS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL ALIVE & BRING THE MOST JOY:

If I’m staying true to myself, a big bowl of pasta. I eat as clean as I can during the week and even on the weekends but if the opportunity allows itself for me to indulge, I am going for the pasta.

SONG THAT MOVES YOU:

Oh gosh. There are so many! If I had to pick one, “You & I” by Lady Gaga. Whenever my girlfriends and I are together, we always belt this song at the top of our lungs.

THREE FAB THINGS ABOUT YOU:

My quick wit, I’m passionate, and very generous 

FAVORITE BODY PART & WHY:

My eyes! I inherited my blue eyes from my Dad. 

I GET MY INSPIRATION FROM:

Others, music, podcasts.

EXERCISE THAT MAKES YOU SHINE:

Anything that makes me sweat! I love pushing past my comfort zones and walking away from a workout leaving empowered and accomplished. Nothing is better than feeling a little (or a lot!) sore the next day.

SOMETHING IN YOUR “WELLNESS TOOLBOX” YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:

A good hydrating face mask. I haven’t found one in particular I’m especially fond of but I try to do a face mask at least once a week.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

Creating and building THE BAR[RE] from the ground up and now having an amazing team of 10 and opening another studio this Spring.

FEMALE LEADER(S) YOU LOOK UP TO:

My mom, Kristin Cavallari, Rachel Hollis. 

IF YOU COULD PICK ONE PERSON TO HAVE DINNER WITH, WHO WOULD IT BE & WHAT WOULD YOU MAKE THEM:

Kristin Cavallari. I’d take her out to dinner.

GO-TO MANTRA OR INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE:

“There’s a reason your windshield is bigger than your rearview.“

MESSAGE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHER HEALTHY CHICKS:

Keep moving forward; “no” is never the final answer. Roadblocks are put in our way to provide clarity and promote growth. If there is something you are passionate about, drown out the noise and keep going. Whatever it is, you can do it because there is only one you.

If you’re local to Connecticut, I hope to see you at my Spring Equinox Spark Your Bliss Circle at THE BARRE on March 19th!