Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Truslow.
Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
I started teaching group fitness only a short time after college. I got certified in many different classes and loved being on the mic. I had a day job, but fitness was my whole heart. Once I had my first daughter, I decided to take a break from pharma sales and see what I wanted to do next. I kept dreaming of my studio, so I took a huge leap and decided to bring a boutique fitness concept to Columbia (and this was when no one knew what boutique fitness was). Barre3 changed my life in the very best way. I opened barre3 because I wanted a better fitness option and thought others would feel the same way. We had clients driving 45 minutes from the lake one way to Columbia each way to take a class. I knew I had to open a second studio!
I wanted to make this amazing place accessible to everyone in our area. After opening both locations, I decided to tackle my next need- a high-end nail salon that provided all the services I wanted under one roof. I created The Nail barre and opened two locations besides my barre3 studios. I have created a beautiful space that gives clients natural nail services, waxing, spray tans, lashes, facials, and micro channeling all in one place. And finally, I created The Plan by Lauren Truslow. People kept asking me how I did it with all- four businesses and four young children. I have to keep my life and schedule very organized, so I created a day planner that helps women schedule their days and focus on taking care of themselves. I have four and five business babies, and I love it all!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Small business owners have to juggle a lot of different things every day. Some days are smooth, and others can have bumps, but no job is all rainbow and sunshine. My biggest struggle was during covid because all of my businesses are in person, and I have a lot of connections with people. I love this aspect of all my businesses, but it proved challenging during this terrifying time. I walked into my businesses for months and was the only one there daily. I had to pivot and work tirelessly daily to make sure we made it through the storm. And during this time, there was so much scrutiny for all small business owners. I have learned that all bumps in the road have to lead me to where I am and make me a stronger leader.
We’ve been impressed with Barre3/ The Nail Barre/ The Plan by Lauren Truslow, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Barre3- barre3 is a boutique fitness studio focusing on strength training, cardiovascular training, and mindfulness. We have 25 instructors, 2 locations, and hundreds of members. We specialize in group fitness for all ages and levels; we pride ourselves on giving options and modifications so everyone can make class their own. Our community sets us apart from others because we work hard to give our clients a place to work out and create connections and friendships with one another. I am proud that we have served our community for almost a decade. We have continued to grow and change our classes to give our clients a full-body workout every time.
The Nail Barre: When you walk into The Nail barre, it is clean; you are greeted with a friendly face, offered a drink, and taken care of throughout your service. There is no smell of acrylic because we do not offer that in our salons. We give our clients a place to get their nails done, waxing services, lashes, spray tans, facials, and micro channeling. We specialize in giving our clients a one-stop shop for self-care while they relax in a clean and beautiful environment. I am proud that we have amazing nail techs who give their whole heart to every service, and I love that we offer something unique and special.
The Plan by Lauren Truslow: There are many options for day planners, but they must take care of the whole of you. The plan makes you create a plan to take care of yourself, gives weekly menus for meal prepping, has home organization tasks and help, looks into the future with the big plan, and looks at your daily fitness and food. As women, we care for everyone else and often overlook caring for ourselves. I wanted to create a planner that had everything in one place. I have also chosen female artists to create beautiful art pieces for each planner’s covers. Supporting other female small business owners is so important, and I love spreading the word about their fabulous art!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love Columbia! I came to Columbia for undergrad and stayed. My husband is an attorney, owns a small business, and serves in the Army National Guard. Opening small businesses here helps to better our city. I love that my beloved Gamecocks are here, and I can cheer them on anytime. I love Devine Street and the small business community that we have created there. I love that you walk into the grocery store and see 5 people you know. I feel at home in this city and am proud to raise my kiddos here!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theplanbylaurentruslow.com www.barre3.com www.thenailbarre.com
- Instagram: @barre3columbia, @thenailbarrecolumbia, @theplanbylaurentruslow
- Facebook: barre3 Columbia, The Nail barre Columbia, The Plan by Lauren Truslow
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-truslow-052233219/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theplanbylaurentruslow
Image Credits
Chelsea Canipe
