Kalyn Swihart: Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur

Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Kalyn Swihart, Owner/Founder of Ballet Barre Works. After touring the world as a dancer, Kalyn’s infectious energy and authentic love for making dance accessible to everyone became the natural building blocks to a successful business in a competitive Calgary market…

“It started with begging people to come and try this class I had created, and when they showed up, I started to run more classes and more people showed up. I was flying full-time as a flight attendant, so Samantha Knight would teach while I was away so that the classes could continue even when I was working. Then I decided to create an event and sell a registered session; I texted a few friends and asked them to text their friends. Within a few hours, the event was full. I was like ‘What?! Who are all these people?’”

And so began Ballet Barre Works, a fitness studio offering one of the friendliest, sweatiest, most motivating workouts you’ll find in Calgary.

After two years in business, Kalyn’s client base has doubled as devoted members/dancers have spread the word, making marketing about as simple as it gets. The family-like environment created by the company founder’s inspiring talent and authenticity is a real-life example of the “do what you love and you’ll succeed” business model.

Now, with dreams of spreading her passion for ballet to the masses, her message is simple: encouraging new members to “come sweat, smile and stand tall together.”

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am the creator and innovator behind Ballet Barre Works. Although I’m on the creative side, my passion remains in teaching and facilitating the spread of this type of fitness and dance. I’m also the janitor, administrator and merchandise buyer. 

What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started these classes with a vision to break down barriers and make ballet accessible for everyone. I also needed to find a way that I could keep dancing forever – I want to be a 90-year-old crazy dance lady, so this was a way to make that happen.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is seeing my students learn and the interactions that have grown into relationships; building my team of amazing instructors and seeing them teach with the same passion and conviction as I have. The hardest part has been letting go of my emotional artist side and putting on my business hat – making decisions that are good for growth, which might require setting boundaries around my passions. I’m constantly working on finding the balance between keeping Ballet Barre Works accessible but still being attractive to dancers and athletes of all levels.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully starting new BBW studios around the country and/or facilitating a nationwide teacher-training program. I definitely want to still be dancing, still teaching and still enjoying relationships with my students. 

What does success look like to you?
Success is in the relationships; being a witness to someone else’s life and providing an outlet for passion for members of the community. And on a personal level, success is always being able to do what I love.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Obviously opening the studio was huge, and the pinnacle of that was the first time the class was so full we didn’t have enough space for everyone. Before I started the business, I lived for any moment I could take the stage; performing and training all over the world was incredible. Last year I became a Travel TV host for WestJet Vacations, which was pretty amazing!

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Start small, dream big. Find something that’s natural and authentic for you and it will all fall into place. My biggest take-away so far has been not to wait for perfection. Let go of other peoples’ expectations, make mistakes, let yourself fail. Surround yourself with fearless, positive people. Two books I’d recommend are Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie and Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. I also love what Steve Jobs said about not trying to do things better than the competition, but instead thinking of how we can do them differently.

Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why??
My best new discovery has been Tamarind on 7th Ave and 10th St SW downtown. It’s a little Vietnamese place that just went vegan (I’m vegetarian), and I love it. Another regular spot is the White Elephant for Thai, and of course Milk Tiger Lounge for “bar après barre.” It’s right beside the studio!

Where is your favourite place to travel?
Paros, Greece. NYC. Sayulita, Mexico. Kauai.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I can’t imagine doing anything but what I’m doing now, which is actually amazing now that I’m saying it out loud.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
We try to do regular fundraising with our classes, the biggest one this year being for the Underwear Affair. We raised $16,500 between a team of 25 members, and all did the run in pink tutus. It was a perfect event because the cause was relevant for a lot of our community and it was an activity that we could train for and do together. For the holidays, we’re sponsoring a family through the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter,  and we’ve also supported Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society.

What to you is notable?
The ability to create an experience that evokes emotion and makes people feel like they’re part of something is notable. Also, being able to remember peoples’ names. That makes for a notable person.

BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
I just got rid of my flip phone and finally went iPhone. What is this “cloud” thing?

#NOTABLE

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