From passionate client to pioneering president, Kamille McCollum’s journey with BODYBAR illustrates the impressive power of following one’s instinct and calling. What began as a simple fitness class evolved into a remarkable entrepreneurship success story between a husband and wife duo. With Kamille now serving as President and Chief Brand Officer of a rapidly expanding fitness franchise alongside her husband, Matt, she has grown BODYBAR into a thriving nationwide brand with over 100 territories sold and ambitious expansion plans.
Despite this impressive growth, McCollum’s core philosophy remains unchanged: prioritizing authentic relationships and building genuine communities. Her path from fitness enthusiast to business leader demonstrates how dedication, adaptability, and a focus on human connection can transform careers and lives. Through BODYBAR, she inspires others to discover their potential, whether as a client, instructor, or franchise owner.
Starting as a client, Kamille McCollum initially fell in love with BODYBAR just by showing up to take classes as a patron. What she didn’t realize in that first fateful class was that she would be taking a step forward into fitness and into a business that would change her life forever. With no professional fitness experience, Kamille fell so in love with BODYBAR’s workout that she became an instructor. From there, the snowball effect took charge. Kamille is now a 3 times franchise owner and the President and Chief Brand Officer of BODYBAR.
Alongside her husband, Matt, who serves as CEO, Kamille has worked to create an impressive, inclusive, and welcoming environment in the BODYBAR franchise. As I listened to Kamille, it was apparent her success is well-earned after getting to know the BODYBAR model inside and out, but one thing really stood out to me as we spoke. The prioritization of relationships: building, maintaining, and fostering relationships with everyone who walks through the front door of the BODYBAR studios.
BODYBAR started as a single studio in downtown Dallas, Texas, in 2012. The franchise experience took off when Kamille and her husband saw the potential for the opportunity and took a year to learn the ins and outs of the franchise system. They partnered with BODYBAR in 2019 and sold a few locations before Covid hit. Luckily, Covid didn’t ruin the workouts or the franchises, which Kamille credits to the amazing community and the relationships they had built over the years.
Kamille and her team found that their community wanted to support the studio even during the challenging times of COVID-19. Seventy percent of their members continued to pay membership fees, allowing the club to stay open, teach online classes, and keep the community moving during lockdown. This powerful movement proved that where there is a community, there is support, and together, they made it through a challenging but navigable time.
Pilates workouts will undoubtedly continue to rise in popularity. BODYBAR takes the basic foundations of Pilates and adds components of athletic intensity to create a challenging workout format to increase balance, strength, endurance, and stability.
They rise one step above by prioritizing community and welcoming all, regardless of their background or fitness level. With 104 territories sold, 43 studios currently open, and a goal to hit 100 of those territories up and running by the end of 2025, BODYBAR is growing.
With opportunities to own a franchise popping up, I asked Kamille what advice she has for current or prospective franchise owners.
Kamille shared that the best people suited to be franchise owners are those who started as teachers and have a passion for the brand and community, an understanding of the club, and a passion for teaching with a fire to create more change within the community.
If franchise ownership isn’t for you, but you’re still interested in working with BODYBAR, you can take their 250-hour course. They look for those with solid charisma, entertainment qualities, and a dedication to the BODYBAR way. The great thing about their program is that you can start teaching and making money from the moment you complete the program and test out.
Kamille McCollum’s BODYBAR journey exemplifies how a seemingly innocent choice can evolve into purposeful entrepreneurship. From her first class as a client to her current role as President and CBO, McCollum has transformed a local fitness studio into a nationwide franchise success story. What sets BODYBAR apart isn’t just its innovative blend of Pilates and athletic prowess; it’s the unwavering focus on building authentic relationships and fostering community.
This commitment proved invaluable for a challenging, unknown time like COVID-19 when member loyalty helped sustain the business through the unprecedented challenge. As BODYBAR aims to have 100 studios operational by the end of 2025, McCollum’s leadership philosophy remains rooted in prioritizing genuine connections over mere business transactions. Her story demonstrates that successful franchising isn’t just about following systems (although that is important). It’s about creating spaces where community thrives, and transformation happens inside and out, one relationship at a time.
About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.
Powering the Business of Health, Fitness, and Wellness Coaching
By Elisa Edelstein
By Elisa Edelstein
By Elisa Edelstein
By Elisa Edelstein
By Elisa Edelstein
By Elisa Edelstein
Powering the Business of Health, Fitness, and Wellness Coaching