Today we’d like to introduce you to Mallory Borrowman.
Hi Mallory, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My Pure Barre journey started on December 24, 2014, when my sister Natalie—now my co-owner—invited me to take my very first class while we were home from college on winter break. She had already been teaching in Nashville and couldn’t stop talking about how life-changing the workout was. I remember being so sore I could barely move the next day—but I was instantly hooked. I kept taking classes back in Nashville and quickly discovered that Pure Barre was more than a workout. It became my mental escape, my medicine for managing fibromyalgia, and ultimately, my lifestyle. I became a “Barretender” after joining the 100 Club in 2016, and from that point on, Pure Barre was part of who I was.
What began as a personal passion has since grown into a much bigger dream. After moving to Orlando in 2018 and teaching at both Mills Park and Doctor Phillips, I now have the incredible privilege of co-owning Pure Barre Mills Park and Lake Nona—with a third studio in the Maitland/Altamonte area coming soon! Through the years, my “why” has evolved. Pure Barre helped me feel strong in my own body, but now my mission is to create spaces where other women can feel that same empowerment. I’ve seen firsthand how confidence gained inside the studio changes lives outside of it—whether it’s standing taller, speaking louder, or showing up more fully in everyday life. I didn’t come from a dance background, and I understand how intimidating starting something new can feel. But I believe deeply in the power of this method and the community it creates—and I’m incredibly grateful to think that I get to help others feel that magic too.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any meaningful journey, my path to ownership wasn’t without its hardships. Toward the end of 2023, my sister Natalie and I were deep in the process of pursuing two studio acquisitions in Tampa. We were all in—so much so that I had made the difficult decision to leave behind my life in Orlando, pack everything up, and move across the state to rebuild these studios. That’s how much I believe in this brand and method. The thought of leaving the studio I had spent 6–7 years teaching in, where I had built deep relationships with clients and coworkers who felt like family, was heart-wrenching. Having moved to Orlando from Nashville not knowing a soul, Pure Barre had given me a community—and walking away from it was incredibly painful. But the opportunity to grow in new ways and lead my own studios was something we felt deeply called to pursue.
When the Tampa deal fell through, it was a crushing blow. We had poured so much hope, time, and heart into the vision of becoming owners, only to find ourselves back at square one. But we chose to pivot. Instead of waiting for the perfect acquisition, we decided to build a studio from the ground up—and that leap of faith led us to something even more meaningful. In November 2024, the owner of Pure Barre Mills Park and Lake Nona approached us about buying both locations. It felt like the universe had opened a door we didn’t even know was there. We closed within 30 days and stepped into ownership with grateful, open hearts. The ride since has been nothing short of magical—proving that the most unexpected turns can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.
We’ve been impressed with Pure Barre , 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?
Pure Barre is the largest barre brand in the nation and has been transforming bodies and lives since 2001. What began as a single format—our signature Classic class—has evolved into a comprehensive fitness experience offering multiple class types under one powerful brand. Today, our clients can choose from a variety of formats tailored to different goals: Empower for a cardio-driven, athletic challenge; Align for a focus on mobility, flexibility, and balance; Define for strength training and weightlifting; and, of course, Classic for the foundational full-body, low-impact, high-intensity workout that started it all. No matter the format, every class is rooted in the Pure Barre method—designed to strengthen, lengthen, and energize both body and mind.
What sets our studios apart is not just what we do, but how we do it. Our instructors are trained extensively to understand the method at a deep level and deliver a high-quality experience to every client, every time. Through hands-on coaching, personalized modifications, and a deep understanding of movement, our team ensures every class feels like personal training—but with the energy, encouragement, and fun of a group setting. However, the real magic of Pure Barre Mills Park and Lake Nona lies in the community we’ve built. When you walk through our doors, you’re not just another person in class—you’re part of something bigger. We pride ourselves on making everyone feel seen, heard, and celebrated, whether it’s your first class or your 500th.
At our studios, we believe that fitness should empower—not intimidate. We work hard to create a space where people feel supported in their wellness journeys, both physically and emotionally. We host holiday events, support local causes, and connect through things like book clubs and community challenges. We cheer each other on through life’s highs and lows. That’s what we’re most proud of: creating a place where people feel strong, connected, and confident—inside and outside the studio walls. Pure Barre is more than just a workout. It’s a lifestyle, a support system, and a community that’s been changing lives for nearly 25 years. And we’re just getting started.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always drawn to anything creative. From a young age, music and performance were my passions—I started playing guitar and singing around 8 years old, and it quickly became a core part of who I was. By 14, I was already working, and one of my very first jobs was actually a radio segment on a local station where I shared the latest teen trends. Clearly, if you put a mic in front of me, I’m going to talk—or sing! That love for performing and connecting with others is still a huge part of why I love what I do today.
Outside of music and creativity, I’ve always been someone who deeply values connection. Time with family and friends has always been what fills my cup—then and now. There’s nothing more healing for the soul than being surrounded by the people you love. These days, I also spend a lot of my free time with my fur baby, Olive—she’s a half Australian Shepherd, half Poodle with endless energy and a heart of gold. We love spending time in nature, whether it’s walking trails, exploring parks, or just soaking up some sun together. After high school, I followed my passion to Nashville and attended Belmont University, majoring in Commercial Music with a focus on voice and performance. Looking back, it’s no surprise I ended up in a career that blends movement, motivation, and meaningful relationships—it all ties back to that creative, people-loving kid I’ve always been.
Pricing:
- Unlimited Memberships: $169-$179
- 8 Pack Memberships: $139
- 4 Pack Memberships: $89
- 10 Class Pack: $289
- 20 Class Pack: $519
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.purebarre.com/location/orlando-mills-park-fl
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purebarreorlando/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PureBarreOrlandoMillsPark/
- Other: https://www.purebarre.com/location/orlando-lake-nona-fl
Image Credits
Nick Pilotta – photographer.
