My Job In Corporate Became Mundane, So I Took A Big Leap…

My job was no longer fulfilling, and the idea of promotion would not change how I felt on the inside.

Tiombe Huggins Shares Her Personal Essay About Becoming A Barre Instructor
Photos courtesy of Tiombe Huggins

As a former Talent Acquisition Manager, my typical workday consisted of calling potential teaching candidates, conducting phone interviews, and drafting offer letters. My 9-5 work routine was mundane, but once I closed my laptop at the end of my day, it was time to go to my happy place: Pure Barre.  

Four times a week, I would travel to the Upper East Side of Manhattan to absorb everything Pure Barre— a fitness studio that offers a full-body workout that incorporates elements of yoga, pilates, and ballet. I was immediately hooked on Pure Barre’s innovative technique that improves strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. I instantly became a regular at the studio.

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Developing The Woman I Wanted To Be, Rather Than The Employee They Needed Me To Be

As my corporate job went through many changes, the only stable aspect of my life was evening classes at Pure Barre. My job was no longer fulfilling, and the idea of promotion would not change how I felt on the inside.

I was spending most of my day working behind a desk, not fully immersed in the day-to-day operations of my department. I found myself wanting to focus more on my interests and doing things that positively contributed to my overall wellness.

It was more important to develop the woman that I wanted to be, rather than the employee they needed me to be. 

Following My Dreams— And The Signs

Tiombe Huggins Shares Her Personal Essay About Becoming A Barre Instructor
Photos courtesy of Tiombe Huggins

Fitness was such an integral part of my lifestyle and when I got the email that Pure Barre was having instructor auditions, I knew it was a sign.

I auditioned to become a Pure Barre Instructor. When I got the call a few days later that I got the job, I knew this opportunity was presented to me for a reason.

I gladly accepted and began training that same week. Once I completed training, I knew what my next step was…

With a fully-funded emergency fund, I resigned from my corporate job, opened a small business, and became a fitness instructor. 

From Recruiter to Reformer

Today, you can catch me on the mic’ sharing my love for Pure Barre and its challenging technique. The moves are small but impactful. It also provides a release from your day and gives your mind something to focus on that is truly for yourself.

When I am not teaching Pure Barre, I’m running my self-care stationery business, Living on the Butter Side Lifestyle.

Overall, I am happy I pivoted from corporate to follow my dreams. There is nothing like finding something you wake up excited to do every day.

Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity. 

Tiombe Huggins is a self-care and wellness enthusiast. She shares the importance of self-care with her own brand of self-care stationery products, along with sharing wellness and small business inspiration with her audience as a content creator. When she isn’t running her business, you can catch her teaching Pure Barre classes in NYC.