Interview: Linda Tang, Co-Founder of WeBarre on building a resilient barre community

‍Linda is the Co-Founder of WeBarre, Asia's leading barre studio. WeBarre has multiple locations in Singapore & Hong Kong, offers a world class instructor training and a global On Demand platform - truly serving clients in every part of their fitness journey. Coming from a background in brand management at P&G and Unilever, she has created a nurturing brand in WeBarre that creates community & empowerment for women, supporting them in all stages of their lives. 

Join us as Linda shares golden nuggets on building a barre empire, leading with empathy, and her favourite milestone in her 9 years of WeBarre.

From corporate to entrepreneurship

After seven years in corporate brand management, Linda felt the entrepreneurial itch but wasn’t sure how or when to take the leap. When barre, a fitness trend popular in the West, caught her attention, she saw an opportunity to bring it to Singapore. “There wasn’t a specialized barre studio in Singapore at the time,” she recalls. “I knew it was a matter of time before it took off here.”

The transition from corporate to entrepreneurship wasn’t without its challenges. Linda discusses the stark differences in infrastructure: “In a corporate company, you have all the infrastructure you need to be productive - from ergonomic desk chairs to stationary. When I started WeBarre, I was working in cafes and on the studio floor, realizing I had to figure out how to take care of my own wellbeing to stay productive.”

Her corporate experience, however, became crucial to the success of her entrepreneurship. “My training in brand management taught me how to create a clear, differentiated brand. WeBarre doesn’t try to do everything - we focus on doing one thing really well.”

Building a niche in barre

Linda and her business partner, Anabel, traveled the world to research barre studios before launching WeBarre. They decided against franchising and instead created a brand tailored to the Asian consumer. “The Asian physique and preferences are different,” Linda explains. “Our clients want to be leaner, longer, and more graceful. They love the dance aspect of barre but don’t want to bulk up.”

This consumer-first mindset has been central to WeBarre’s success. “We’ve always stayed true to our DNA while integrating industry trends that are evidence-based. For example, we adapted our barre HIIT class to incorporate more strength training as research came out around that, and changed the name from WeBarre Hit to WeBarre Strong. There are still some HIIT and barre elements, but it’s been updated to reflect current research.”

Centering community first for studio success

For Linda, building a strong community is intentional, not accidental. “Community is something we need to live and breathe and demonstrate internally first. We invest in our people - engaging them, bonding with them, and supporting them at work and in life. This internal culture naturally extends to our clients.”

WeBarre’s community-driven approach includes themed classes (singalongs to Taylor Swift, anyone?), partner work, and events like International Women’s Day celebrations. “Our clients often become our biggest advocates,” Linda says. “They’ll share their love for WeBarre with newcomers before we even have to say a word.”

Supporting women through prenatal and postnatal fitness

WeBarre has been a pioneer in supporting women through pregnancy and postpartum. “We started prenatal classes just six months into launching,” Linda shares. “It’s about empowering women to feel like themselves again, even during such a transformative time.”

Linda, a mother of two, understands the challenges firsthand. “Pregnancy and postpartum can make women feel like they’ve lost their identity. We want to show them they don’t have to give up what they love - they can continue their fitness journey with us.”

Barre is for everyone

One of Linda’s key messages is that barre is for everyone - regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. “The most common misconceptions are that barre is only for women, or that you need to be flexible. But it’s a low-impact workout that’s great for core strength, posture, and mobility. It’s perfect for anyone looking to feel strong and capable in their daily lives.”

Emerging trends: recovery and holistic wellness

Linda is excited about the growing focus on recovery and holistic wellness. “Cold plunges, saunas, breathwork - these are big trends right now. We’re exploring collaborations with recovery studios and incorporating more self-care elements into our offerings.”

Linda’s leadership philosophy

Linda’s leadership style is rooted in connection and authenticity. “I lead with my heart on my sleeve. Understanding what motivates people and supporting them both at work and in life is the foundation of my approach.”

“Leadership is an ongoing journey. I’m always seeking inspiration - whether through podcasts, courses, or conversations with other entrepreneurs.  I try to listen to podcasts every time I'm in transit or getting somewhere. One that I listen to a lot is Fitness Business Asia, which is owned by my friend Jack. I also love articles from BeyondActiv to stay up to date.”

The future of boutique fitness

Linda predicts consolidation in the boutique fitness industry. “Right now, there’s too much supply, and it’s becoming a price war. In the next few years, only the studios with exceptional services and results will stay ahead.”

As for WeBarre, Linda is committed to staying true to the brand’s DNA while adapting to the times. “Barre is here to stay. We’ll continue to innovate and listen to our community to ensure we’re meeting their needs.”

Advice for aspiring fitness studio owners

Linda’s advice is simple yet powerful: “Underestimate yourselves and overestimate your competitors. Always have a contingency plan and stay humble. That mindset will keep you prepared and strategic.”

“Underestimate yourselves and overestimate your competitors." ~Linda Tang, Co-Founder of WeBarre

Thanks Linda!

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