Bringing Pilates to Battaramulla: Shayala’s Franchise Story with Barressential
- Barressential
- Jun 2
- 6 min read
Tell us a bit about yourself! What inspired you to become a business owner, and why now?
I’ve always been someone who's up for a challenge. Saying no has honestly been one of my biggest weaknesses, but ironically, refusing to take no for an answer has become one of my greatest strengths. Opening my own wellness studio wasn't initially a long-term goal. However, looking back, everything I’ve done was quietly paving the way for this moment. Studying biology for A/Ls ignited my fascination with the human body. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a deep belief in the transformative power of movement and the incredible mind-body connection. For me, wellness isn't just fitness, it’s about feeling grounded, present, and connected.
Why now? The timing just felt right. I was exploring ideas for starting something of my own when Barressential announced opportunities for franchise partners. It felt like the ideal challenge, with the right people at the right moment.
How did you first discover Barressential, and what made you choose to franchise with us instead of starting your own studio from scratch?
Barressential was actually my first “real” job - I started out as a client advisor. At the time, I didn’t fully realize it, but that experience was planting the seeds for what would come much later. Being behind the scenes gave me a unique perspective. I saw how much thought went into Pilates and Barre classes, how movement was treated as a form of self-care rather than just exercise, and how much emphasis was placed on creating a space where people felt seen and supported. That stuck with me.
Years later, when I started thinking seriously about opening a wellness space of my own, I kept coming back to that early experience. I knew the kind of environment I wanted to create and Barressential had already done it, in a way that felt aligned with my own values. Around the same time, they were opening up to franchise partners, and it just made sense.
Franchising with Barressential wasn’t about taking a shortcut. It was about building with a brand I had a real connection to one I trusted and had grown with. I could have started something entirely from scratch, but this felt more intentional. I knew what Barressential stood for, I believed in it, and I wanted to bring that experience to a new community in a way that still felt personal, which is why I have housed it under my own brand ‘Yara Wellness Lounge’.
What was the process like working with the Barressential team to launch your studio—from first conversation to opening day?
Honestly, I’d say it was seamless. From the very first conversation, the Barressential team has been incredibly supportive and hands-on. Whether it was reviewing the franchise agreement, helping with studio setup, or walking through the nitty-gritty of launch timelines, they’ve been there every step of the way. There were regular check-ins, calls, and even moments where Saira, Dinely, and the rest of the team were more on top of things than I was - which says a lot!
Of course, like with any new venture, there were a few unexpected challenges along the way. That’s just part of the process, nothing ever goes exactly according to plan, and I never expected it to be all smooth sailing. But even in those moments, having a team that’s experienced, calm under pressure, and genuinely invested made a huge difference.
The overall experience has been collaborative, and very human. It never felt like I was doing this alone, and that kind of support is rare and invaluable, especially when you’re launching something as personal as a studio.
What kind of support did you receive before launch—and what do you continue to receive now as part of the franchise system?
Before launch, the support was very practical and hands-on. The Barressential team helped guide me through everything from sourcing equipment to pricing structures and staff onboarding. There was a clear framework to follow, which made the process a lot less overwhelming, especially when juggling multiple moving parts.
What I appreciated most was that the guidance was flexibile. It was structured but still allowed room for decisions that made sense for my specific location and space. Whether it was messaging, branding, or operations, the team was always available to troubleshoot and offer advice.
Post-launch, the support hasn’t dropped off. We still have regular check-ins, marketing support, access to updated training and class plans, and a sounding board for anything that comes up day-to-day. It feels like an ongoing partnership rather than a one-time setup. That continuity has been important, specially in the early months of running the studio when new challenges pop up almost weekly.
What makes your Barressential studio special? Tell us where it’s located and what clients can expect when they walk through your doors.
When I was working as a client advisor in Thimbirigasyaya, stepping into a Barressential class always lifted my mood. The space felt so welcoming - a sanctuary you didn't want to leave. That feeling really stayed with me, and it was something I was determined to recreate in our own studio.
With the help of the incredibly talented Qumra and Aabed from 2123 Design Studio, I think we’ve truly captured that vision. Our studio is tucked away from the hustle of Colombo, yet easily accessible. It’s located in the Battaramulla and Pelawatte area, offering a much-needed wellness escape for those living and working in the suburbs. We have a daily schedule of Yoga, Barre and Mat Pilates classes - and our Reformer Pilates classes will start from next week. We know a lot of clients from Battaramulla battle traffic to get to Barressential in Colombo 05 so we are excited to bring these low impact workouts right to their doorstep.
What sets this studio apart is its unique vibe. While it stays true to the Barressential brand, we’ve given it a distinct tropical feel: something warm, grounded, and a little different from the typical minimalist studios you often see online.
What’s been the most rewarding moment in your first month of running the studio?
The most rewarding moments have come from the people. Hearing clients say they love the classes and genuinely enjoy being in the studio has meant everything. That kind of feedback reminds me why I started this.
Equally rewarding has been watching my small team grow into their roles. Seeing their confidence build and how they show up every day with heart and commitment has been such a joy. I genuinely love working with them.
As a woman under 30 launching your first business, how does it feel stepping into the role of studio owner and entrepreneur?
I won’t lie, it's been incredibly challenging. There have been days I’ve sat down and seriously doubted if I could pull it off, thinking to myself I’ve taken on more than I can handle. Balancing this with a full-time job makes it even tougher, but in a strange way, it also makes the journey that much more interesting.
But I’m lucky to have an amazing support system; my family and close friends have been a huge part of keeping me grounded and moving forward.
What really keeps me going, though, is the community we’re building. Seeing people show up, connect, and commit to moving their bodies is powerful. My hope is that this space inspires more people to move - not just for fitness, but for their overall wellbeing. That impact is what makes it all worth it!
What advice would you give to other women in Sri Lanka considering entrepreneurship or opening a franchise?
I’d say go for it - start now and don’t wait for the perfect opportunity.
The option to partner with Barressential is already an opportunity of its own given that it comes with a lot of support. The team have set the standard for what excellence looks like and have climbed a steep slope to bring Pilates and Barre to the Sri Lankan market. To have access to their playbook and learnings makes the experience so much more fulfilling.
It’s only been a month since we opened our doors, but the learning curve has already been steep - in the best way possible . Every challenge brings a lesson, and every small win reinforces that this was the right move. If you’re considering starting out on your own,I’d say: don’t hold yourself back waiting for the perfect moment. You’re more capable than you think and you don’t have to do it alone!
What are your goals for the next 6 months at your studio—and what are you most excited about?
Over the next six months, my focus is on deepening the sense of community at the studio and creating a space where clients feel supported, seen, and motivated to return - not just for the physical benefits, but for the connection and consistency it brings to their lives.
I’m most excited to see our clients grow stronger -both in terms of mind and body. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about watching someone walk in uncertain and leave feeling empowered, and I know that, with time and consistency, that transformation will only continue with the grace of God.
Would you recommend franchising with Barressential to others? If so, why?
Definitely- Barressential has been in the industry for almost a decade and know the ins and outs of it. They’re the OG home of Pilates in Colombo - so I don’t see a better fit.
Interested in franchising with Barressential? Email us on hello@barressential.com or whatsapp us on 0777778953
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