Narendra Bandaranayake is a well-known name associated with her home-grown brand, Barressential, a unique fitness brand with a truly impactful and inspiring story. Eight years ago, she introduced a new type of fitness called Barre and Pilates. She started out in her own living room with just a small group of like-minded people who wanted to learn something new and stay healthy. Over time, Narendra built her own fitness brand, Barressential. Now, as she celebrates eight years of success, she sat down with Observer Muse to share her amazing journey with Barressential.
Q: What was the decisive moment that transformed your vision for Barressential from a personal passion into a structured business?
A: The turning point came in 2016, shortly after I moved back to Sri Lanka from London. While living there, I had discovered Reformer Pilates in 2012 as part of a rehab plan for a back injury. It surprised me how addictive it was, especially for someone who wasn’t naturally drawn to exercise. Around the same time, I also began attending Barre classes, which were difficult but incredibly energising. I quickly became hooked, going four times a week and building a community of fellow enthusiasts that really complemented my lifestyle in London.
Nare Bandaranayake
When I moved back to Colombo, I had no plans to start a fitness business. But I quickly realised that without access to Pilates or Barre, some of my old injuries were flaring up again and I couldn’t find a single studio offering the kind of mindful, low-impact movement I had come to rely on. I spoke to a few people in the wellness space, encouraging them to launch something, but no one did. Eventually, I decided to do it myself, not as a hobby, but as a serious test of a business opportunity.
I got certified in Barre, which was the least capital-intensive modality to launch, and started teaching classes from my living room. Even in those early days, I wasn’t just offering workouts, I was building a brand, testing product-market fit, and laying the foundation for what would become Barressential.
Q: How did you aim to create a unique fitness culture with Barressential that combines local values and global trends?
A: From the start, we wanted to change how fitness is seen in Sri Lanka, especially for women. In 2016, most marketing focused only on losing weight, which felt disempowering. We decided not to promote fitness that way.
Instead, we focus on strength, resilience, and movement as acts of self-respect, working out for yourself, not to look a certain way. This shift aligns with global trends that see fitness as good for mental health, strength, and sustainability, not just appearance.
Q: How does barre and Pilates contribute to overall well-being beyond physical fitness?
A: Barre and Pilates are precise and intentional movements that focus on form and muscle activation. They help protect joints and build long-term strength.
Many clients find the classes calming because they require deep concentration. It’s like a moving meditation, helping clear the mind and improve mental well-being.
Q: How did your experiences in London and New York influence your fitness brand in Sri Lanka?
A: My time in London taught me what premium fitness looks like, from great client experiences to efficient operations. My decade as an investor helped me understand how successful businesses run smoothly and stand out.
I combined these lessons when starting Barressential: applying high standards, punctuality, waitlists, and strict policies, like top studios abroad, while adapting to Sri Lanka. Our goal was to elevate local fitness standards, not just copy others.
Clients often say, “It feels like I’m not in Colombo,” which is exactly what we aimed for. We brought international wellness quality to Sri Lanka, and that’s why our business continues to thrive and grow even after eight years and many challenges.
Q: What has been the most fulfilling part of your entrepreneurial journey with Barressential?
A: The most fulfilling part is building something that lasts with a group of like-minded people. Starting in my living room, growing into a strong brand, and now franchising, all while staying true to our values of quality, care, and community.
The best feeling is knowing we’ve created a place people trust, where bodies are strengthened, minds are shifted, and everyone feels they belong. That’s real creativity: making a business that truly delivers value with honesty and purpose.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in the fitness industry?
A: Focus on quality and start with a strong understanding of the body. Knowing how movement and anatomy work is crucial to avoid injuries and build trust. Lead with knowledge and care, and success will follow.
In Sri Lanka, the industry isn’t well-regulated, so it’s important to take certifications seriously and keep learning. I admire entrepreneurs like Bilal from Athlete Unleashed for their attention to detail.
My biggest advice? Take your craft seriously, respect it, and build something lasting with integrity.
