Women’s History Month Spotlight: Mariah Barnes of Orangetheory Fitness
Wednesday March 17, 2021
MVT CID is celebrating Women’s History Month with a series of spotlight articles on the leading ladies of MVT! This week, we’re featuring Mariah Barnes of Orangetheory Fitness, one of our neighborhood fitness studios located at 425 I Street NW. Read about her story in this MVT Women’s History Month spotlight:
MVT CID: What was your first job in the fitness industry? How did you get to where you are today?
Mariah: Orangetheory Fitness was my first job in the fitness industry! I chose to work here because of my extensive background in sales management in retail and hospitality. I wanted to support a product that adds great value and makes a positive impact in people’s lives. Orangetheory does exactly that – as our mission is to help our members live a vibrant healthier lifestyle from the inside out.
MVT CID: Why do you think that your industry could benefit by having more female leaders?
Mariah: Well, Orangetheory Fitness was created by a woman, Emily Latham, and look at the difference that we have made already in the fitness industry! I think that having more female leaders in the fitness industry could open the eyes of women who may believe in certain stigmas such as “woman shouldn’t weight train because we will get big arms and look less lady like” when it is super beneficial for us. You won’t fully comprehend that until you have someone that looks like you demonstrate that.
MVT CID: What is your advice to women looking to make it in the business?
Mariah: My advice would be to go hard, push yourself, and be a motivator for others around you. Completely acknowledge the start of your journey and know that it’s only up from there. Don’t strive to be “one of the guys,” put on for the gals because we kill it in fitness just as much as they do!
MVT CID: If you were not in the fitness industry, what would you be doing?
Mariah: I would be managing my fashion brand, Diamond Mission, which is set to launch later this year!
MVT CID: What’s your favorite part about Life in MVT?
Mariah: My favorite part about life in MVT is the fact that it’s city life but you still have that sense of community, which is rare. We see the same people (and dogs) walk past every day! It’s safe, clean, and the community cares about its people. I love it here.
Read more Women’s History Month Spotlight articles here:
Mariah Barnes of Orangetheory Fitness
