Alumnae Reshape Their Bodies, Careers and Communities

When alumnae Katelyn Lippert '08 and Brook Nash '03 discovered that they could combine their love of dancing with physical fitness, they knew they had to bring Pure Barre franchises to their cities.

Pure Barre is a total body workout using the ballet bar. Students use isometric movements to quickly and safely reshape the body, creating, long lean muscles. The workout is known to lift your seat, tone your thighs, and burn fat impressively fast, all to great music.

Brook, who worked in public health, discovered the workout after the birth of her children. “I needed to shed the baby weight. I was no longer able to jog [due to a knee injury] and needed something low impact,” she said. From her first workout, she fell in love with Pure Barre, “nothing has transformed my body as much as Pure Barre,” she said.

Katelyn Lippert '08 with her sister, Alex,
at their Pure Barre in Wilmington, NC

Katelyn, a recruiter with a human resources background, was introduced to Pure Barre by her sister and business partner, Alexandra O'Rourke. “We both danced for most of our lives, and the workout was addicting,” said Katelyn. “We quickly fell in love and thought Wilmington would be the perfect location for a Pure Barre.”

Both Brook and Katelyn took leaps into becoming small business owners and opened their own Pure Barre locations in Savannah, GA and Wilmington, NC, respectively. “I saw a gap in the Savannah fitness community and thought the women here would really appreciate the workout,” said Brook.

“Opening your own business is a huge venture, it will consume your life but if you have a strong plan and good support you will be successful,” said Katelyn.

Brook Nash '03 in front of her Pure Barre
in Savannah, GA

“First, make sure you love it,” said Brook. “As an owner, even with the help of many, it is totally consuming, but the passion you have for your business or product will get you through the 14 hour days.”

Brook and Katelyn also carried many lessons and experiences from UNCW through their journey to become entrepreneurs. Katelyn ’08 used the Cameron School of Business’s annual Business Week to practice her networking skills and give back to the university. “I enjoy coming back to Cameron and speaking with the students about life after the classroom," she said. "I actually received my first job as a result of Business Week.”

Brook had a mentor, UNCW professor Dr. Michael Perko, whose lessons translated well into her efforts as new business woman. “What I learned from him is more of a life lesson on overcoming perfectionism. No one’s perfect and as long as you try your hardest that is all anyone can ask for,” she said.

UNCW Alumni Relations/Shannon Rodenheiser '11

We are thankful for... you!

In the Alumni Relations office we are lucky to be working with and meeting UNCW alumni every day. Since 1947, UNCW (formerly Wilmington College) has produced more than 55,000 alumni who soar higher every year. We are thankful for each and every one of you. Here are a few who work hard to make a difference and we're proud to call them UNCW Alumni:

Dr. Rhett King ’03 furthered his education after attending UNCW and recently opened a local chiropractic office, King Chiropratic. Rhett is also the founder of Wilmington Health Nuts, a group who organizes and participates in various activities every other Saturday to showcase different fitness and exercise opportunities available in the area.

Bonnie England ’05 was a double art major who has been working to develop the creative arts community in Wilmington over the past few years. As former owner of Bottega Gallery & Art Bar, and originator of Diva Made, a creative women’s exchange, Bonnie’s new venture is an all-encompassing art center and lounge named Projekte.

Dawn Carter ’89 received her degree in Psychology and currently manages volunteers and fiscal support as the Director of Resources for the Good Shepherd Center in Wilmington. The center provides meals and beds for homeless in the area and transitions as many as 100 homeless men, women and families back to housing and independence each year.

Harrison James Sasser '09 attended UNCW as a business major and has an eye for style and opportunity. The recent graudate just opened a new men's clothing store, The Gentlemen's Corner, in Lumina Station.

Ray Buchanan '72 received his degree in Philosophy and Religion before continuing his studies and later forming Stop Hunger Now in 1998. Working with international partners, the organization has provided more than $70 million in direct aid and 34 million meals to 72 countries world wide.

Jason Nista '08, Rocco Quaranto '08 and Wells Struble '08, pooled their cash soon after graduation to open Fuzzy Peach, a self-serve frozen yogurt bar in Wilmington. The trio has already explored additional locations and franchising opportunities.

Kimberly Stokes '91 majored in Special Education and is currently the UNCW Site Lead Teacher for the Transition Program for Young Adults. This community-based program, for people 18 years or older with moderate to severe disabilities, teaches skills for their transition from student to real world independence.

Meredith Sullivan '01 &  Kristen Beckmeyer '01, completed their degrees in business and after turning down other opportunities, returned to Wilmington to deliver yummy treats. They opened Coastal Cupcakes, first with a downtown location and soon after, a tasty spot near Wrightsville Beach.