fearless, seasoned, visionary

Turning 50 is often a game-changer—you’re halfway to 100! While that can be a daunting idea for some, Jennifer Kasparian looked at it as time to shake up her usual with a career change. Today, as owner of The Bar Method in Fresno and Clovis, Jenny’s studios are the physical manifestation of her lifelong search for total wellness, inside and out. Finding balance for the whole self, with her daughter and dog by her side, facial masks, and a clean diet (red wine and dark chocolate included) are the keys to Jenny’s well-seasoned wellness model.

From then to now.

“I was a registered nurse working in labor and delivery for 25 years … and I started to feel some burnout, so I decided to try something I had passion for at 50 years old … I literally knew nothing about business! I knew about people, relationships, and keeping fit—there definitely has been a learning curve.” Jenny opened Fresno’s first Bar Method in 2013, but it wasn’t without its growing pains. “I have learned from my mistakes and it has definitely been on-the-job training!” In 2016, the mother of two opened a second Bar Method location in Clovis. Opening The Bar Methods married some of Jenny’s favorite things together. “I have always paid attention to fitness and fashion! I try to stay in the best shape I can for my age. Style and aesthetics are very important to me and I like my studios to reflect this … Plus, it was something I could do with my oldest daughter, Lauren.”

Becoming balanced.

Jenny’s story is one of ever-evolving balance. “I think I have become less obsessed with fitness and health than before—it’s important, but it’s not the most important thing in life; helping a friend, reading a book, solving a problem, sitting with a parent are all equally important … It is about your inner peace and satisfaction with how you are living and less about how your body looks.” Her formula for maintaining balance begins within. “I try to start every day with reading the Bible and doing a devotion—it shifts my thinking from selfishness to others.”

What “total body” really means.

The Bar Method’s “total body” experience is Jenny’s own wellness ideal. “I hope to impart an importance of a ‘total body’ effect on a client—that means being physically, emotionally, and spiritually balanced! Missing a workout is not the end of the world—call a friend, pray, do a devotion, talk to a counselor, bring someone food. There are so many things that make us healthy and happy! I tell my daughter [Lauren] all the time, ‘Working out is just a part of our daily life. It isn’t our whole life, so it’s okay to miss a workout and lie in bed to watch a Lifetime movie today!’”

Daily delights.

Working with Lauren is one of the best parts of Jenny’s day, but what else brings her daily joy? “Definitely my dog, Tucker—anyone that is close to their pet understands the power animals have on our life. I think sometimes we fail to realize the therapy pets provide!” Also, “Facial masks! I love them. I do this in this order:

1. Rodan+Fields REDEFINE Daily Cleansing Mask

2. Sisley Paris Botanical Floral Toning Lotion

3. Cle de Peau Beauté Intensive Brightening Mask (leave on eight minutes)

4. Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Masque (a few times a week, used after toning)”

The routine.

“I try to do The Bar Method 4-5 times a week. I also like to walk. I have tried many other workouts, but I prefer The Bar Method because the workout is efficient and total body in just one hour. I’m not vegan anymore, but I eat healthy and clean 95% of the time, with red wine and dark chocolate being my cheats! I believe food impacts your skin as well. Skincare is super important, so I try to stay hydrated and moisturized also. I also drink hot lemon water.”

Food for thought.

Jenny opened up about the relationship she has with food, which she called “tumultuous … I was raised that ‘food cures all’ in my [Armenian] culture. When I was a teenager, I experienced a bout with anorexia. I stopped eating and became obsessed with being thin. When I got married and pregnant with my first child, I completely stopped this destructive behavior. I can’t say I have no struggles with body image—don’t we all? I have just learned that we are really fine give or take five pounds, we are the same person and it has little effect on our life. Being thin is not the answer! Develop other areas of your being and you will see this is a truth.”

Seasoned and aged to perfection.

What word best describes her? “‘Seasoned’ is my word choice! Hindsight is 20/20. This is something you only get as you age. Embrace this and share this with others younger than you. They may listen, they may not, but it’s worth sharing!”

You’ve gotta feel it.

“Someone once told me, ‘They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.’ This is truth and I fall short often, but this is my standard to live. I believe this 100%.”

Photographer Ellie Koleen with Ellie Koleen Photography

Managing Editor Lauren Barisic

Makeup Juan Salcedo with Luxe Salon & Spa

Hair Anna K. Peters with re:TREAT color+hair design studio

Ellie Koleen

Photographer

Ellie is a lifestyle, wedding, and brand photographer based in Fresno, California. An artist behind the lens, her trademark airy, light-filled style and masterful camera angles make her work easily recognizable. She uses her love for all things design related as inspiration for her work. The Fresno Bee named Ellie Best Photographer for the People’s Choice Awards in 2018 and 2019.