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    #WomensWork Feature: Nora Hendryks

    Written by Kate Racculia

     

    Nora Hendrycks took a leap of faith. In 2016, leaving behind a 25-year career in the financial services industry, she founded barreform, a boutique fitness studio that opened in 2017 on 4th Street. “I bet on myself,” she said. “I stepped completely out of my very comfortable comfort zone.”

     

    She wanted to create something that brought a direct and positive impact to people. That’s exactly what barreform’s unique class-based workouts do; they’re designed to help each client challenge themselves to be better than they were the day before. It’s work to change, hard work, but the results are worth it.

     

    Life is a leap and challenge that we must rise to meet, and the path to new places isn’t always clear. “I often think if I knew then what I know now, I would do lots of things differently. But honestly, the more I think about it the more I wouldn’t change a thing. The less than perfect decisions, the mistakes and the lessons of my life brought me exactly to where I am right now. And I would not want to risk not making it to where I am.”

     

    Nora wants to continue to challenge herself, and become more active in the revitalization efforts transforming the South Side. She sees women throughout Bethlehem raising their voices, making themselves heard, and redefining the status quo. “Don’t listen to anyone who tells you that you are not good enough, or that you can’t pursue your dreams,” she advises. “It may not happen overnight. Be patient, and never give up on yourself.”

     

    Also: “Use sunscreen.”