These Charlotte sisters are opening up a fitness hub in Dilworth this month

Sister duo Brit Turner, 32, and Melanie Morton, 29, have been active their entire lives. The two grew up in Concord and have participated in basically every sport there is — whether it be cheerleading or softball.

So it only made sense that they open a retail hub for the fashion-minded fitness lover. And so Fit Atelier was born.

The French word ‘atelier’ means workshop. This will not be a store just selling a product. The sisters want to sell a lifestyle.

In addition to the retail component, they’ll partner with local studios to host classes with celebrity trainers. They’ve already booked Alice Ramshaw, the head trainer at Body By Simone in New York, at Hilliard Studio Method on Sept. 9.

Another aspect of the business is the promotion of local fitness instructors and their brand/business by hosting free classes in Fit Atelier’s space. Although the 800-square-foot store will have a few classes in their own space, they’ll host small workout classes at other local fitness studios about 90 percent of the time.

“We want to partner with local studios to bring new workouts to Charlotte and ramp up the fitness community,” said Turner. “We want to introduce our customers to the things that we love.”

They’ll post a schedule of workouts for customers and friends to join them at — such as H3 at VIBE5, Hilliard Studio Method or a Cyclebar class.

Fit Atelier is all about confidence

“We want to instill confidence whether you’re going to Harris Teeter or working out,” said Turner. “When you look good, you feel good.”

So what kind of clothes can you expect at the store? You’re probably not going to see basic black workout leggings.

“We’re like Coachella x Lululemon,” said Morton. “We’re focusing on Indie brands that you can’t really find in Charlotte.”

The workout pants, tank tops, sweatshirts and sports bras will have intricate details and bold prints. They’ll even carry artisanal sneaker brands. The products will range from $50-$185 and will be available in limited quantities. The goal is for customers to not only work out in the products but to also go out and about in them.

Looking to the future

While Fit Atelier is focusing on Charlotte for now, the owners eventually want to have brick and mortar stores in locations like Atlanta, Raleigh and other southeastern cities.

Soon, they’ll be hosting a run club every week because they want to uplift their friends and customers.

“We want our customers to be our workout buddies,” Turner said. “We want to hold them accountable and them hold us accountable. We want to create a community that encourages each other.”

Learn more

The sisters plan to open the store Aug. 18 at 310 East Blvd., Suite 3C, and will be open every day except for Monday.

If you’re interested in attending the celebrity trainer class Sept. 9, follow Fit Atelier’s Instagram and Hilliard Studio Method’s Instagram for ticket announcements leading up to the event.

This story was originally published August 6, 2017 at 10:00 PM.