Bernadette (Bernie) Sukkar has grown her once home-based pilates business into one of Sydney's most celebrated pilates, meditation and breathwork studios, Body by Berner—which now calls North Bondi home—in a matter of years, leads health and wellness classes on behalf of globally renowned brands, has launched a side hustle, Beyond Words, with one of her best friends, and recently got married!
So, how does she do it all? We spoke with Bernie about her journey from Sydney-born, New York-based public relations Director to health and wellness advocate, the importance of self-care, and how she fuses passion with purpose.
Prior to launching Body by Berner you worked in public relations (PR), was there a particular 'aha' moment that prompted you to change careers?
I knew from a young age that I wanted to live in New York. Ever since I was a child, I've felt really connected to myself, and have had a deep knowing of where I'm meant to be going.
So, I was 22, packed up all my belongings, moved to New York without a job, and started in retail at Zimmerman within three days. From there I hit the ground running in PR—I had gained three years of work experience in Sydney while at uni—and landed a job at a social good agency, where I worked on campaigns for charity, film and fashion.
From there I transitioned to a top beauty, fashion and lifestyle brand, worked my way up to Director, and oversaw large brands launching into the US market.
I came back to Australia in 2020 to renew my visa and had four weeks to spend time with family—then I got stuck in Sydney as COVID hit.
I was lucky to have some time not working during this period to really reflect on my life. I was burnt out, and wasn't inspired by what I was doing. I felt I'd learned everything I needed to learn, and PR was becoming a bit vacuous for me.
I was listening to a lot of podcasts and the topic of super successful people living their passion kept coming up—they were doing things that married passion with purpose.
As with a lot of us, I was also doing online workouts during lockdown, and when exercising I felt really happy and connected to myself. I was questioning: "What's my next step?" and there was this voice of deep knowing—pilates, Body by Berner—I was almost given a blueprint of what I needed to do, and I decided to stay in Sydney and do my pilates training.
What has your journey – from the initial idea, through to launch and growth – been like? Are there any particular highs, lows or learnings you'd like to share?
Once I gained my pilates qualifications I did sessions in person—it was quite confronting for me to thrust myself into a completely new career, but slowly but surely, I got my confidence up, and I started working at all of the best studios in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
I had also opened a studio at my home in Tamarama, slowly built up my client base, and once it started to boom, dropped off working at studios.
My key learning is to take care of yourself and make sure your own cup is filled up. Running a business is a lot of hard work, so just be really aligned to the fact that it's not always going to be easy, but hard work pays off.
You celebrated one-and-a-half years as our (across the road) neighbour last month, congratulations! When did you know it was time to move into your own dedicated studio, and why did you opt for a Bondi location?
I went through a lot of hardship. I was at home in a family residence, and was in complete despair at the thought of having to move to a bigger space, thinking: "What else is out there for me?" The home studio is so special, and there is this attachment to the place.
I was extremely stressed and remember sitting opposite Triangl while at Rocker on a date and thinking: "If only I could have a place like Triangl, I would love that."
A few weeks later I was about to sign a lease on an apartment and create a studio similar to the Tamarama set up, when Jaynee, Triangl's Creative Director, text me asking if I was still looking for a studio, as I could take over their lease—that's manifestation at its highest.
It was like a baptism of fire. It was a challenging time, and was ultimately the universe saying: "You're ready for the next chapter."
One-and-a-half years on, it's really nice to have built a business where it's able to flourish, one where clients still come, and it doesn't demand me to be there.
For so long I was grinding at my home studio, and at Body by Berner I was teaching 90% of the classes. Now I'm able to give myself time for self-care, and also work on other projects. Recently, I've partnered with brands including Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty, Samsung and Ralph Lauren, and I feel so in alignment with my life's purpose.
"I was questioning: "What's my next step?" and there was this voice of deep knowing—pilates, Body by Berner—I was almost given a blueprint of what I needed to do, and I decided to stay in Sydney and do my pilates training."
The studio itself is stunning. What was your vision for the space?
I was really lucky that the space had amazing bones from Triangl being in there, and as I started Body by Berner in my apartment, I wanted to bring that home element into the studio.
The entry is like an eastern suburbs living room—there's a couch and coffee table area that leads into the studio, a cave filled with treasures from my travels, artwork that inspires, and a portrait line blue painting of my body, which I commissioned an artist to paint for me.
The studio brings together art, design and fitness, and it was really intentional to create an inspired space that clients look forward to visiting, and one where they actually want to come and workout.
Body by Berner has developed a reputation for being one of Sydney's most renowned and coveted holistic health and movement studios, what do you think it is that sets it apart?
When you have an incredible product people talk and post about it, and I feel the product Body by Berner delivers is unrivalled in the fitness world.
It's more than a workout for your physical body, it's also for your mind. We start all classes with breathwork meditation, use peppermint oil as it's a touchpoint on the nervous system, and while our sessions are challenging, clients are encouraged to workout in a positive light.
People always remember in life, not exactly what you did, but how they made you feel, and we make people feel uplifted and seen. We add extra touches such as our Beyond Words cards, which feature such powerful messages, and run campaigns and giveaways to add more excitement and create a sense of community.
"The studio brings together art, design and fitness, and it was really intentional to create an inspired space that clients look forward to visiting, and one where they actually want to come and workout."
What was it that inspired the launch of your latest business venture, Beyond Words?
When I had the Tamarama home studio, that image of looking out to the ocean was so powerful and uplifting for people, and I wanted to create that same feeling for the Bondi studio.
I remember as a little girl aged 11 visiting Bondi bookstore and coffee shop, Gertrude & Alice and finding A Guide for the Advanced Soul, which has amazing quotes in it. I would hold the book in my hands, ask a question, and open a page, and it has guided me through so many hard times in my life.
The concept of Beyond Words came about as messages from the universe, and I asked one of my best friends, illustrator Chloe Hoffmann (aka 'See Aiche') if she would be interested in creating the artwork for the cards. She was so excited, and we compiled quotes from people that spanned all generations, genres and walks of life.
The Beyond Words cards are placed on mats at the end of classes. For some people, they are their message for the day, and they are also available to shop online.
How do you spend an average day in Bondi?
A lot of my time is spent at the studio. I arrive at 5:30am, make sure I have time to do meditation and have breakfast, and will work from 6am until 12pm. Around lunchtime, I'll jump on emails, and then take appointments in the afternoon.
I stick by the rule of not touching my phone from 6pm or 7pm onwards so I can set myself up for a really restful sleep. I learned this the hard way after overworking myself, but have made the commitment of taking care of myself, so I can take care of everyone else.
Outside of the studio, you can't beat the Bondi to Bronte walk, and going for a swim at North Bondi is so beautiful. I love Raw Bar for lunch, and if I'm being a bit fancy, it's Sean's Panorama or Icebergs.
What's next for Body by Berner?
I'm really excited to be rolling out more Weekend at Bernie's retreats. We held our first one in August, and will host more of those.
I'm also looking at launching some more products. Everyone knows me for the fitness element, so it's nice to be working on more of the sound healings and breathwork, and building upon that.
Connect with Body by Berner
Visit 300 Campbell Parade, North Bondi
Head to the website
Follow Body by Berner on Instagram
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