4 February 2026
Stevee Barrass, a co-founder of recently opened Matte Studios in Crows Nest, had worked in the fitness industry for more than a decade before launching the studio, following a pathway that moved from yoga into strength-focused mat pilates.
Barrass began her career in yoga more than 10 years ago, later qualifying as a yoga instructor before expanding into pre- and postnatal training, personal training, and reformer and mat pilates.
After working across a range of yoga, pilates, and personal training roles, Barrass and fellow instructor Molly Gay decided to establish their own studio, supported by partner Alexander Ubels. Matte Studios operates as an independent studio, with all three owners continuing to work in other full-time roles.
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Barrass said the decision to locate the studio in Crows Nest was influenced by anticipated changes to the area following the opening of the metro station, which she described as “a bit of a game changer,” as well as a perceived gap in the local market for a more strength-oriented mat-based offering.
The studio fit-out was selected to create what Barrass described as a “New York loft” aesthetic, including exposed brick and black arch mirrors, alongside an outdoor area intended to encourage clients to spend time at the studio beyond classes.
The name Matte Studios was chosen deliberately to avoid explicit reference to traditional pilates branding. Barrass said the studio was mat-based but offered “a twist on it that’s our own style.”
She said the studio’s central point of difference was a dynamic approach that incorporated heavier weights and faster transitions than conventional mat pilates. “We focus on smooth transitions and quick dynamic transitions,” Barrass said, adding that the classes applied pilates principles alongside strength training informed by contemporary fitness science, particularly in relation to women’s health.
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Matte Studios offered three class formats: burn, described as closest to traditional mat pilates but delivered in a more dynamic format; power, a flow-based class incorporating high-intensity and cardio-focused movements; and strength, which focused on progressive overload, supersets, and the use of weights of up to 15kg.
Barrass said the studio aimed to provide a “home of total movement,” catering for both beginners and more advanced participants through the combination of its three class formats.