Owner Tamara Slupchynskyj

BY JANICE LLANES FABRY

Core Burn Pilates’ tagline is “become longer, leaner, stronger,” and salte, the new activewear boutique in town, might add, “and do it in style.” The shop is the mastermind of Core Burn owner Tamara Slupchynskyj and Rye’s answer to quality, high-performance fitness apparel that is both flattering and affordable.

“I had to open my shop in Rye. It’s my town. My clients are here,” said the longtime Rye resident and merchant. “This community of business owners has been very encouraging and helpful.”

Ten years ago, Slupchynskyj opened Core Pilates (since renamed Core Burn Pilates) in Rye. Since then, she has opened studios in New York City, Greenwich, Rowayton, and New Canaan. All her state-of-the-art facilities boast highly qualified instructors and are equipped with reformers, Cadillacs, barrels, chairs for classes and private instruction, and CoreAlign for musculoskeletal rehabilitation. At this point in her career, Slupchynskyj primarily helps clients with recovery work and has built a stellar reputation doing so.

After having practiced Pilates for 35 years, she noted, “I still love it. I just don’t like feeling achy, tight, and non-functioning after a workout. After a 50-minute session, I can go out and am ready to do anything. It’s very centering.”

When the studios were severely impacted by the pandemic, Slupchynskyj got creative.

“I introduced basic workout clothing during Covid to make ends meet. That was the driving force all the way through a slow reopening and occupancy restrictions,” she explained.

Once word got out that the studio was selling clothes, clients were excited and supportive. “It got me thinking that I can’t be the only one who thinks we should have more activewear in town, both for women and men,” she said about her light bulb moment.

Walking through town one day, she instinctively knew 12 Purchase Street was the perfect location. She signed the lease on October 1 and opened salte ahead of schedule on November 15 after a full renovation. There is no trace of the former antique store in the contemporary space designed in neutral colors and clean lines.  

The bold and resourceful entrepreneur reached out to high-profile brands lululemon and alo and obtained authorized dealerships. Both companies allowed Slupchynskyj to co-brand, so she could include her logo and Pilates’ studio locations right on the merchandise.

They carry the voguish Varley; Juicy Couture and their signature velour; Noli Yoga, an Italian fitness apparel brand with beautiful fabrics; Rhone for men; and Nicky Vicky for the younger set. Shoppers will also find outerwear to sport over their workout clothes, from cozy Sherpa jackets to chic denim.

“I love soft, comfortable activewear that one can work out in and then go run errands or go to lunch,” noted Slupchynskyj, who has a good eye and good taste.

She attributes keeping her finger on the pulse of contemporary fashion to her four children, who are all involved in the businesses and range in age from 18-30. Salte is an acronym for each one of their names, plus her own. Sofia works in New York and assists with social media; Alexis and Larysa are Pilates teacher trainers; and Evan opened the Sutton Place location and ran it for a year.

All in the family, her husband Paul Shelton is the business administrator for all the studios and the store. “Without him, I’d never be able to accomplish what I have,” she remarked.

In addition to apparel, salte also carries Bala weights, a Hypervolt Plus massaging device on sale for $299, yoga mats and blocks. Their holiday promotion offers $20/$50 gift certificates if shoppers spend $250/$500. The Pilates maven set a few shelves aside for a few of “Tamara’s Favorite Things”, from chic purses to Seda France candles and lotions.

“I want people to enjoy things I love,” she said.

Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10-6, Sunday 12-5. For more information, call 996-8020. Follow salte on Instagram @salte.apparel.