Stephanie Neilson: Plane Crash Survivor and Blogger, Opens Barre3 Studio in Pittsboro

May 7th, 2025

By Jenna Dunning

Filmed by Jenna Dunning

Who is Stephanie Neilson?

Stephanie Neilson, beloved author of the renowned blog NieNie Dialogues, mother of five, and plane crash survivor, is beginning a new chapter right here in Pittsboro, NC. A new Barre3 workout studio is opening next to 79°West, and Stephanie will be the owner and operator of the facility.

While owning a business is a significant achievement on its own, this particular accomplishment carries even greater weight. In 2008, Stephanie survived a devastating plane crash that left her with burns on more than 80% of her body. She spent five months in a medically induced coma following the accident, and her road to recovery was anything but linear. But none of that stopped her from setting goals for herself.

Photo Taken by Jenna Dunning

Stephanie Neilson Inspires at 79°West’s May Breakfast Club

Stephanie Neilson was the featured speaker at 79°West’s May Breakfast Club, where she shared her powerful story, introduced her family, and spoke about the benefits of joining Barre3. In Chatham County, North Carolina, locals pride themselves on being inclusive and welcoming to newcomers—and Stephanie and her family were no exception. Every word she spoke was met with sincere, undivided attention.

Her message encouraged the group to reflect on the little things and how often we take our bodies for granted in our daily lives. Stephanie promoted body positivity and urged everyone to engage in small acts of self-love as a way to show gratitude for both mind and body.

Pictured are Stephanie, her husband Christian and three of their five children

Family Life

One of Stephanie Neilson’s goals after the plane crash was to have another child. She was thrilled to share that, with the help of many specialists and the unwavering support of her family, she and her husband welcomed their fifth child into the world just five years after the accident.

Simply talking to the Neilson's revealed that they operate just like any other big, loving family—with a deep appreciation for one another and a strong sense of togetherness.

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