M. H Journal

Miami’s first aerial fitness studio, Libre, has redefined the way movement can feel. In partnership with Osme Perfumery and Miller Harris, the studio invites members to explore a new sensory dimension: pairing mindful motion with the crisp, uplifting brightness of Tea Tonique. Tea Tonique brings brightness and clarity to movement. With notes of crisp bergamot, smoky tea and soft woods, the fragrance mirrors Libre’s philosophy of lightness, curiosity and creative freedom — energising the senses without overpowering them. In this collaboration, scent becomes a quiet companion to movement, shaping atmosphere, focus and mood. We spoke with Libre founder Stephanie Tisch about creativity, freedom, and the alchemy that happens when fragrance, atmosphere and movement collide. Libre feels like more than a studio. It is almost a sensory world. What was the original spark that made you want to build this universe of movement, mood, and freedom? With more than twenty years creating brand stories for some of the most experiential hospitality brands in the world, seeking to define how a space should make a visitor feel while they are in one’s care has become second nature. Designed by a dear friend and design colleague Natalia Landowska of Landowska, New York-based architecture studio at the forefront of high-end hospitality and residential design throughout the U.S. and abroad for the likes of Mr. C Residences, Brickell City Centre and The Ritz-Carlton and amongst others, the space we’ve created is as restorative as it is simple and pure. The vibe is warm whites and sun-kissed woods – luxe, organic textures inspired by nature’s power to transform. Everything in the studio is there for one reason – to support members’ well-being in a positive way. Miami has its own rhythm and its own pulse. How does the city shape the energy, aesthetics, and attitude behind Libre? With Miami’s stratospheric growth, club-steraunts, fashion flagships, exotic sports cars, party-past-dawn lifestyle, it’s become a city known for ‘more is more and too much is never enough.’ Eschewing conventional notions of material luxury, Libre is an opportunity to get real—to indulge in things that truly matter – joy and beauty, wellness and well-being, connection and community, artistry and creativity –dispelling the notion that indulgence means frivolous excess. Your classes range from aerial to hot pilates each immersive in its own way. How did you curate this blend of movement disciplines to define the Libre experience? To mark the distinction between erial fitness and traditional workouts, we consciously moved away from conventional notions of rigid routine to reflect a more liberated, joyful and intensely personal experience. First-time students explore fundamentals that fuse elements of conditioning and balance; linking movements and power postures with the breath and hammock. Experienced members take flight with advanced sequences that offer deep stretching, extended inversions and creative choreo designed to strengthen the upper body and challenge the core. For those who prefer to remain grounded, classical mat Pilates programming is designed to detox. Mat-based Pilates classes are heated between 90 and 98 degrees using state-of-the-art, infrared technology. Far infrared heating panels produce high-frequency, radiant heat waves – directly transferring warmth to muscles and joints, stimulating blood circulation, increasing flexibility and cleansing the body of toxins and environmental pollutants. Further imbued with the special magic of Miami’s most beloved instructors, classes are paced to music in a dimly-lit room to encourage personal, inward focus. Launching a physical studio is no small feat. What were the early challenges that tested you, and what kept you anchored through them? I thought, ‘we’re only building 2,000 square feet, how hard could it be?’ I quickly learned navigating the Miami’s permitting process is not for the faint of heart. We chose a first generation space in a brand new building in Wynwood which would allow us to control every design detail. As a life-long subscriber to the ask-forgiveness-not-permission approach to problem solving, the glacially beauracratic permitting process was my biggest teacher. Fortunately, we had the most incredible GC who eased the pain of permitting and kept the process moving ahead. The word Libre evokes lightness, sensuality, and release. How does this philosophy influence everything from class design to the emotional atmosphere you create? Ever independent and creative, Libre is not confined by a rigid rulebook of convention. Instead, our values are our true north. Steady and unwavering, they inform a set of guiding principles that serve as the compass for all practice and partnership decisions. Searching for an antidote to rigid routine and one-size-fits-all self-care dogmas, we hope to bring something fresh and joyful to the world. Using our sense of creativity as a platform for play, we find pleasure in the freedom of creative movement and are grateful for the bodies that allow us to do so. We pride ourselves in being open to change –actively seeking out the new and amusing – staying open to unexpected opportunities to explore. We let our curiosity and creativity lead the way, keeping us ever looking towards what’s possible. Your visual identity feels striking and editorial, refined yet raw. How do you shape that aesthetic, and what story are you trying to tell through your imagery? Pretty powerful is an idea that reveals itself over and over in our practice. In a world where “pretty” and “powerful” are often mutually exclusive, Libre sets out to recast the old rules of convention (and all outdated stereotypes for that matter) – inviting members to shine bright as both, simultaneously. Building a team for something as specialised as aerial fitness must be deeply intentional. What qualities do you look for in an instructor who embodies the Libre ethos? I believe how you do anything is how you do everything. Libre’s success is by only one metric: How well-cared for members feel every day. Scent is a powerful controller of mood. Is fragrance, whether in the studio environment or within your brand universe, something you think about when crafting the sensory experience? Fragrance is crucial. Even before sight or touch, our sense of smell is one of the strongest and most immediate signals to our body that an environment is safe. For Libre we sought a fragrance that was fresh and botanical but not overpowering. Looking ahead, what is your dream evolution for Libre? More studios, new cities, or perhaps expanding the world of Libre into products, fragrance, or digital offerings? Libre is a practice centered around simple, joyful ideas of freedom and well-being that I believe people will care about. While the evolution of how Libre grows is still revealing itself, my hope is that Libre sets members on a path towards living differently—defying the cages of convention and striving for life’s truest, most beautiful possibilities – not only for themselves, but for each other and the world around us. From 16–18 January 2026, Tea Tonique will infuse select classes at Libre Aerial Fitness — a limited sensory experience that balances energising freshness with calm focus. Discover the collaboration and join the waitlist to take part.