Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kaylee Leets, Co-Owner of Cycology Studio, located in Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Cycology Studio- Colorado Springs's first indoor cycling boutique! Where the vibes and music are loud, encouraging, and sincere. When you walk into Cyc, you're greeted by a friendly and energetic crew, ready to pump you up and make you leave feeling like- wait, that was a workout?!
The community and the family-like feel are what make Cycology so special. Your neighbor could be in their twenties or sixties- we don't care, we're all here to party on a bike!
Tell us about yourself
After graduating from Western Michigan University in 2016 for a job managing a small fashion-forward boutique downtown COS, I moved from Kalamazoo, MI. Unfortunately, that didn't work out as planned, and after graduating with a Textiles and Apparel degree, I wasn't sure what options I had in Colorado Springs. That's when my lovely sister-in-law asked me to go through instructor training to become a cycling instructor at Colorado Springs's first indoor cycling studio. To be clear, I had never even taken an indoor cycling class before, let alone teach one. But then I did, for five years. I became the only full-time employee at Cycology Studio, worked the front desk, purchased retail orders, helped create graphics for the retail, and then two years in, I managed the studio alone. Five years in, I became part owner.
My peers within the Cycology Studio community and Colorado Springs keep me inspired and motivated. When I stand behind the front desk and check people into class, we're conversing about their new promotions, family trips, and lives. Learning about others and their accomplishments in their everyday lives drives me. What keeps the studio more than just a spin studio is the community- we're always inspiring each other to do better. To keep going.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Working with other small businesses that make the downtown COS so special. We host rides throughout the year at local restaurants in town, and it's the best feeling to sit back and look at the different communities together. Our community events unite us.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
You're never not a business owner. You can't just turn it off completely. You can set boundaries, which you absolutely should (hello #mentalhealth), but you can't ignore the five missed calls because the A/C went out. Being an owner (or manager), you are always on. BUT if you love what you do and love the community you're surrounded by; then your business will never feel like an inconvenience.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be afraid of the unknown. You can't change what's going to happen; you can only prepare and then deal with what comes your way.
- Pivoting is okay. Change is okay and encouraged. It's needed to grow.
- HAVE FUN. Isn't that the damn point?!?! Don't get so wrapped up in the admin. Enjoy what you've built and what others have helped you create
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://cycologystudio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cycologystudio_cosprings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cycologystudio/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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