Harlem Cycle founder took a risk and was the first to create a neighborhood | Black Made

Harlem Cycle is committed to community and creating an inspiring and fun environment where clients can achieve their fitness goals.

Tammeca Rochester is the founder and CEO of Harlem Cycle in New York City, the first and only indoor cycling studio in Harlem. She opened her first studio in 2016 and a second location in 2022. In this episode of “Black Made,” Rochester shares what inspired her to take a risk and leave her executive position in corporate America to change into an entrepreneur.

“I always say that to be an entrepreneur, to be a business owner, you have to be a little crazy, right? You have to be self-reliant,” Rochester told theGrio. “My son was 4, and I was in a very comfortable position. I eventually made it into a management position in corporate America, but I knew there was more to us.”

“I knew that in order to be the best mom I could be, I had to find something that was a little more flexible but that I knew he would be proud of,” Rochester added. “As an entrepreneur, it was crazy to leave that comfort, but it was worth it.”

Rochester didn’t have a background in fitness and wellness, nevertheless it was “something I loved doing in my free time.” She decided to concentrate on cycling because she felt it was an accessible workout.

“We all grew up riding bikes, and even if we didn’t, we can still ride a stationary bike,” Rochester explained. “Riding a bike is low-impact but super fun.”

“Imagine being in a dark room where everyone is having a good time, vibing to music, and everyone has a common goal of having a great experience,” Rochester continues. “To me, that’s what cycling is all about, so I wanted to open a studio that focused on getting us back to being our best selves, but also having a great time.”

Watch the full video and click here to watch more episodes of “Black Made.”