11/15/2023 0 Comments Freedom cycle inc![]() ![]() I stick with what’s authentic to me for example, a big cultural aspect of Trinidad is celebrating carnival. My journey of self-discovery has made me very confident in what I’m doing. I’m very rooted in my Canadian-Trinidadian culture. Having people in your corner supporting you is the game changer. It may take me longer to win people over, but I work through it. I press through and hope that my business plan, personality and energy is enough to allow people to come in as they are, without judgement. I’ve realized it’s not just about intellect and having a good product – it’s a lot about discovering who you are and what you can take. You grow up seeing injustices that happen amongst people of colour and you know what to expect. It was definitely challenging, but I always knew it was going to be there. There are preconceived notions that people carry about. You’re scrutinized a bit harder, and people are more skeptical. VC: Did you experience any challenges or barriers as a Black woman? How do you deal with them?ĪA: It does have an effect on what you’re doing. No one talks about those types of struggles in entrepreneurship. Yes, I am educated, yes, I have a great job, yes, I am articulate and yes, I belong here too! I am still selling myself to this day, but it is getting easier. ![]() I had to sell people on ‘me’ before I could sell them on Freedom. Why would anyone want to trust you, support you and in some cases even talk to you? I had it a bit tough in that regard. Imagine trying to start a business in a new city where you don’t know anyone. Freedom Cycle was always on my mind, a lot of sleepless nights. VC: What were some of the challenges you encountered when getting Freedom Cycle up and running?ĪA: It sometimes felt like I was going up an internal mountain. In 2019, I felt that I was in the right place in my personal and professional life to go for it. There are so many wonderful small business owners here and we all help each other. I eventually connected with some incredible people who motivated, encouraged, and emotionally supported me on my journey to opening Freedom. When I moved here, I didn’t know anybody. ![]() This city has an interesting small business vibe to it – definitely much more than other cities that I’ve lived in. I moved to Kitchener a year and half ago. I developed a competitive nature from that. I grew up playing a lot of recreational and competitive sports, which impacted my life by keeping me on a good path and out of trouble. VC: What circumstances pushed you to take this step in your career?ĪA: I’ve always wanted to open my own fitness studio. But after a while, I realized that I wanted to explore personal and business opportunities focussing on something I loved when I wasn’t at work. I grew up with conservative, immigrant parents who believed in working a 9 to 5 job at a good company. I love what I do so I never thought I would be an entrepreneur. What made you decide to start your own business?ĪA: I’m currently a Marketing Manager. VC: You’ve worked in corporate Marketing roles for a while now. Innovate Inclusion’s Social Media and Marketing Coordinator Valerie Chong sat down with Alana for a chat about her entrepreneurial journey. It’s the creation of Alana Arthur, a locally-based spin cycle enthusiast, who brings her energy and desire for inclusivity to the space. If you live in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and are interested in fitness, you’ve probably heard of Freedom Cycle, a new spin cycle studio in downtown Kitchener. ![]()
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