Tammeca Rochester - Founder of Harlem Cycle
Catch a FREE Harlem Cycle HIIT class with LWL on Thursday February 25th at 11am PT | 2pm ET! LINK HERE to register now! Attendees will receive a special offer!
One of our highlights of 2020 was welcoming 11 incredible women founders into the Launch Program. In 2021, we are so excited to be able to introduce them to our community more in-depth.
Tammeca Rochester (she/her/hers), founder of Harlem Cycle is the definition of innovation and grit, having to pivot her in-person cycling studio, in the heart of Harlem, to a fully-online platform in the midst of COVIDis owner founder of Harlem Cycle.
She has three academic degrees (Mathematics- Spelman College, Mechanical Engineering- The Georgia Institute of Technology and an MBA from the Stern Business School, New York University) and comes from 13 years of corporate experience in Engineering and Marketing. In 2016, she decided to turn her passion for fitness and open Harlem's 1st and only indoor cycling studio.
Tammeca's journey to opening an indoor cycling studio in Harlem started when she was looking to find a workout that would both get her back in shape while putting her in a positive frame of mind. After exploring the various workout options, she found herself drawn to indoor cycling since it took her back to her happy childhood memories of riding her bike on the streets of Atlanta. Her entrepreneurial spirit and her passion for all things Harlem inspired her to establish Harlem's first-ever indoor cycling studio dedicated to the passion, the soul, and the hustle that defines Harlem.
She has been named by Outside Magazine as one of the top 40 women shaping the future along with Michelle Obama and Serena Williams. Tammeca is certified in group fitness, cycling and pain-free performance management (PPSC). She is currently pursuing her 200 HR Yoga Cert along with her Certification in Strength and Conditioning (CSCS).
Favorite motto or quote that keeps you inspired?
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." -Dr. Seuss
Book(s) that inspire you/your company?
Other content, music, anything that is inspiring you right now?
I grew up on Bob Marley music and anytime I feel stuck I turn on any one of his songs and he gets me through it.
In your personal life, what is one daily practice or habit you have to keep you centered and grounded?
Going for a walk with my son where I don't check my phone. I listen to his stories about trains, toys, and all things that are important to a 9-year-old.
Who or what was the biggest motivator for you when you started your business?
I wanted my son to grow up knowing that we deserved nice things. At the time nice boutique studios didn't exist in Harlem and I felt it was totally unfair.
How do you hope that your company can create a better world?
I hope that we are changing the standards when it comes to wellness making it affordable and inclusive yet high quality and fun.
Your favorite other women-led businesses we should know about?
Favorite business/leadership podcast?
Journey to Launch, Trailblazers FM
What has been the biggest highlight of running your own company?
Being able to spend more time with my son. I am in control of my schedule and therefore can pick my son up every day and take him to the park.
What are your top three goals for your company this year? AND! How can the LWL Community support you in accomplishing them?
1. Create effective self-sustaining HR systems for new employee management- We need either an intern or specialist to put these systems in place
2. Increase At Home platform growth to 2000 users per month- increase awareness of our platform within the LWL network
3. Open both studios and operate at average rate of 80% utilization- Increase awareness of our studios once we are open to help get people back inside our studio walls