FULFILLING A MISSION to create a boutique fitness studio welcoming to people from all walks of life, Courtney Stache owns and operates two Lost Cycle studios in London and employs more than 20 instructors. A fierce advocate for women entrepreneurs, she has also weaved a passion for equality and inclusion into her operations, creating spaces that are welcoming, safe and encouraging for all.
Click here to view this story in magazine format
What’s been your biggest business achievement, and why?
Opening my second location for Lost Cycle within four years of opening my first location. I would also say surviving Covid was a huge achievement in itself. Things were extremely difficult when we were forced to close and lose our revenue while still having to pay rent and utilities on a space. We were opened and closed four times, and this put a lot of strain on us and our ability to grow as a brand with the future being so unknown.
“Building a successful business takes time, and there were moments when I wondered where everyone was”
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your younger self?
Trust your gut! That was a big one during Covid times. I chose not to spend money developing a whole virtual platform and I am glad I went this route. I saw so many fitness business owners pivot to virtual and then struggle to get people back in the door who got used to paying $20 or $30 a month for online classes. I would also tell myself to be patient and trust the process. Building a successful business takes time, and there were moments when I wondered where everyone was. But I realized if your service is great, people will find you. I had made it a mission to offer classes so supportive and welcoming that people couldn’t not talk about them to others.
If you weren’t working in your current field, what would you be doing?
I think public speaking or starting up some kind of community hub for people. I love bringing people together and motivating others, so I would likely be doing this in another capacity. I would love to work with disadvantaged youth to show them their own strengths and find motivation to pursue their dreams in life.
What’s the best movie or show you’ve watched this year?
The Last of Us. I know, we all love it, but it’s so, so good. I also loved the movie Sound of Metal — absolutely incredible.
London Inc. Weekly: A summary of regional business news from the past week
Dispatch: A summary of recent business appointments and announcements, plus upcoming events for the week ahead
Loretta Gordon-Bock, president and CEO at Gordons Gold Jewellers, shares her unique perspective on what it takes to build and sustain…
Paying a deposit is often a necessary part of securing a moving date, but it should never happen before proper…
Understanding the stages of a long-term disability dispute in Canada gives you a clearer picture of what you might be…
For many businesses, currency exchange costs and charges are an important part of day-to-day business