Today we’d like to introduce you to Greer Christian & Janelle Wright.
Hi Janelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Greer and I met in these fitness “streets” about five years ago. Although we loved pushing our members to new limits as indoor cycling instructors, we also possessed a passion for competition. I compete in natural bodybuilding and Greer competes in masters crew rowing. While sharing training tips and best practices, our friendship grew closer, and we recognized a mutual interest of being successful entrepreneurs. It was the fate of COVID that united us to becoming business partners. After researching a few indoor cycling franchises, we saw a need in the fitness industry for more equitable representation ownership. In January 2022, we began executing PureNRG Cycle’s mission which is to empower healthier lifestyles for all by providing the ultimate fitness experience. It’s been a great journey, and we invite everyone to ride with us via social media and as a member. Our first studio opens this May with more locations to come nationwide. Along the way, we have established some amazing partners that are more excited about our goal of being the best fitness company in the industry.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Ha! The answer to this question depends on which co-founder you’re asking. However, overall, on a scale of 1-5 with one being the lowest, we rate our obstacles/challenges a two. The biggest challenge was securing the bag for our startup. The barriers to obtaining access to capital for black businesses is real. Fortunately, I partner with someone with an extensive banking career where she cultivated great relationships who jumped to provide support and guidance. We bring our professional expertise of business and operations management to the table, which helps us to drive an impactful vision, unique strategy, plus makes us attractive to funders and investors.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
One of our studio’s motto is, Give energy, get PureNRG! We foster a community of belonging that empowers our members to achieve their well-being goals through high-energy classes, personal training, and sustainable fitness programs. As a black women-owned business, it is natural that diversity is our greatest strength. When you walk into our studio, we make everyone feel welcome regardless of their fitness level. Our PureNRG team are some of the best indoor cycling instructors and personal trainers in the city, and they curate workouts that will help you crush your fitness goals. Each instructor brings their unique riding style to the bike while meeting the needs of every rider yet accelerating you to feel the energy, love the ride.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Growing to trust one another has been the most important lesson thus far. We often joke that we are married-married, but seriously our relationship is being established through transparency, and we learn more about each other every day. Although we have been “fitness friends” for four years before becoming business partners, it took us four months to begin trusting one another. By observing the sacrifices that we make for the business, our families, and many friends allow us to recognize positive character traits, strengths/weaknesses, and flaws. Transparency continues to bond us, and the beauty of our ‘businesship’ is that we have invested a lot of sweat equity to achieve our purpose of helping people live fit lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: purenrgcycle.com
- Instagram: @purenrgcycle
- Facebook: Purenrg Cycle
Image Credits
AIR Designs
