Introducing female entrepreneur, athlete and founder of SPINCO, Michelle August. Growing up in Kelowna, BC, Michelle was always involved in sports as an avid skier and soccer player before playing basketball throughout high school and university. At just 22 years old, Michelle followed her passion for fitness and opened SPINCO in her hometown of Kelowna, as a unique spin studio focused on challenging riders both mentally and physically. Since founding SPINCO four years ago, it has become the biggest spin studio chain in Canada, with twelve locations across the country. She has separated the studio from the competition by creating a class that’s designed to inspire and uplift riders, no matter the fitness level. Michelle’s passion for giving back to the community by using SPINCO’s success to promote charities and host weekly Spin It Forward rides makes her a babe.
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
To me, it means a collaboration of support that leads to success. We wouldn’t be able to achieve our passions and purposes without the constant support of other people.
Do you have a life mantra/motto that you live by?
You are only as strong as the people that you surround yourself with. I owe so much of SPINCO’s continued success and growth to the people who have helped make it possible.
What does your day-to-day look like?
My day to day can be very busy, and I tend to constantly move from studio to studio. I like to have a presence in all of them.
What inspired you to start pursuing the fitness industry?
I’ve always been an athlete and participated in team sports growing up. I played basketball during high school and university, and I really enjoyed playing in a team setting. I think my constant activity in sports really helped me excel in other parts of my life.
What is your most used app?
Lately, it feels like my WestJet App. I can’t seem to stay put for long. And of course Gmail, Instagram, and Podcast apps.
Who should EVERYONE be following right now?
Everyone should be listening to Use Your Voice Podcast by Taye Anita. Taye is deeply passionate and extremely motivated to pursue her goals in life. Everyone should be following her!
What is your favourite place to travel to?
My hometown of Kelowna, BC.
Tell us about a Babe who has supported you?
My family and my team, they’re my constant support and motivation.
How would you describe your personal style?
My style is simple, a lot of black with a pair of fresh sneakers.
What is the most fulfilling part of your career?
The most fulfilling part of my career has been seeing SPINCO grow so quickly in less than four years and seeing it become the biggest spin studio chain in Canada. We’ve just opened up a location in Westshore, BC and are gearing up to open our Montreal location next!
We have 12 locations across Canada, with more expansion plans underway, and new exciting partnerships with Bumble Canada and WeWork coming up. There are still many more milestones we plan to achieve!
Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?
After working at my dad’s dealership for a while, I knew that it wasn’t what I wanted to do and that’s when I realized I had to pursue my passion.
Do you have a morning routine?
The first thing I do in the morning
When I dance I look like….
Like….I’m on a spin bike!
What is the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business?
My biggest hurdle so far has been growing SPINCO to 12 studios in such a short amount of time.
What advice do you have for those trying to break into your industry?
Listen to your heart and find your passion. All of the “what if’s” and uncertainties are worth it! There is no better feeling than creating something you enjoy and can watch thousands of other people enjoy it too.
Keep up with Michelle on Instagram at @michelleaugust and @spincohq.
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.