Meet Dana, Owner of CycleBar Sherman Oaks

I’ve known Dana for quite some time now. She was an instructor at the now-defunct Beatbike in Tarzana. However, it was during the last few years that we really became acquainted with each other.

In years past, I hosted fitness events at Row House Granada Hills and BoxUnion Sherman Oaks. Dana always offered to donate items for the goodie bags. I knew back then that she was in the planning stages for CycleBar Sherman Oaks. I’m happy to say that I took my first class last month and it was awesome! The studio and staff have so much positive energy, the lighting and equipment are first-rate and above all, the music rocks!

Please meet the latest Real Mom of the SFV – Dana, owner of CycleBar Sherman Oaks!

How/why did you begin your business?

Dana: I have always had a love for indoor cycling. It was my ONE escape and the only way I enjoyed working out. I had dreams of owning my own studio one day, but that’s all it was, a dream! I worked full-time in the fashion industry, got married and then had a family, with no extra time to even think of starting something on my own. After my second daughter was born, I decided to become an instructor, it was something that fulfilled me.

But, in 2020 the pandemic hit, my career was put on hold, the indoor cycling studio I taught at closed, and here I was at home with my kids full-time. I thought this was the time, the time to make dreams happen. So I started making a business plan and here we are seven months open in Sherman Oaks. Creating a space where people can be themselves, laugh, cry, sweat, and leave feeling better than when they walked in, is something remarkable. Truly, that is what I dreamed of when I created CycleBar Sherman Oaks. That our studio would be a home away from home for our riders, a place they never want to leave and cannot wait to come back to. It is more than a workout!

As a working mother, what is one tip or piece of advice that you would give to other female entrepreneurs?

Dana: DON’T FEEL GUILTY! As working moms, we always tend to feel guilty. We missed an event, we didn’t make a home-cooked meal, we lost our patience and the list goes on! I almost didn’t follow my dream, and I even put this dream on hold because I couldn’t imagine the time it would take away from my kids. But I have learned that even when I have had to miss events or not be the “best mom” I could be, I am teaching my girls a better life lesson. To follow your dreams and be a BOSS! I can still be a great mom and run a business.

What do you like best about having a business in the San Fernando Valley?

Dana: I love the diversity in the Valley! I love the community and the sense that even though we live in the city, we have a neighborhood vibe! I have lived in the San Fernando Valley now for nine years, I have created a family with friends on a personal level and I have now created a family within the studio!

If there was one thing you wish you knew before you began your business, what would that be?

Dana: To be prepared for little to go “your way.” I was prepared for some struggles but wasn’t prepared for others. I have had to learn to take things in stride and to learn from every mistake. But, as long as I can keep learning from past mistakes and times that are amazing, I know we are going to be successful.

I love Dana’s attitude about being flexible, learning from her mistakes and giving herself grace when it comes to juggling her business and raising her family.

For more information on CycleBar Sherman Oaks, check out their website here. Also, don’t forget to follow their Instagram account to get the latest updates!

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. The images shown in this post are used with permission. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.