Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rodney Bacho, owner of Cypher Experience LLC., located in Tampa, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

The Cypher Experience is a Hip Hop dance fitness program offered in multiple gyms and studios, but on a deeper level, The Cypher Experience is where you can feel Empowered, Sexy, and Confident being your most authentic self.

When the speakers start blaring, dancers of any age and skill level will Step into a group fitness class rapping various styles of Hip Hop dance from Old School to New School, igniting the dancer inside you, guaranteed. Our Cypher Experience trainers, aka MCs, are a crew that shares a vision and are dedicated to giving you an experience that's energizing, fun, and unforgettable. Whatever it is that ignites you; you can find it here in The Cypher Experience!

Tell us about yourself

The Cypher Experience started in 2019 but took over 40 years in the making, starting in the early 80's. I remember being 7yrs old watching movies like: "Beat Street," "Breakin 1& 2," and Barry Gordy's "The Last Dragon." I would be enamored watching my older brother and his break dancing crew, the Rock Master Crew, practicing their killer moves and wanting so much to be like them. I didn't realize how deep of an impact that season of my life had on me. All throughout the years, I stayed active with dancing and hip hop culture; now, well into my 40's, I identify myself as a "hip hop head."

The Cypher Experience wasn't a business idea or model; it was born from love and passion. I realized that growing up, "hip hop" was a way of life; it was about creating a channel to be creative, expressive, and authentic, it was about having a crew of like minds that force you to level up, it was about being so damn confident that people can only summarize that vibe as "swagger." I didn't go into entrepreneurship with the mindset of creating a business; I went into entrepreneurship to create a "culture." That's what I believe is the wind in our sails. Trainers and students identify with The Cypher Experience through our music, dance, healthy mindset and lifestyle, creativity, self-expression, crew mentality, and, let's face it, we have swagger. We have an "it factor" that most group fitness formats lack.

What motivates me each day is the fact that I get to live my life ON PURPOSE. Motivation alone is finite; it doesn't have a long shelf life; you have to keep finding more motivation. However, if you find purpose in something, then tether that purpose down with an emotional anchor; YOU WILL get up every day going after what's needed to fulfill your purpose! Winning my morning has been a MUST for my daily routine. Getting my mind primed with intention helps fill my motivational gas tank. I do this EVERY DAY, which is why I choose to define purpose over motivation. Your purpose is the destination; your motivation is the gas, and your body, soul, and mind are the vehicle!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner, hands down, is the creation of a culture! I witness daily the lasting effects of those who step into our cypher. Trainers who lacked confidence grew to be an amazing influence on their students; students who felt they would never rise up to the challenge are now in the front row of our classes. The Cypher Experience even has testimonials from people who say it saved their lives. This will forever be a HUGE accomplishment.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing about being a business owner is learning when to pivot. We get stuck on "how" the business should be running that we become stiff to any idea that deters from the original thought. A business owner should hold strong to the vision of the business but lose to the path. Pivoting is the natural evolution of a great idea. My business has changed so much; even the name The Cypher Experience is the product of several iterations.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Have a strong purpose for it; for example, it can't just be about money, your purpose has to be something that is emotionally tethered, or you'll lose interest.
  2. You have to love, or at the very least REALLY like what you're creating a business in; a company is a marriage. If you don't like who you're marrying, you're in trouble.
  3. Take action; contrary to what most say, knowledge is not power, knowledge is a tool, ACTION is where the power is at, analysis paralysis is a real thing, create a plan based on what you know and take action!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I like to tell people, especially my 7yr old son, that I save people's lives for a living. I've been a registered nurse since 2010 and a dance fitness instructor since 2008. When I realized that I could impact people's lives through my knowledge as a healthcare provider and dance fitness instructor, that became a game-changer. To add the cherry on top, I was able to craft a way to represent the elements of Hip Hop, a culture I've been influenced by since the early 80's, and create a fitness format that allows the participants to burn the floor, as well as, their calories! I made this my purpose and let this consume me because I genuinely believe the world needs what I have to offer. Step into the Cypher.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thecypherexperience.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecypherexperience/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_cypher_experience/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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