1. Tell us a bit about your shop. How long have you been in business?
We just celebrated our 1 year birthday on April 16th! Our location is right near the River trails, and nestled in a quaint neighborhood. Perfect for commuters, serious riders, and the casual rider with or without kids.
2. What do your customers like best about shopping at your store? What makes Seven Spokes special?
They love to support local small business, especially a women owned shop! Once inside, they quickly realize we are truly a neighborhood bike shop, inviting, adorable, welcoming, friendly. There are other bike shops that could be closer to them, but they have no problem going out of their way to our shop. It really makes me smile, and I'm loving getting to know the community!
3. What does Po Campo bring to your product assortment? Why do you like having us in your shop?
Color and femininity! It's no secret that the cycling industry is male dominated, therefore most products are basic, simple colors. I love embracing the fact that I'm female, LOVE to feel girly and LOVE to ride and wrench on bikes... Po Campo is perfect for my shop because their products are feminine, practical and just the right pop of color, not to mention- serve a dual purpose. Trunk bag/purse. Handlebar bag/wallet purse. Weekender bag/yoga bag/perfect carry on etc. Pannier- classic and perfect for the professional woman who commutes, but doesn't necessarily want to scream "commuter" when she walks into the office.
4. What's something you're excited about either in the future of your business, your industry, your city, or just in the world in general?
Getting more women/moms on bikes! We have an all women's race team that started out last year with 5 members and now we have 15 so that's super exciting. I'm excited for the impact women are making on cycling industry. We're starting to ride more, race more, and just be more active together, building stronger communities and being examples to our children and the younger generation.
5. Share a short story about a time when something happened at Seven Spokes and you were like, "Now this is why I do this!".
Honestly I have "ah moments" just about everyday. When I'm starting to feel overwhelmed, or " I can't do this, it's soooo hard" I'll have a customer come in who makes my day or I make their day, which in turn just makes my day. I had an older woman come in about a month ago. She was convinced she'd never be able to ride a bike again due to injuries she had had in the past. After talking for awhile, we put her on a comfort cruiser. She was almost in tears because she could ride it- PAIN FREE. Made my heart smile! I just held a basic maintenance clinic. Six women attended, and when they finished the hands on, on how to change a flat portion, one of the ladies said " I feel empowered". I love this. It's hard work, but lives are being changed, bikes are being ridden and women are feeling empowered. Amazing!
