Today we’d like to introduce you to Salewa Osinowo.
Hi Salewa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
How I became a Cycling instructor is really just a true story of falling in love with something and deciding to go all in on it. I have always been an active person, from dance team (and an attempt at track) in high school and then weights & yoga in my adult years. I randomly decided to sign up for a 5AM cycling class at Cyclebar Katy, and although I was humbled, I left the room feeling like “Wow, I love it there. The music, the motivation, the feeling of making it through. I love everything about it.” From there I began taking classes consistently, sometimes even doubling up because why not? I began hitting milestones (50 rides, 100 rides), so when they announced auditions, the instructor from my very first ride (S/o Brandy) literally said “You know you should be there this afternoon right?”. I laughed it off, doubled up (took two back to back classes), and drove home.
but, once I was home, there was something saying “just do it dude.” and when I called a friend he said “idk why you’re asking, you love it, it comes natural to you, I think you should really do it.” and guess who drove back? Me! The rest is history, my journey began, and now I’ve been an instructor for some months!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, I consider my love & passion for cycling a smooth road, but the road to instructing had little bumps to overcomes. Some of the struggles along the way was the self-doubt, and the time commitment. There’s training, tests, and a lot of things that I didn’t know would go into instructing, so it was a shock at first. The time commitment was not something I was prepared for as my workload at work had just increased, so now to add this on, I started to get a bit overwhelmed. Also realizing that being “a natural” does not equal “perfect”. The correct techniques, form, etc. were critiqued in depth, and at times I felt it was taking the fun out of it (for me) because I would find myself going to a class and the whole time I’m in my head, trying to make sure I’m perfect rather than using that as my time away from the instructor process to just enjoy what I love. Luckily, one thing about me is I’m not a quitter, so if I start something, I’ll finish it and I’m a strong believer that God doesn’t put anything on my heart that’s not for me, so I’ll always see something through.
Lastly, but probably my biggest bump was getting over the self doubt. It’s one thing to ride, but it’s another to really create an environment where people leave feeling better than they walked in. Instructors are there to motivate & coach, and although I’m talkative and a “therapist friend” in my day to day life, knowing that people will attend my class looking to leave whatever they need on that bike like I had needed to do so many times. Whether it be heartbreak, stress, a hard day, getting your mind off of something, or maybe even just needing a push to keep showing up for yourself, I started doubting if I would be able to provide that for my riders. so that’s something I really had to stop doubting myself in and just know I would figure it along the way, which I feel I have now done by just being myself on the podium, letting the riders see my real personality.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m Salewa (Salewa.Spins) an indoor cycling instructor allocated at Cyclebar Katy. We focus on a rhythm based workout and although people think it’s just cardio, that’s a huge myth. I commonly teach the Classic Ride. We focus on core work, upper body, strength and everything you can think of in a 45 minute window.
There are other formats for different levels and focus, but I enjoy a full body burn!
By day, my 9-5 is Project Management in Global Supply Chain and Enterprise Apps Technology for a huge Fortune 500 company. I hold an MBA with a concentration in Project Management, but trust me, my skills come from a life of being the project manger of my family lol (Only daughter, middle child things)
Outside of that, I actually have just started my journey in true entrepreneurship. I have a fitness friendly hair company called “The Fit Hair Co.” that is on track to launch in January of 2026 by the grace of God. Women like myself, women of color specifically, have always had a struggle of having to choose between maintaining our hairstyles (which is not cheap) or having the active lifestyle we desire. So I’m dropping a line of not only quality raw extensions/ clip ins/ u parts/ that don’t shed and tangle from constant activities, like a cycling class, but also thoroughly tested products and accessories to use with your natural hair and extensions during your workout that will maintain the health, quality, and beauty of our hair & styles. Some of the accessories include headbands, claw clips, wig grips, scrunchies, etc. that are made of a specific material that do not cause breakage/tangling, yet it still soaks up the moisture from sweating. Then I have my products such as edge control sticks with a formula that keeps the hold while sweating and two special products that I’m still keeping under wraps until legal is complete, but will be announced very soon!
So this is what I’m most proud about since I get to combine two of my favorite things looking good + fitness.
What sets me a part from others? In cycling or my day to day?
I think in cycling no two instructors are the same. From the choice of music, what we say, how we interact with rider. So the only answer for what sets me apart, is me. I am Salewa authentically. You may come to a class one day and hear songs that surprise you by vulgar and explicit lyrics, or you may come and hear some feel good pop, a little R&B, afrobeats, and neo-soul. I’m all over the place music wise & it makes it fun.
My riders know me most for singing lyrics and falling in love with songs on the playlist like it’s the first I’m hearing it (I make the playlists lol).
In my day to day I think it’s my love for life, people, and everything that comes with it. Those who know me know very rarely do I not have a smile on my face or a reason for laughter and it’s because I have faith that everything is exactly what it’s supposed to be at all times. Whether it makes sense or not, goes my way or not. For some reason beyond my control, God included it as part of my story and I’m at peace at all times knowing that.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
BRANDY LAPHAND AND NINIKA NNAJI! The owners of Cyclebar Katy!
I met them as instructors, and then they became the actual owners of the studio. That is something so cool to witness because they make Cyclebar Katy more than just a place to come ride, they made it a community. I’ve seen strong friendships form in there and so much more and that’s because of the atmosphere they’ve created at Cyclebar Katy.
Another instructor that has inspired me, Sarah Ogunduyile, I remember the first time I rode with her. I don’t know what it was, but I loved every second of it, and since then she has spoken life into me many times.
Next, I would say my village! I have a strong group of friends, family, and supporters who have rooted for me through this journey, shown up to ride numerous times, and support my love & passion for it! Even some who don’t ride, but maybe showed up after a class just to tell me good job, they’re proud of me, and give me flowers or some healthy snacks (pistachios & green juices) . Without them, idk man. I really just love my people and everyone who has shown me love through this process.
Lastly, but most importantly, my riders! They show up, they ride, and trust me with their time and goals. As much as I’m there to motivate them, they motivate me and make my day just as much!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cyclebar.com/location/katy
- Instagram: @salewa.spins – Cycling page / @the.fithairco – Hair Company / @salewa.official – Personal page
- soundcloud: Spotify URL: https://open.spotify.com/user/salewa23?si=QADY0lGETMOGcwBkEoDXtQ
- Other: Cycling class playlist on Spotify- @SalewaO
