Meet Kae Strain | Fitness Entrepeneur & Creator of SPIN Fam

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kae Strain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kae, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Most important would be my unrelenting passion and belief in a vision. Throughout my fitness and entrepeneurship journey, I fell in love w/SPIN. But, I could never quite find the class vibe I felt was needed that would be a perfect mix of motivating and demanding…with a family AND party vibe. I am told that I have the characteristics of a drill sergeant with the intentions of forcing people to reach inward to grab whatever it is necessary to initiate growth and positive change. It’s a shift in mindset that matters most to me. The mindset to grow and push others around you to grow as well. But, the fun, good vibes and music are all important as well. They play a huge role.

Since I was already a fitness business owner, I decided to add this to my plate. Dallas being such a diverse place, I knew it had to be a very inclusive and collaborative feel. But, the entire time…I kept in mind that there was a particular part of DFW that was in needed more of this type of opportunity. The southern/ more “urban” communities in DFW seem to have less affordable options and/or instructors who bring the vibes. The big box gyms provided classes. But, due to the low pay rates and interest…their programs fell short of the mark in these areas. Someone needed to show the more “urban” areas that SPIN could not only be fun. But, also affordable and effective. We could have our own thing that became a cult classic that is comparable to Peloton or Soul Cycle. As much as I enjoy the two, their footprint is mainly up north in DFW. Or, priced at an amount that may not be affordable for all.

So, in comes Kae. I arrive early. I depart late. I have always given the individual time and attention to the riders to enhance their performance. I take the time to learn their names and as much about them as they are willing to share w/ me. I educate them on the necessary equipment and gear to ensure they have the safest ride. And, I continue to emphasize that they are a FAMILY. Hence the name SPIN Fam.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I like to refer to this particular business venture as a creative collective. Mainly because the choreo, movements and ideas are mine. However, it requires a collective effort of many individuals to create the intended vibe.

What sets Kae (the creator and leader) apart from others is that the vision for it all comes from within my own head and heart. SPIN Fam was founded with the needs of myself and others like me in mind. I was in a new city w/ no nearby family or friends. I am a loner by nature. But, fitness brings something different out of me. In the gym and SPIN class…I am all about the GRIND. My work ethic and rhythmic riding became infectious. It gained me a lot of friends and supporters just as a rider alone. I would have all these choreographed movements in my head as different types of music played. I would wake up from my sleep in the middle of the night with workout plans or spin routines in my head.

I NEEDED to get these out of my head and on display! So, I would run them by my mentor or just initiate the routines while I was riding in classes. Other riders would “catch the beat” and it just became a whole vibe. This inspired me to obtain my instructor certification and the rest is history.

I began instructing at a brand new gym w/ ZERO members. My class attendance numbers would be 4-5. But, I pressed on as if I was teaching to the masses. Word got around and my attendance quickly grew to packed classes of 30 or more. Then came COVID. The gyms were shut down and my attendance fell again after the gyms reopened due to people’s fear to attend group fitness. Gradually, my numbers bounced back. We were back to full capacity every class again w/ lots of new family members also.

To celebrate my vision coming together, I created a line of merchandise specifically for SPIN Fam. It has been incredibly successful and has been very well received by the SPIN community.

Was it easy? Absolutely not! Anything that you attempt w/ a group of various personalities, backgrounds and mindsets is never easy. But, I maintained my same mindset always. And, that is what I feel got (and kept) everyone on the same page. They knew what my expectations were for my riders and it was unwavering. I accepted nothing short of 100% effort and support for one another. When you are in my SPIN room, you are family. If you are not on board w/ that, my recommendation is to find another class/instructor.

The most important lessons I have learned along the way is to go where your vision leads. Set your standards high and aim higher. Give more than you expect to gain. And, remind the world of your WHY always.

I anticipate SPIN Fam “the collective” to become a world renowned contender in the SPIN world and be bigger than any of the other larger brands.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Myself and the SPIN Fam have frequent hangouts outside of the gym. Some of our favorite locations are Bishop Arts for the vegan restaurants like Spiral Diner, Deep Ellum for the booze bikes, The Farmers Market, and Trinity Groves. We run and workout in the area near Trinity Groves and at the Cedar Ridge Preserve. That is when we are not spinning at LA Fitness- Dallas Illinois in the Oak Cliff area.

Personally, I have enjoyed places such as Michael’s of Las Colinas and one of my favorite hidden workout spots is Urban Grit. That is a really dope warehouse gym in North Dallas where you can find some of the best trainers in Dallas.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to name names here: Carol Woods & Cynthia Reveles (my forever mentors) Dominique Grey, Tasha Foreman, Daylen Lee, Ted K, Rev. Wesley Williams, Kelva Brown, Jet & Jamaine Turner, Jason Guillory. The aforementioned have been my foundation in this venture. They helped me set the tone and have always showed up for me over the last two years. I also draw a lot of inspiration from ATL based instructors (Rod Harris, Dejean Degruy and Khalil of the Cycle Gang)

Website: www.fitbeautyboss.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/justkandherfitness

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/kaesha-s-80142574

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wefitfitness/

Yelp: Coming soon!!!