Meet Yaqin Al-Amin | Co-Founder of The Collective Tri and Non-Profit Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yaqin Al-Amin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yaqin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In my life, I’ve always been drawn to business. From selling chocolate bars to starting a vintage pop-up shop on my university campus, I’ve been fascinated by the challenge of discovering what people want and figuring out how to deliver it to them.

When it came to The Collective Tri, I knew from the start this wasn’t just another business-to-consumer venture. It was about building a community within a sport that can feel intimidating at first. Our goal was to create a space where people could see that triathlon doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially if you have the right support system to guide you along the way.

For me, that person was my business partner, Sarah Elizabeth Segrest. She showed me everything—from which key sessions to focus on in training, to how to properly fuel both before and during race day. But we realized not everyone is fortunate enough to have someone like that in their corner. That realization was the spark that lit the idea for The Collective Tri.

We wanted to ensure that anyone stepping into the sport for the first time has access to the knowledge, guidance, and encouragement that can turn something unknown and intimidating into something achievable and empowering.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In today’s endurance sports landscape, we’ve seen an overwhelming number of clubs focused on swimming, cycling, or running. On the surface, it may seem like community is at the heart of these groups, but in our experience, that isn’t always the case. Too often, clubs can become overrun by gossip, politics, and other distractions that take away from the true sense of connection. At The Collective Tri, we want to emphasize that we are not a club—we are a community.

From a business standpoint, we’re still in the early stages, yet it has already been humbling to see the momentum we’ve built. This has shown us that there is a real demand for bringing authentic community back to endurance sports—especially triathlon. The beginning wasn’t easy: navigating which individuals to bring onto the team, deciding which organizations to partner with first, and figuring out how to introduce triathlon to people who may have never considered it before.

What helped us overcome these challenges was one simple but powerful tool: communication. By being transparent about who we are, what we aim to do, and the values we stand on, everything became clearer and more manageable.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned along the way is that patience is essential when building something rooted in community. We understand that not everyone will align with our approach to removing politics from endurance sports, but we firmly believe it’s the right path if we want to make the sport more accessible, welcoming, and fun for all. Whether your primary passion is swimming, cycling, or running, we want you to feel accepted and valued here.

At the end of the day, our vision is to build something much bigger than ourselves. The Collective Tri was created for the community, by the community. One day, we hope it will be carried forward by others who share the same values and passion. Our mission is to ensure that endurance sports—especially triathlon—are about connection, inclusivity, and purpose above all else.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start by meeting at LaSouq Coffee Shop, one of my favorite spots in the area. They serve some of the best specialty drinks I’ve ever had, along with an incredible selection of sweet and savory toasts that will leave you wanting more with every bite.

For dining, it depends on the season. In the summer, I would take them to BBQ King, one of my go-to restaurants for South Asian cuisine. In the winter, I’d choose Happy Lamb Hotpot, a place I visit often for their flavorful lamb dishes and delicious side offerings.

For a cultural experience, I’d bring them to the Crow Museum of Asian Art. As someone with Asian heritage, I feel I could provide unique insight and share meaningful perspectives while exploring the exhibits.

Finally, I’d make sure their visit aligned with a performance by an underground Korean hip-hop artist. For some reason, these shows in Dallas are always exceptional and provide an unforgettable experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The two people I’d like to recognize are my mom and my business partner, Sarah Elizabeth Segrest.

My mom has always been my biggest supporter. No matter what path I’ve chosen—whether it was skateboarding, fashion, or now this business venture rooted in triathlon—she has always been there to encourage me and cheer me on.

I also want to acknowledge Sarah Elizabeth Segrest, my business partner. She reignited my passion for sports and is deeply committed to creating meaningful impact in our community. She constantly reminds me of the importance of living a life defined by what you contribute, rather than what you accumulate.

Website: https://www.thecollectivetri.com

Instagram: @ydotma @qintris @thecollectivetri

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaqin-al-amin/