{"id":2268,"date":"2012-10-22T07:47:04","date_gmt":"2012-10-22T11:47:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/?p=2268"},"modified":"2012-10-22T07:59:31","modified_gmt":"2012-10-22T11:59:31","slug":"money-single-mom-starts-bike-shop-for-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/?p=2268","title":{"rendered":"Money: Single Mom Starts Bike Shop for Women"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>(Money Magazine) — Robin Bylenga’s working life hasn’t always been a smooth ride.<\/p>\n

Nine years ago, the then newly divorced mother of three young kids reentered the workforce and began honing a career in sales through a series of positions — the most recent of which involved peddling L’Or\u00e9al hair products to beauty salons. While Bylenga liked the paycheck, the travel and long hours required took their toll.<\/p>\n

(Read published article at CNNMoney)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

When she was laid off from L’Or\u00e9al in 2009 after her division was sold, she decided to take an interim job at a local cycling store.<\/p>\n

Within no time, she says, “women began to come in just to talk to me, and to ask questions like what trails were good with kids and what bra I wore when I rode.”<\/p>\n

The experience gave her the idea to create a bike-shopping experience for women that, as she says, wasn’t all about how fast you rode or what scars you’d acquired. She imagined a boutique featuring feminine d\u00e9cor, stylish cycling apparel, and positive messages.<\/p>\n

In December 2010, after a year of researching the market, Bylenga opened that store, called Pedal Chic, in downtown Greenville, S.C.<\/p>\n

To drive traffic to the shop, she has hosted weekly group rides — which are BYOBB, “bring your own beverage and bike” — and offered maintenance classes called Women With Wrenches.<\/p>\n

Last year, revenue hit $250,000. Based on sales so far, Bylenga expects to take in $500,000 in 2012 and reap her first profit.<\/p>\n

She’s also now paying herself $1,000 a month. While she could take more, she’d rather pump cash into growing Pedal Chic’s e-commerce business.<\/p>\n

Her next big goal is to expand, either by franchising or opening boutiques within larger retailers.<\/p>\n

For now, though, she’s happy with her return on investment. “Every time I help a customer find women to connect with through cycling,” she says, “it’s a payday.”<\/p>\n

HOW SHE DID IT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Profit she made on her trial run: 200%<\/strong>
\nBefore deciding to open a store, Bylenga wanted to make sure she could make a go of it. So she invested $500 in a small inventory of women’s bike apparel to sell at a local bike race. After parlaying that into $1,500 in sales, she was convinced.<\/p>\n

Amount she needed to start Pedal Chic: $50,000<\/strong>
\nThe majority came from a five-year, 3.5% startup loan from Michelin Development. She also personally invested about $10,000. Together, the money allowed her to sign a lease, buy inventory, and hire five employees.<\/p>\n

When Bylenga expects to match her previous pay of $60,000: 2014 <\/strong>
\nIn tandem with the child support she receives from her ex, her salary — albeit small — allows her to scrape by while reinvesting in the business. Because she’s been in belt-tightening mode, she hasn’t yet added to her savings but notes, “Pedal Chic is my retirement fund.”<\/p>\n

By Kerry Hannon\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

More from MONEY.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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