Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Taylor.
Hi Jackie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My love for movement started back in elementary school, running laps around the blacktop while most kids dreaded it. Maybe it was because I knew my dad had been a runner. He had this photo from his track days in Santa Monica, proudly displayed, and he’d tell me how he could run a mile in just over five minutes. That picture ended up being one of my favorite keepsakes from him. Over the years, running became my way to clear my head, push myself to go a little longer and a little faster. It taught me the joy of moving my body, the discipline to keep going, and the mental clarity that comes when you’re in the zone.
That same mind-reset and joy in movement is what I found in indoor cycling. I went to my first StarCycle class in Oregon in November 2014, right in the middle of their “Do It Now” challenge – 30 rides in just a few weeks during the holidays. I walked in, dropped my 9-month-old daughter off in the childcare room, and stepped into the dark, candlelit studio. The music came on, and within minutes I was hooked. It felt like meditation in motion. A full reset for my mind and body. By the end of class, I’d signed up for a membership and kept coming back and completed the challenge.
When my second daughter was born, she came to StarCycle with me when she was just nine weeks old. Over the years, StarCycle became a part of my routine and my identity – a place to move, untangle all the racing thoughts in my head, and connect with a community that truly supported one another.
In 2022, my husband and I moved to his home state of Minnesota with a vision of opening a StarCycle. After almost two years of searching, we found our spot in Hopkins – a growing, vibrant community that felt like the perfect fit.
Now, less than a year in, our goal is to give our riders what StarCycle gave me back in Oregon: a safe, inclusive space to sweat it out, clear your mind, and feel connected – both to yourself and to the people around you. Whether it’s through running or riding, I’ve always believed movement is one of the best ways to reset your mind and remind yourself of your strength – both physical and mental.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Opening a business comes with a lot of moving parts, and each one has its own challenges. We opened our fitness studio right in the middle of the holidays. A time when most people are focused on family gatherings and gift shopping so getting attention on a brand-new studio was tough.
The build-out process had its own set of challenges. We started with nothing but a concrete floor and walls, so everything had to be constructed. In the last week of October 2024, our studio mirrors, retail racks, and front desk counter were installed and then, in true Halloween spirit, one of the brand-new mirrors somehow shattered. The retail displays were installed although they weren’t what we ordered, and a subcontractor accidentally took a huge chunk out of our brand-new stone desk counter.
The first couple of months were about finding our groove, but each bump in the road has ultimately pushed us forward. We’ve learned valuable lessons, made changes for the better, and we’re more focused than ever on how we package and deliver our product to the community. Every challenge has been an opportunity to grow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about StarCycle Hopkins?
At StarCycle Hopkins, we’re more than just an indoor cycling studio, we’re a space where movement, music, and community come together. Our 45-minute classes are designed to give you a full-body workout and a full mind reset. Every class is set in a dark, candlelit room so you can tune out distractions, turn up the resistance, and focus entirely on yourself.
One of the things that truly sets us apart is our on-site childcare. We believe that self-care shouldn’t be a luxury or something parents have to sacrifice. Our childcare space allows riders to show up fully for themselves while knowing their little ones are safe and cared for just steps away.
We’re also deeply rooted in the local community. We make a point to support other small businesses, give back through partnerships and events, and create a space where every rider no matter their age, fitness level, or background feels welcome and included.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the atmosphere we’ve built. When you walk through our doors, it’s not about being the best the fastest or the strongest it’s simply about showing up, letting go of whatever’s weighing you down, and leaving lighter than when you came in. Our riders know this is a judgment-free space where connection matters just as much as the workout.
Whether you’re here for a physical challenge, a mental reset, or just 45 minutes of uninterrupted “you time,” our goal is to make every ride an experience that fuels your body and restores your energy.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking… funny you ask. If there were grades for it, my husband and I would probably get an A++. On our very first date, we flew to Las Vegas. After an exciting night out clubbing, we decided on a whim to jump in a limo and get married only to find out the chapels close at midnight. A few months later, after only knowing each other briefly, we packed up and moved from San Diego to Hawaii.
So when we decided to open a business together, we knew exactly what we were signing up for – another big leap another big risk. It required more money than we had ever imagined, but we kept coming back to one question: what would be the bigger regret? Trying and risking failure, or never trying and always wondering “what if”? For us, the answer was clear. Passion and building a community is worth the risk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://starcycleride.com/studios/hopkins/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starcyclehopkins/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarcycleHopkins
Image Credits
Mattie Krall
