We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Matthew Onojafe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Matthew, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I started the company at the height of the pandemic. For the last few years prior cycling had become a new passion of mine and saw tremendous amounts of health benefits. With the rapid rate of COVID infections and health declines within the community, my thought was how could I share the gift of health and wellness through cycling. My degree in fiber optic engineering played a huge part in this, as I figured leveraging my technical expertise to help others tune their bikes, maybe it will encourage more people to ride. 1 tune up turned into 2, and 2 turned into 10. Thus Jafe Cycling was born.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I started riding my bicycle again when I first found out that I would be a father. With absolutely no clue what I was going to do, my friends recommended getting a bike as several others had started riding back in 2014. I would eventually ride as a means of therapy and self reflection. Once my son was born, I would then attach a trailer to the back of my bicycle and take him on several trail rides in Alexandria Va. I most proud of how many other fathers that I have connected with, who tell me that cycling is there therapy as well. Being able to go out on a bike ride, for many parents allows them an outlet that they never realized they had access to, that improves their ability to handle both life’s natural challenges and parenting.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Coming from the communications & technology field, I received a very good compensation package. However, during the pandemic, I was amongst several individuals who got laid off. I took my last two paychecks, vacation time, and contracting bonus, and poured it all into the business. It was tough as I had no idea if this business would even make a dollar, but I was determined to at least find out.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I believe I’m still unlearning this one I guess. My expenses are not my business expenses. When you are an employee, its very easy to lump all expenses and incomes together. As a business owner, you have to keep records, and make sure to separate business finances from personal expenses. I have unlearned a lot regarding work performance, discipline, etc. but, unlearning bad accounting, is an ongoing process.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thetrailsdmv.om
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jafecycling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jafecycling
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-onojafe-b68aa63b/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JafeCycling
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOCHLRpwLHfJmoPchLfQo8A
- Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/jafecycling
Image Credits
Fafi Photograpy WoodAngled Photography