Spotlight Sessions: Bami Kuteyi, Founder of Twerk After Work
This month for the Spotlight Sessions I’m interviewing Bami Kuteyi, the founder of the dance fitness phenomenon, Twerk After Work. We’re talking all things booty shaking, business and what “finding your fearless” really means.
Hey Bami, tell us a bit about your business, Twerk After Work.
Twerk After Work is a fearless female movement where we twerk, support each other and burn calories all at the same damn time! It’s the definition of millennial girl power fitness class where it’s more focused on who you are rather than what you can do! It’s also such an empowering movement because of the fact that it’s created businesses and jobs for women around the world.
“When I was younger I remember watching my Grandma “twerking” and as I got older I moved to Toronto and my friends taught me how to shake my booty! From then on I was hooked… it’s life-changing”
Why did you choose twerking?
Twerking chose me! When I was younger I remember watching my Grandma “twerking” and as I got older I moved to Toronto and my friends taught me how to shake my booty! From then on I was hooked… it’s life-changing and gives you all confidence you need to truly FIND YOU FEARLESS inside and out of the studio.
Where did twerking originate from?
Africa and specifically it’s known to be South Africa.
Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur or did you have an ‘aha’ moment?
Since I was young I’ve always wanted to build an “invention” little did I know at that time that you don’t have to invent to have a business you just need to be able to innovate. I only really began to look back and dissect these thoughts when I actually became an entrepreneur...
You’ve mentioned before that you’re building a community of fearless females. What does it mean to you to be a fearless female?
Being a fearless female to me means being FEARLESSLY AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU in all scenarios! It means going after what you want by any means possible starting from things as small as getting large fries instead of small to applying for that job role you believe you are “under-qualified” for.
“Being a fearless female to me means being FEARLESSLY AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU in all scenarios!”
What’s been the most challenging thing about running Twerk After Work?
Definitely it’s been the loneliness when I first started I couldn’t afford an office space so I worked from home a lot and would spend hours alone on my laptop or my phone working. It can get really isolating and depressing to be honest, but having the physical classes regularly really helped because I was able to share energy with everyone in my classes.
If you could give one piece of advice to past Bami, what would it be?
You’re absolutely fine just the way you are! Your difference is what people will love you for in the future so just keep shining and wearing shoes with stars on them!
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who’s thinking about starting their own business venture, what would it be?
KNOW YOUR WHY… because shit is going to get hard! Running a business is not easy at all and it gets harder once your brand starts to go and make some money. You will have good days but you will also have really bad days that will make you want to give up. In order to keep going, you will need to know your why and repeat it to help you push through these challenges.
Where and how can people come along to your class?
They are ALL over UK and Europe you can follow us on Instagram or book onto my classes here.
Any last words of wisdom?
Life is way too short to not go for what you want, so if you have an idea then just go for it!
You can find more info about Bami and her Twerk-tastic classes over on her website.
