Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you to Allan Nguyen, Owner of CycleBar Ashburn, for being a spotlight this week!

Where were you born and raised, and if it was someplace else, when and why did you come to Loudoun?

I was born in Dayton, OH but grew up in the Northern Virginia area. I went to Chantilly High School, George Mason University and met my wife, Theresa, shortly thereafter. We started a family and moved to Ashburn in search of a safe and supportive community – one where we’d feel comfortable with the kids playing outdoors until dinnertime. The Ashburn community has been so welcoming and we’ve each been able to make many life-long friends since moving to the area.

Tell us about CycleBar and how long you’ve been in your industry.

CycleBar is an indoor cycling studio with high intensity, low-impact classes. We offer a variety of classes with a mix of rhythm-based choreography, performance metrics, strength intervals, and endurance training. CycleBar Ashburn was established in January 2023 and opened its doors in March 2024.

How did you get into this line of work?

I’ve always been an avid outdoor cyclist and was introduced to indoor cycling during COVID. It was ok at first, but I soon came to miss the community and comradery I’d experienced while riding outdoors. When I heard about CycleBar, I was hooked and thought it was a great way to offer the benefits of year-round, low-impact, cycling in an inclusive and supportive community to the Loudoun area.

Have you had any special mentors or inspirations that guided your career?

My father is an entrepreneur at heart. He started in the corporate world and left to become a realtor. As a refugee in a new country, my father had to overcome many obstacles to establish himself and support his family. His success encouraged me to start a business of my own, but I had trouble finding something for which I had a passion. I recently left the corporate world to pursue CycleBar full-time and hope to achieve the same successes as my father.

What is the best part of your job and why?

I have the privilege of working with an amazing team. Our instructors show up every day spreading positivity and encouragement and our front desk staff welcome customers with warmth and hospitality, despite the personal challenges they may be facing. It may seem trite, but we strive to maintain a positive, empowering environment for everyone who enters the studio. It’s an important goal we hope to achieve and reinforce every day.

What is it like doing business in Loudoun/Northern Virginia?

I was shocked by the variety of resources available to small businesses in the Loudoun area. There are so many opportunities to network at the Chambers’ Business at Breakfast and learn from other small business owners. I’ve also taken advantage of the county’s Small Business Development Center that offers resources on small business lending, coaching and mentoring programs.

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

Almost 50 years after the Vietnam War, it’s humbling to think of all the struggles my parents had to endure to establish themselves in a new country. My parents had never seen snow before (having come from South Vietnam) yet settled in Ohio! It almost puts opening a small business in perspective and I’m so proud and honored to be able to share these accomplishments with them.

Favorite things to do when you are not working?

In my spare time, I love cycling outdoors, golfing, listening to music, playing with my dog Roxy, and spending time with friends and family.