Tunde Oyeneyin, an American fitness instructor, motivational speaker, makeup artist and New York Times Best-Selling author, rose to fame as a Peloton instructor after being recruited by cycling director Cody Rigsby. She was well acquainted with Peloton after going to classes over the years and having chance encounters with famous instructors while working as a makeup artist. But after her second audition for the company, she was offered a job as an instructor and taught her first class in September 2019. She became an internet sensation after promoting diversity and discussing issues of racial inequality during her classes. In June 2020, she and fellow coach Chelsea Jackson Roberts collaborated on a class titled “Speak Up” after the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless other Black men and women. She was also invited to teach Shonda Rhimes “Year of Yes” themed classes and was credited as being the founder of the SPEAK movement. Since then, she has also become a motivational speaker and talked about her issues dealing with race, weight, and other adversities in life.

Black Detailed Shorts + Bra Top by ZILIOX at The Confessional Showroom
Black Detailed Shoulder Top by LLESSUR NYC at The Confessional Showroom
Earrings by Zena at Flying Solo
Shoes by Sam Edelman

When do you experience the highest levels of confidence and what key factors contribute to your current sense of "confidence" and how you have attained it?
A life well lived is a life lived in purpose, on purpose, and of great purpose. I believe my purpose is to lead, so, therefore, I feel most confident when I’m leading people and helping deliver a message.

Outside of your career in health and fitness, what brings you the most joy and fulfillment?
Spending time with people whom I love. Eating with them, laughing with them, and whether I’m alone or with someone else, I really enjoy time by the beach.

What is your superpower?
My ability to believe in myself. Which is not to say I sometimes don’t have feelings of imposter syndrome, but ultimately, I always come back to knowing that I can achieve anything I put focus on.

**Left:**
Black Detailed Shorts + Bra Top by ZILIOX at The Confessional Showroom
Black Detailed Shoulder Top by LLESSUR NYC at The Confessional Showroom
Earrings by Zena at Flying Solo
**Right:**
Earrings by Alexis Bittar
Ring by Laruicci
Dress by Miss Circle

Who has been a source of inspiration for you in both your life in general and on your fitness journey?
I have always been motivated by powerful women. My mother set an example; she showed me what a strong work ethic looked like. She showed me how to love and how to show up boldly in any room. With my fitness journey, I’ve had so many teachers along the way, people that I admire and embody when I am instructing classes to this day.

Many Peloton users view you as the "friend in their head." Is there a particular individual, whether a celebrity or someone you admire, who you believe you'd have a fantastic real-life connection with?
Does my future husband Michael B Jordan count?

If you could switch lives with any fictional character, who would it be and why?
I would switch lives with any of the Disney Princesses so I can rewrite the story and have the Princess save herself. I’d change the narrative that's ingrained in so many of us.

**Left:**
Dress by Tube Gallery and Necklace by Zena at Flying Solo
Ring by Laruicci
Shoes by Sam Edelman
**Right:**
Black Detailed Shorts + Bra Top by ZILIOX at The Confessional Showroom
Black Detailed Shoulder Top by LLESSUR NYC at The Confessional Showroom
Earrings by Zena at Flying Solo
Shoes by Sam Edelman

What's an unusual quirk or talent most people wouldn't know you possess?
I have a photographic memory. I’ll remember what you wore, what your hair looked like, and what color lipstick you had on, but somehow, I can’t remember the password to my e-mail.

When you reflect on your younger self, what advice or messages do you find yourself sharing with her most often? And as you contemplate your future self, what guidance and advice do you intend to offer her? I can’t say that I often talk to my younger self if anything, my younger self often comes up and speaks to my present self.
She reminds me of where I started, what I’ve been through, reminds me to stay present, stay humble, and lead with gratitude. When I’m feeling like there’s no progress being made or feeling uncertain about what’s ahead, she is often the voice that reminds me how far I’ve come. In my conversations with my future self, I ask her to welcome growth, welcome change, welcome new ideas, fresh perspectives, and all she knows she's capable of achieving.

Earrings by Alexis Bittar
Ring by Laruicci
Dress by Miss Circle

Hair plays a significant role in how Black women express themselves to the world and how they are perceived by the world. Please share your personal journey and decision to cut your hair, and how it has influenced your relationship with it and your overall confidence?
Cutting my hair had been something I thought about since I was 10 years old. Growing up, I was always fascinated by women with short hair and how I can see more of them, more of their faces. Like my mother. She would at times wear her hair short and I would find myself staring at her beauty and the extra confidence she radiated. I put off chopping my own hair for years because I was scared that I would lose some of my femininity. When I let go of the worry of what others might think, I finally went through with it and couldn’t have been more content. I appreciate that I did it because now I wear and lean into whatever hairstyle I want, based on what I think will embody my confidence most in that season.

What is the best compliment you have ever received?
“You’ve changed my life.”

What are some of your favorite skincare products you’re currently using?
I currently use Tatcha, the Camellia Cleansing Oil; Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads (original), Skinceuticals; Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2; Skinceuticals Phloretin CF; and Skinceuticals Retinol 0.5.

What do you want your legacy to be?
To live life to the fullest while lifting and supporting other people to live their lives to the fullest as well.

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Tunde Oyeneyin
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Hair: Luis Guillermo using Oribe
Makeup: Eric Vosburg
Nails: Issy Sánchez
Fashion Stylist Intern: Richelle Hodson
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Sneha KC, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine