1. How did Thank You Mommy Wellness Centre begin?
For the past 14 years, I have been involved in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, kinesiologist, and fitness and yoga instructor. I always knew that my career would involve fitness—I just wasn’t sure how until I had my daughter Jacklyn. During my pregnancy, it was tough for me to let go of my training; however, I knew it was time for me to slow down.
I looked for a great yoga class in my area and couldn’t find what I was looking for. So I practised yoga at home throughout my pregnancy—because of my background in fitness, I was very informed of what exercises were safe. When I had my little girl and was looking for mom and baby fitness classes in our area, I experienced a similar disappointment. Nothing like that existed. I was interested in classes (music, sign language, massage, etc.) but different people offered them. I had to do a lot of searching to find what I was looking for.
I began my own business, Thank You Mommy Wellness Center, in 2009 so I could be an example to my daughter. I wanted to show her that success is possible, if we choose it, and also keep her with me throughout her younger years. My vision is to build a luxury wellness center for babies and kids up to five years old, which will offer an extensive variety of classes for young children. I am currently growing my business by teaching the classes I am an expert in—prenatal yoga and mom & baby fitness. My intent is to franchise the various locations I have grown and use that revenue to build the wellness centre where all the classes anyone could ever want for their children up to age five are offered.
For moms who do not have a means of transportation, I am creating videos and small booklets to purchase online that will assist them in reaching their health and fitness goals. I am also looking forward to being featured on a local TV network, offering a morning mom and baby fitness session.
2. What is the biggest challenge in being a mom entrepreneur?
When I first decided to be a mom entrepreneur I thought, “This is perfect! I am home on maternity leave and I will have all this extra time.” Well, I soon discovered that there isn’t a ton of time in the day when I was not caring for Jacklyn. For nearly six months, I was sick with a cold every day; I would be feeding her through the night, up at four a.m. to start working, and in bed between 11 p.m. and midnight.
I was rundown, beat-up, and trying to balance all the hats that entrepreneurs wear along with being a first-time mom. So I would have to say that my biggest challenge was learning to create a balance that allowed me to have enough time to spend on my business and time to really be present for my daughter and her daddy.
3. What are some of your greatest successes?
I have been featured in print and online, and I have to say that it was my persistence and staying true to my dream that got me in the media. I have built my company up to nearly 90 members in less than a year and people are really enjoying the classes! My teeny baby is growing into a beautiful, healthy, fit little girl and at the young age of 18 months, she is participating in our classes and often demonstrating the moves! She loves life, respects and loves everyone she meets, and is compassionate towards all the babies who come to our classes.
I believe she has developed in this way because of the decision I made to grow a successful, loving business that offers other moms a place to come with their little ones to work out. Moms also laugh, giggle, and connect with their babies in a way they may never have, had it not been for these classes. It feels incredible to help others feel great about themselves! I am grateful to be doing what I love and to love what I am doing!!!
4. How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?
The most important skill I had to develop (and still am developing) is organization. When I gave birth, I felt like I was living my life in crisis mode—things that had to be done were getting done at the last possible second and I was always reacting as opposed to planning.
When it came to business, the most valuable lesson I learned was to think ahead and determine what needs to be done each week, in order for me to hit my target for the month. I create a master to-do list for the week then prioritize the tasks and place them on specific days. Once I learned how to do this and committed to doing it each week, I began operating with peace. I knew everything that I needed to accomplish would get done. This allowed me to be present throughout the rest of my day, which was a huge step from where I was.
5. What tips can you offer to other busy mom entrepreneurs?
The best advice I can give other mom entrepreneurs, based on my own experiences, is to enjoy your time building your business. I tried working like a maniac and my relationship suffered, my health suffered, and my sprit sank. Yes, it requires work to be a successful mom entrepreneur, but not craziness!
Preplan your weeks and schedule your time so you know everything that needs to be done in your business will be accomplished. That way when you are with your family, you can be with your family in spirit, body, and mind. Be grateful for the small things you are accomplishing. Feed your mind with inspirational books. And feel good.
6. Why do you think women are good entrepreneurs?
I believe women are tenacious. We are driven and motivated to be with our families, and we have a very compassionate side that helps us serve people in the highest and best regard. Women are charismatic, enthusiastic, and love life—the best ingredients for successful entrepreneurs, if you ask me.