Growing a Thriving FIT4MOM Community

Growing a Thriving FIT4MOM Community

June 17, 2024 FIT4MOM x Rachel Kitt

Building a community where moms can thrive, connect, and support one another is no easy task—especially in a place like Silicon Valley. Yet, Rachel, the owner of FIT4MOM Sunnyvale, has done just that. After taking over the franchise in June 2022, she transformed a small group of four remaining members into a bustling village of 20+ moms within just one month. Her secret? A combination of enthusiasm, authenticity, and inclusivity.

“I believe I was able to grow the classes and community by being enthusiastic (‘you times TWO’), authentic (I embrace who I am), and inclusive (everyone is welcome, come as you are!),” she says. And it’s that welcoming spirit that has resonated with so many mothers in her community.

Rachel first fell in love with FIT4MOM in 2014 when her oldest was a toddler. What started as a way to stay active and connected as a new mom soon became a passion. “Becoming a Stroller Strides instructor in September 2016 was a natural progression,” she says. “Since then, I have gotten certified in all FIT4MOM programs (it’s a bit addicting!) and am also an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Group Fitness Instructor, and ACE certified Health Coach.”

When her family moved to Sunnyvale in May 2021, Rachel took a leap of faith by purchasing the local FIT4MOM franchise. Despite starting with only four members, she never doubted the potential for growth. With her warm, authentic approach and unwavering enthusiasm, she has created an inclusive space where moms feel seen, supported, and connected.

A Unique Village in Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley is a unique place—one that is not always known for being mom-friendly or family-oriented. The high cost of living, combined with the pressures of work and childcare, makes it difficult for many moms to find balance. “It’s expensive and near impossible to live here as a stay-at-home mom, let alone if you go back to work AND have to pay crazy childcare costs,” Rachel explains.

But what makes the moms of Sunnyvale even more extraordinary is their diverse backgrounds and experiences. Many of them have moved from different parts of the world—India, China, Europe—or other regions of the country, often for tech jobs or their partner's career. These moms come with impressive resumes, advanced degrees, and fascinating jobs. “Let’s also talk about how insanely educated the mamas here are. They have PhDs and master’s degrees. They have been listed in Time magazine, work for the 49ers, and are a Futurist (what does that job even mean?!),” Rachel shares with awe.

Despite their accomplishments, these moms face the same struggles as any other mother—feelings of isolation, loneliness, and imposter syndrome. “My job is to remind all of them (myself included) that they do not need to compare themselves to the mama next to them. Or who they were before the baby. That they are enough,” Rachel says. No matter how successful or educated they are, every mom deserves a community where she feels supported and accepted.

Craving Connection and Community

For many of the moms in Rachel’s FIT4MOM village, community is something they are deeply craving. “Most don’t have family nearby. English may not be their first language, or they may not have a driver’s license. Or their in-laws live with them six months out of the year,” she explains. For some, the stay in Silicon Valley is temporary—just a year or two—while others hope to stay long-term, despite the financial challenges.

What keeps Rachel motivated is seeing the lasting impact her community has on the moms who join. “What keeps me going are the mamas who have found their forever friends through us or who come back to us when they are pregnant with baby #2 and then baby #3,” she says. These connections are life-changing for many moms, providing them with the support they need during one of the most challenging phases of life.

“For so many of them, FIT4MOM is their village and their home,” Rachel adds. And it’s this sense of belonging that has helped her grow the FIT4MOM Sunnyvale community into a thriving, supportive space for mothers at all stages of their motherhood journey.

As the 2023 FIT4MOM Rookie of the Year, Rachel’s dedication to creating an inclusive, empowering community shines through. She’s not just building a place for moms to work out; she’s creating a village where moms can connect, grow, and thrive together.

FIT4MOM® is honored to be named to the Top Low-Cost Franchise List from Entrepreneur Magazine for 2024. This honor is a testament to our company’s unique business and the opportunity we provide moms to successfully and seamlessly combine entrepreneurship with the demands of motherhood.

If you want to become an entrepreneur and own a local business, we invite you to learn more about our franchise opportunities. Created by moms for moms, FIT4MOM is more than just a workout. We are a village of moms who build connections, empowerment, and strength in motherhood nationwide. Join our village of Franchise owners and create a community for moms in your neighborhood while building a successful business with your kids by your side.

Moms need a village, and it starts with you.

LEARN MORE ABOUT STARTING YOUR OWN FRANCHISE

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