Moms really can do it all. It's not easy to hold down the fort at home while having a thriving career, but this mama proves that with the right Village by your side, you can have the best of both worlds. Meet Kyria Phenix, the inspiring mama who now owns FIT4MOM Holland in Ottawa County, Michigan, who proves what they say… not all superheroes wear capes.
Mompreneur Spotlight: Meet Kyria Phenix; Owner of FIT4MOM Holland
By Alysia Page + Kyria Phenix
1. What inspired you to embark on the journey of owning a FIT4MOM franchise?
After losing my full-time job working outside of the home, I turned to FIT4MOM because my schedule finally allowed me to attend classes more. I quickly fell in love with #AllTheThings and finally felt like I was somewhere I truly belonged.
At the end of 2020, the opportunity to purchase the FIT4MOM Holland franchise was presented to me, and with the help of a family friend/colleague, I was able to purchase the franchise. It meant a lot to me that I could continue serving the Village that the previous owner had established.
I am inspired to own a FIT4MOM Franchise because of the analogy "you can't pour from an empty cup" and the book "How Full is Your Bucket". In so many ways, FIT4MOM gives me the opportunities to pour into myself by helping and giving back to others. As I pour into buckets of other people, my bucket fills.
2. How long have you owned your franchise?
3 months
3. What appealed to you about the opportunity of opening a FIT4MOM franchise? *
After losing my job in 2020, there was a lot of uncertainty about what my future "career" would look like. Without a college degree, I wasn't sure what I could do. I had taken a few business-related classes in the past and I know that with an established business model - you can be in business for yourself, not by yourself. It is appealing to know that I am not alone on this journey and that everyone at FIT4MOM from HQ to each franchisee, instructor, and team - wants to see each other succeed. We want to reach #AllTheMoms and we do that by supporting one another.
4. How has motherhood helped you become a mompreneur?
Motherhood has taught me how to believe in and empower myself... motherhood taught me that through all our differences, the heart of a mom bonds us all. Every motherhood journey is unique and I find extreme value in that.
My love of motherhood and who we are during all the ages and stages has helped me become a mompreneur. And to think..there are ages and stages that I have yet to go through, as our boys are 8.5 years old and 4 years old - and that excites me.
Motherhood has helped me see beyond myself and look at the bigger picture - and THAT has helped me become a mompreneur.
5. What did you do before becoming a FIT4MOM franchise owner?
Prior to March 2020, I worked full-time outside of the home at a private staffing company in Michigan, in the HR/Payroll department. I was the Head of Benefits Administration, overseeing insurance, benefits, Workers Compensation, and payroll.
6. How has being a FIT4MOM franchise owner helped you achieve your life or career goals?
Being a FIT4MOM franchise owner IS helping me achieve my life and career goals by allowing me the opportunity and a platform to truly make an impact and a difference in lives around me.
I am an Enneagram 2 - the Helper, I am highly sensitive, and empathy is my number one strength. As a FIT4MOM franchise owner, I do not need to hide who I am...instead I am encouraged to stand tall and show up exactly how and who I am - and this is a very liberating experience.
7. How do your own values align with FIT4MOM?
I believe that Love is Love and that all humans are worthy of love, respect, and dignity. I believe that all moms deserve a place to feel safe, seen, and heard. Our differences make us beautiful and allow for opportunities to learn and grow. I believe that although there is deep pain in the world around us, there is also so much joy - we need the joy seekers and spreaders. When I found FIT4MOM and found the Core Values - I immediately felt a connection that was deep, deeper than anything artificial. For the first time in my life, I found something that aligned with ME. It was as if Lisa and FIT4MOM were inside of my head and heart when the Core Values were created. Talk about a very powerful thing!
8. What classes do you offer?
Stroller Strides, Stroller Barre, Body Boost, and Body Well; I plan on adding Strides 360 and FIT4BABY soon.
9. Where do you hold your classes? How can people sign up to take a class?
We hold a variety of classes at Town Center Holland and Helder Park in Zeeland, MI. To view our full schedule and try a free week, visit: holland.fit4mom.com/schedule - and as always, your first class is FREE.
10. Who are you a mom to?
Brady; 8.5 years old - He is our Sunshine; a soccer-loving, video game playing, sensitive soul who takes after his mama in so many ways. He is our gifted child and wonderful in all of his unique ways.
A sweet Angel Baby in heaven after an early pregnancy loss in December 2015. Our little Sweet Pea who is special in their own unique ways.
Isaiah; 4 years old - He is our Rainbow; our Sour-Patch kid who loves hard and lives life on his own term. He is our spirited child and amazing in all of his unique ways.
11. What advice do you have for other mamas who want to be a mompreneur?
"Believe in yourself.... and in the moments where your belief is dim... hold onto the belief that I have in you!" You are WORTH it. You CAN become a mompreneur. Will it be easy?! - honestly, probably not, but the challenges can be overcome. The challenges make us stronger and help us navigate and relate to the world around us.... you have to "just start"!