We recently connected with Amilette Klein and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Amilette thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Being a business owner is a journey filled with highs and lows, and the question of happiness often surfaces amidst the chaos. The entrepreneurial path offers freedom, the thrill of the ever changing days, and the potential for financial reward, but it also comes with immense responsibility, stress, and uncertainty. Reflecting on whether I am happier as a business owner or if I sometimes yearn for the stability of a regular job, a specific moment comes to mind:

As a mom of 4 wonderful children, I also am the primary caretaker of these 4 children. This past week I wasn’t feeling all that great, the laundry was piled high, the kids were raging with energy and I still had to work because I had personal business goals that I wanted to achieve. The pressure was high, but also self-imposed. As I stared at the mountain of tasks before me, my mind drifted to the days when I had a regular job. I remembered a particular day at my previous 9-to-5 job. It was a Friday, and as the clock struck 5 PM, my colleagues and I would grab our coats, leave our desks, and head out for a drink to celebrate the end of the workweek. The problems of the office were left behind, and the weekend was ours to enjoy. The boundaries between work and personal life were clear and respected. However I could not take time off as needed or wanted, if my child was sick I struggled between the guilt of calling in sick or heaven forbid taking them to childcare not feeling well.

I realized that the sense of fulfillment I get from being a business owner outweighs the comfort of a regular job. Despite the stress and long hours, there is something profoundly rewarding about building something from the ground up, making strategic decisions, and seeing the direct impact of my efforts. The autonomy to shape my destiny, to innovate, and to bring my vision to life provides a sense of purpose that I never quite found in a traditional job.

So, while the thought of returning to a regular job does cross my mind, especially during challenging times, I always come back to the realization that the happiness I derive from my business is rooted in the freedom to create, to challenge myself, and to grow in ways I never could in a traditional role. The struggles are part of the journey, and they make the successes all the more meaningful.

In conclusion, the life of a business owner is not without its doubts and difficulties, but it is a life I wouldn’t trade. It has taught me resilience, creativity, and the value of perseverance. It has made me appreciate the highs and navigate the lows with a sense of purpose and passion that continues to drive me forward.

Amilette, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am the owner of FIT4MOM North County Inland. I’m Amilette, a proud mom of four amazing children aged 14, 13, 5, and 3. Originally from Puerto Rico, I’ve spent most of my life soaking up the sunshine in Southern California.

My journey with FIT4MOM began 13 years ago during a challenging period in my life when I was battling severe depression. At my doctor’s recommendation, I sought out a supportive community of like-minded women, and that’s when I discovered FIT4MOM. Joining this community transformed my motherhood journey, offering me purpose and a tribe to lean on during tough times.

Fitness has always been a profound passion of mine, stemming from my involvement in Jazzercise in the early ’90s and my two-decade-long dancing journey. I firmly believe that fitness isn’t just about the physical aspect—it profoundly impacts our mental well-being.

After being a client, I became an instructor and when the opportunity arose to purchase my franchise I couldn’t turn it down. I had already had a desire growing inside me.

At FIT4MOM, we offer more than just a workout; we provide a thriving community for mothers. As the nation’s leading prenatal and postnatal fitness program, FIT4MOM supports every stage of motherhood with fitness classes and a network of moms who uplift each other daily. From pregnancy through postpartum and beyond, our programs are designed to strengthen mothers in body, mind, and spirit.

One of the unique aspects of FIT4MOM is that our classes are designed for moms to bring their children along. There’s no need to find childcare or worry about placing kids in a germ-infested childwatch. Our signature class, Stroller Strides, delivers a full-body workout for moms while incorporating fun for the kids with songs and interactive activities. We’ve expanded our stroller-based classes to include Stroller Barre and Strides 360, offering variety and comprehensive fitness options.

For expectant mothers, we provide FIT4BABY, a wonderful prenatal class that helps pregnant women stay active and strong, preparing them for birth, labor, and the postpartum period. When moms are ready to take their fitness to the next level, Body Boost, our mom-only HIIT workout, offers an intense and rewarding challenge.

Beyond fitness, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive community. No mom should have to navigate motherhood alone, and we offer weekly playgroups for the kids and Moms’ Nights Out to ensure everyone feels connected and supported. Every Saturday, we host “DADurday,” where dads are invited to join the class, experience the workout, and bond with their children. Starting next month, we are excited to introduce Dads’ Night Out, further promoting a whole-family experience at FIT4MOM North County Inland.

We are more than just a fitness program; we are a community where moms can grow, connect, and thrive together.

Any advice for managing a team?

Building a strong, cohesive team and maintaining high morale are crucial aspects of running a successful business. Here’s the approach I take, rooted in authenticity, open communication, and mutual support:

Embrace Authenticity and Imperfection
Authenticity is essential. Embracing our imperfections and extending grace to one another fosters a supportive and understanding environment. The night before I officially launched as the owner of my business, I held a team meeting to emphasize these values. I promised my team they would always receive truthful answers and I expect the same in return. This commitment to honesty and transparency forms the foundation of our team culture.

Prioritize Open Communication
I maintain an open policy for sharing and discussing feelings and ideas. At the beginning of each team meeting, we conduct a round table where every team member has the floor. I ask them to share how they are doing personally and then in the business. I encourage these conversations to be as raw and transparent as possible, and I participate fully as well. This practice has brought beautiful conversations to the table and has allowed us to be more than just coworkers—we have become a support system for each other.

Foster Mutual Support and Participation
Encouraging participation and support among team members is vital. I invite instructors to attend each other’s classes, which promotes camaraderie and provides opportunities for mutual learning and support. This last quarter, I sent each instructor a survey to understand how they wanted to be recognized, their workload preferences, and any other concerns they might have. This feedback helps me ensure that each team member feels valued and understood.

Personal Touch in Communication
Instead of relying solely on text messages, I often send voice memos to my instructors. Hearing my voice between meetings provides a personal touch and serves as an opportunity to build them up and encourage them. It reinforces our connection and helps maintain a positive and supportive atmosphere.

Continuous Improvement and Recognition
Listening to my team’s feedback and making adjustments based on their needs is crucial. Whether it’s recognizing achievements in ways that are meaningful to them or adjusting workloads to prevent burnout, these actions demonstrate my commitment to their well-being and satisfaction.

In conclusion, my advice for building a strong team and maintaining high morale centers on authenticity, open communication, mutual support, and continuous improvement. By creating an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported, you can foster a team that is not only effective but also deeply connected and motivated.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The primary source of new clients for my business has undoubtedly been social media. Since taking over the business, I have actively run Facebook and Instagram ads, starting from the first month. These ads have been carefully targeted, narrowing down my marketing audience by age and specific zip codes within my territory. This focused approach ensures that our message reaches the right people who are most likely to benefit from our services.

Harnessing the Power of Social Media
Consistently posting and creating engaging reels on Instagram has been a significant driver in growing our followers. The visual and interactive nature of reels attracts attention and engages potential clients, making them more likely to follow our page and learn more about what we offer.

Personal Touch in Engagement
One unique strategy I employ is personally inviting every single person who follows our page to join a free class. This personal touch has been incredibly effective in converting followers into active participants in our classes. By reaching out directly, I create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages new clients to take that first step and experience our community firsthand.

The Impact of Word of Mouth
In addition to social media, word of mouth from current clients plays a crucial role in attracting new clients. Satisfied members who share their positive experiences with friends and family are invaluable. To encourage this, I implemented a referral program for our current members, offering incentives for each new client they bring in. This not only rewards our loyal members but also helps expand our community organically.

In summary, the best source of new clients for my business has been a combination of targeted social media advertising, consistent and engaging content, personal invitations, and a strong referral program. These strategies have worked together to create a steady stream of new clients who are excited to join our classes and become part of our supportive community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://northcountyinland.fit4mom.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fit4momnorthcountyinland/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553327927425
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmWFAGV8MEe3WdqF1M1NLWg
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fit4mom-north-county-inland-oceanside

Image Credits

my headshot is by @domanddiannaphotography