We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kathryn Schmidt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kathryn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

Fit Mommy Charleston is a community where moms can find genuine support, encouragement, and friendships. Motherhood can sometimes feel isolating, but here, women have a space to connect with others who truly understand their journey. Our supportive environment encourages moms to lean on each other, share experiences, and form lasting friendships. This sense of community and camaraderie sets Fit Mommy apart, as we’re not just a place to work out—we’re a place to grow together, lift each other up, and build lasting connections.
What also makes us unique is our approach to childcare — while many gyms and fitness centers have strict age requirements or lack childcare services altogether, Fit Mommy offers a welcoming space for children of all ages to join their moms during workouts. By having their children present during workouts, moms are not only prioritizing their own health but also teaching their kids the importance of staying active.

Kathryn, 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 came into ownership of Fit Mommy Charleston by what can only be described as a perfect accident. A couple of years before ownership I was deep in the trenches of motherhood with a young baby and a toddler under two. I felt lost and like something was missing. While I was blessed with supportive family and friends, there was still a part of me that longed for something more. Moms need community, and I personally needed to be out of the house and engaging with life outside of the daily routine.

Enter Fit Mommy. My neighbor was the owner of Fit Mommy Charleston at the time, and she invited me to join them sometime. Initially, I was hesitant. It was during my baby’s nap time, and I wasn’t sure how it would all work. After a few weeks of joining the group for walks, I started to feel something shift. I was happier, more confident, and fulfilled as a mother and as a woman.

After a couple of months, I joined Fit Mommy and it reignited my passion for fitness. This newfound love for exercise led me to pursue my Certified Personal Training Certificate through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). My initial intention was to become a trainer elsewhere while continuing my membership with Fit Mommy, but when substitutes were needed over the summer, I took the leap—nervously, but with excitement.

Soon after, I became one of the trainers when a former trainer transitioned to a full-time job. The joy I felt leading these amazing women in a space where I could share something I love was immeasurable. Fit Mommy was more than just a fitness program—it was a lifeline.

When the opportunity to buy the business came up, I was in complete shock. My neighbor had received an offer to pursue a full-time career in education that felt right for her, and she offered me the chance to take over Fit Mommy. After discussing it with my husband, it became clear to me: this was God’s plan all along. It felt like the perfect culmination of everything I had experienced—the journey, the growth, and the support from this incredible community.

Now, as the owner of Fit Mommy Charleston, I feel incredibly blessed to be part of a space that helps moms feel empowered, connected, and fulfilled.

At Fit Mommy Charleston, we believe that community is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we offer your first class for free, so you can experience the incredible support system and welcoming environment that make our community so special. You’ll also get a taste of the workouts we offer, which are designed to meet the needs of moms at every stage of motherhood, helping you feel strong, confident, and connected.

To accommodate different needs and lifestyles, we offer a variety of membership options, including unlimited monthly memberships, class passes, and drop-in class options.
For those who may not be ready for a membership or formal workout just yet, we host weekly walks every Wednesday at different locations around town. These walks start with a casual coffee meet-up, giving moms a chance to connect and chat before heading out for some quality time together. We often end our walks at a playground or with a fun pop-up event that’s great for everyone.

In addition to our regular fitness offerings, we organize monthly Mom’s Night Outs and Kids Crafts events, which create even more opportunities for moms and families to have fun together. Just this month, for example, we’re hosting an Easter Egg Hunt after a workout. We also collaborate with other small businesses to support and promote local entrepreneurs through pop-up events and partnerships.

Our workouts are typically strength focused with some cardio sprinkled in. We always start with a dynamic warm up and end with some stretching for a cool down. We typically use dumbbells every workout, but sometimes we add in other equipment such as resistance bands, kettlebells, medicine balls, etc. We work hard, but we do it safely with each of our certified personal trainers. We always meet you where you are in your fitness journey throughout motherhood.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I always thought I was destined to be a marine biologist. After high school, I moved to Charleston to pursue my degree in Marine Biology, working through the challenges of Organic Chemistry and tough biology courses. I went to Australia after graduation to complete an internship before returning home to start on my Masters. After several years, I realized that it wasn’t the best fit for my outgoing, active personality. After struggling to figure out what truly made me happy, I found my place in the hospitality industry. I loved working with people, and though it didn’t require a degree, it made me feel fulfilled and successful.

When COVID hit and I was pregnant with my first child, I realized it was time to change gears. The idea of balancing motherhood with the food and beverage industry wasn’t something I could see for myself. So, I became a stay-at-home mom, something I never planned on but ended up loving. After having two little girls, I was searching for something that could help me throughout motherhood and that’s when I discovered Fit Mommy.

Fit Mommy became more than I ever expected. It showed me the joy of being part of a community and the fulfillment that comes from connecting with others. What started as a personal journey has now become my career, and I’m prouder and happier than ever. Being part of this incredible group and leading it in a way that positively impacts others is truly the most rewarding role I could have imagined.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I took over Fit Mommy Charleston in November 2024, I had zero business experience. None. It was a huge leap for me, especially since my main priority was being a mom and wife. Learning the ins and outs of social media, marketing, and growing a business while balancing family life has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, experiences of my life.

At the time, our community was pretty small, and I was stepping into a business that was built around outdoor activities during the colder months. It wasn’t ideal, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me. I connected with other local businesses, introduced myself, and decided to kick off the new year with a promo and some giveaways to get our name out there and now we have doubled in size.

I quickly learned that growth doesn’t happen overnight. Some days and months are slower than others, but I’ve come to realize that consistency and care are key. As long as I continue to nurture this business and give it the attention it deserves, more women will find out about Fit Mommy and the community we offer. Once women experience our workouts, walks, or events, they see firsthand the value and support we provide. That’s when Fit Mommy speaks for itself. It’s been a journey of learning, adapting, and being patient with myself and the process, but I’m excited about where it’s going.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fitmommycharleston.com
• Instagram: @fitmommycharlestonharleston
• Facebook: @fitmommycharleston

Image Credits

Sea Star Arts
Amanda Leidy Photography