A Q and A with Local Mom Boss Jaclyn Robertson, owner of the FIT4MOM Falls Church Vienna Fairfax franchise.
1. What is your name? What is the name of your business?
Jaclyn Robertson. I own a local fitness franchise for moms called FIT4MOM Falls Church Vienna Fairfax.
2. What inspired or encouraged you to start your business in our area?
My husband accepted a job offer in DC in the spring of 2014. At the time, we were living in Houston, TX, where I owned the FIT4MOM Houston franchise. When I let my corporate offices know that I would be moving later that year, they mentioned that the owner of the Falls Church franchise was looking for a buyer. I couldn't pass up such a great opportunity! FIT4MOM had been a part of my life for 5 years at that point and I knew I would continue to need it as my children grew.
3. What do you love about your work?
This is a great question and the answer is always changing! When I first started my business, I was looking for something to do while still being a full time SAHM to my (then) two young children. I definitely needed something in my life that wasn't just focused around goldfish and diapers! Fast forward 8 years (and one extra kid!) and my business has evolved from a "mommy works during nap time business" to a full on 40 hrs+ a week job. While I still have so much flexibility to be there 100% for my children, I also am able to provide for my family in a meaningful way. I love that my kids can see how hard mom works and know that I still get to be mostly a SAHM for them.
4. What advice do you have for others wanting to start a business?
When I'm mentoring people I always ask them these questions: Do you love it? Are you good at it? Does it make you money? You want to spend your time focusing on the tasks that you can answer yes to these three questions about. Delegate everything else.
5. What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it?
I LOVE fashion and spend a lot of time reading fashion blogs and buying shoes. :) But what really fills my cup is performing. I am an actor by trade. When my youngest was finally weaned (took girlfriend forever to give that up) I got back into acting and haven't looked back since! I try to perform or work backstage on two shows a year. Shameless plug: You can see me this March in Picnic at Providence Players of Fairfax!
6. What can we do to support you in the community?
I am a firm believer that all moms need a village to be healthy and whole. Modern parenting isn't more challenging that the generations before us, but it is different, and in many ways, much more isolating. I'd love if every mom in our community would try FIT4MOM. We provide exercise, but what we really provide moms with is her village. FIT4MOM saved my life more than once and I'd love to be able to do the same for more moms!
7. What is your (or your family’s) favorite spot around town?
I'm a native Texan and a HUGE foodie. I have to say I could probably eat at Liberty BBQ in Falls Church every meal for the rest of my life. But truthfully? We are home bodies. We bought a historical home in downtown Falls Church last year (our forever home!) and it's really our favorite place to be. Hanging on the front porch while the kids ride their scooters is my idea of a perfect Saturday. (Plus mimosas of course!)
8. What is your family's favorite holiday tradition around NOVA?
Every year we host a "Santa is coming to Stroller Strides" class with the Santa at Tysons Corner Mall. My kids get to skip school for the day and spend all morning with Santa. It is truly our favorite thing every holiday season!
Thank you so much Jaclyn, for sharing your knowledge and time with us! You can check out the Fit4Mom website and stayed tuned for a new studio opening up in Falls Church City this spring. You can also read my review of their Nutrition/Workout Mini Session here!
Do you know someone who would make a great Local Mom Boss? Email me at aliciacarmody@macaronikid.com!
