Meet Amy.

My Journey.

There are two parts to my career story: pre-kids and post-kids.

My pre-kids career experience is largely what led me to be able to succeed as a small business owner. I’ll give you the hella cliff notes version:

• Climbed the corporate ladder to vice president of operations in the span of 8 years (always negotiated salary).

• Had loads of responsibility ($200 million revenue + 53 employees).

• Won recognition for both quality metrics (retention & financials) + growth (recruitment).

• Created and led training courses and leadership programs.

• Met my husband at work along the way (hey, boo).

(If you care about the deets, you can see my resume here. Shout out to Heidi Giusto, PhD for her writing skills).

In 2013, I accepted a year’s pay severance package from my downsizing company. (I literally accepted the offer from the delivery room!) SAHM life wasn’t the best fit for me (blerg, it’s so hard!). I wanted to work, but I didn’t want to return to the grind that was executive-level operations. My job search interviews didn’t align with my goals to balance motherhood and work.

One night I searched online for what I could do for fun. when we moved. Making real friendships as a new mama was tough. I saw LOTS children’s programming, but nothing focused primarily on mama.

I took Stroller Strides classes with FIT4MOM in Alexandria, and thought I could marry my passions for community, motherhood, and business by starting FIT4MOM Chapel Hill. If the community I wanted wasn’t there, perhaps I could create it.

I researched the market and decided to forge a new path as my next venture. I was psyched to have the chance to flex my business brain and be home with Sophie.

Ready. Set. Goals.

I’m big into goals, purpose, and direction. When I started my business, our daughter was 15 months old and my husband traveled bimonthly to DC for work. I was the the primary caregiver. I needed clear direction and goals for my new business. My purpose was to bring women together by creating a community rooted in authenticity and encouragement. I wanted my business to become a community staple with a meaningful local impact.

I also set clear financial goals for my business:

Goal #1: Breakeven as quickly as possible.

I learned it typically takes 6-9 months to earn your investment back. I did it in 5 months.

Goal #2: Contribute financially to my family in 3 ways:

1. Fully fund my Roth IRA

2. Handle college savings for our kids

3. Take my family on a vacation

If I could do those 3 things, this new business was worth it as we grew our family over the next 5 or so years. I hit all three goals in less than 3 years.

Do What Sets Your Heart On Fire.

Over the next 3 years, we grew our family (welcome, baby Sam in 2016!), and I grew the business. I was awarded Fastest Franchise Growth (2018) and Rookie of the Year (2017). My franchise ranks in the Top 10 nationwide (of 300+). In 2019, I was honored to be recognized by The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill Carrboro as a finalist for Small Business of the Year and Young Professional of the Year.

Drawn to inspiring others, I wrote articles and led or co-hosted workshops on business, finance, wellness, and personal development. I shared my segments with local magazines, appeared on radio and news stations, was featured in Chapel Hill Magazine, and presented at Women in Business events for The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill Carrboro, UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler and Duke University’s Fuqua Schools of Business.

A local highlight was when Chapel Hill Magazine called me to feature FIT4MOM in their wellness issue. They asked me for an inspirational wellness journey, and I recommend they interview one of our clients. Her story was not only featured, but she appeared on the cover of their March 2018 issue.

Sharing your story can inspire and motivate others.

Impact.

Business accolades stand second to the impact my business has had on the community. The greatest rewards are client testimonials of how my business changed their life. It’s our culture of authenticity and camaraderie that led to quality growth.

To kick off team meeting, I once asked my team, “What’s the purpose of this business? What are we even doing this for?” I wrote their answers on the whiteboard:

“Building community.”

“Empowering women.”

“Helping [her] make friends.”

Soon the whiteboard was filled with similar answers highlighting our legacy is connecting, empowering, and supporting women.

Scale.

My husband once did a SWOT analysis of my team for a PhD assignment. He said, “Nearly everyone has a knockout career credentials and a Masters degree. How do you get these women to work for you!?”

ProTip #1: If you successfully communicate your vision for a meaningful company or product, you will find talented people who want to create it with you.

ProTip #2: Make sure you have the discipline, grit, and stamina to do the hard work to get there.

ProTip #3: Your team wants to know how much you care. A handwritten note of appreciation goes a long way.

Rosso Real Talk: Authenticity.

Truth: I never thought I’d work for myself. I didn’t think I had what it takes to create and run a business. Turns out, I LOVE being a business owner. It is fulfilling using business acumen and systems that made me a successful vice president of business operations. I love filling up journals and creating spreadsheets for my own business. As with any job, there are components that suck. I have countless flop stories as an executive and business owner.

When COVID hit, I had to quickly reinvent operations. My motivating thought was, “How can I serve our clients well?” With the instructional help of my incredible team, I pivoted business operations and set new, realistic goals. With FIT4MOM now operating on a smaller scale (but with higher profit margins!), I’m able to dedicate time and energy to help you grow your business.

If you’ve kept reading, you’re ready to get things done. Let’s get started.