Everyone’s business could use a little help these days, so we’re featuring some companies owned by local residents or located in Westchester/Playa to help promote shopping locally and supporting community members.
Here’s the scoop on FIT4MOM Westside, owned by Westchester resident Kellie Fell.
Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A. My name is Kellie Fell, and I’m a born-and-raised SoCal gal. I grew up mostly in the mountains in Wrightwood, went to college at UCSD and moved to Westchester about 12 years ago. I currently live with my husband, two kids (my son, five and my daughter two), and our loveable Labrador. I worked in television for about seven years and then decided to stay home when I had my son. I began taking Stroller Strides classes with FIT4MOM Westside when he was 6-months-old and never really stopped! At that time I was dabbling in some freelance writing, but when the opportunity to purchase the fitness franchise arose, I seized it and have been the owner, operator and an instructor for FIT4MOM Westside for about two years. When I’m not teaching or running the biz, I enjoy baking, eating delicious food and watching TV.
Q. Please tell us a little bit about your business? A. We welcome mothers in every stage of motherhood! From prenatal to postpartum, moms from all levels and fitness backgrounds can join us. During pre-COVID times we held our Stroller Strides classes at the park, so moms get to work out with their kids in tow, and then hang out together afterward and enjoy community with each other while the kids play.
We also have playgroups, crafts, and Moms Night Outs throughout the month. In addition to our stroller-based workouts, we have programs specifically tailored for moms without their kids who are looking for a higher intensity workout and nutrition accountability, but with the same sense of camaraderie. Our moms come for the workout and stay for the community!
Q. How have you shifted your business since COVID-19? A. Our last in-person class was on a Friday and we started right up with online classes by Monday! It was a grueling weekend figuring it out, but I was proud we didn’t skip a beat and have been able to keep people moving from the safety of their homes. Our six-days-a-week schedule has remained nearly the same except classes are done via Zoom call. We created a special virtual online class pack and have continued doing crafts and storytimes via Zoom as well.
Q. Anything else you’d like people to know about your business? A. Motherhood can feel lonely and taking the first step to try out a new class can be intimidating. That’s how I felt five years ago when I tried Stroller Strides for the first time. Nearly all my mom friends have come from this great program, and we’d love to meet anyone looking for a way to get active and meet more moms. Plus, your first class is free so what’s there to lose?
Q, What are some of your favorite local businesses? A. I absolutely love our community, and we have some boss moms who seriously rock. From my estate planner Bahar Geslin of Geslin Law, to my financial planner Wendy Wan Turk of Gerber Kawasaki, to my accountant Veronica Frausto of Frausto Management Group, and most importantly my wine-provider, Nicole Torrence of Chap4, there’s probably a mom in our neighborhood for everything!
Visit westside.fit4mom.com for more info.
