Meet Women in Business, Ethel Baumberg, Business Director – Ashley Spicer, Creative Director
Tell us about your business.
FLYAROO Fitness is the first nationwide preschool certification program designed for children 18 months to 6 years old that complements an existing curriculum. This learning-based movement program is a fun way to exercise and teach preschoolers about healthy habits through yoga, dance and imagination. What makes our program unique is that kids are having fun while learning numbers, shapes, colors, the alphabet and even their “please” and “thank yous.”
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
Ethel: I love the freedom and creativity behind designing and implementing a new program. As the business director of FLYAROO Fitness, I have the opportunity to make important decisions based on my passion and expertise in children’s health and wellbeing. Through FLYAROO Fitness I am able to make a difference in the world and encourage children to get active.
Ashley: My vision is that all children should build a love of exercise at a young age and make it a part of their daily habit. Exercise keeps you healthy and I love that FLYAROO Fitness is able to spread our positive message across the world. As the creative director, I design the curriculum and choreography that is appropriate for preschoolers.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
Ethel: My mom is my greatest influence. She successfully ran a consulting company, worked full- time, and raised two daughters. I admire her strength and her self-discipline. She’s taught me that women can follow their dreams, build families, and live happy and healthy lifestyles.
Ashley: Similar to Ethel, my mom has always been my greatest influence. She has been the backbone of our family raising four kids and running an established family business.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
We flew out to Los Angeles for our first big debut this past February and met a diverse group of fitness professionals and enthusiasts who loved our program and saw the value it brought to preschoolers. We are proud of our program and looking forward to introducing FLYAROO Fitness to the world.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
Ethel: The best advice I’ve ever received is to follow your passion. If you ever lose your intentions of why you became an entrepreneur or wonder if your dreams have changed along the way, it’s time to change your direction. I continue to love what I do for a living and my passion exceeds some of my most stressful days.
Ashley: Love what you do, do what you love, and the rest will fall into place – and take risks along the way. It can be scary, but never lose trust in yourself or your product. I like to believe that if you work hard and are honest with yourself in the end it will pay off. I love watching FLYAROO Fitness grow and I think that is one of the most important things to consider when picking a career. Don’t ever settle in life. Walt Disney said it best, “if you can dream it, you can do it.” FLYAROO Fitness was my dream and now it is my reality.
6. What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
Social media has been one of our best marketing tools that we’ve used to grow FLYAROO Fitness. We have fans nationwide who have been following us since our first online post. They are our biggest enthusiasts and we’re lucky to have an online training workshop to certify our fans, one by one.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Ethel: Be patient. You’ll have good days and you’ll have bad days. If you have the willpower and the passion, you can overcome your biggest hurdles.
Ashley: For me it’s taking the proper care of my health. Being a business owner is a lifestyle change, it is not a 9-5 job. My job is demanding, so I make sure to eat right, exercise and always get a good night rest.
Do you have any new projects coming up? If so, please tell us about it.
We just launched our online training course. Anyone is eligible to become a certified FLYAROO Fitness Instructor and can do so by visiting www.FLYAROOfitness.com. We also are planning to have live workshops. Check out our website to learn more about our certification program.
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
Ethel: I am a fitness enthusiast. You can find me taking a hot yoga class, strength training, hiking, riding my beach cruiser, kayaking, or paddleboarding. I’m also an adventure-seeker; I take road trips often and travel abroad when possible. I spend most of my free time with friends and family who are my lifeline, my biggest supporters and believers.
Ashley: When I’m not dancing for work, I’m dancing for fun. If I’m not in the studio, I’m outside catching some rays and rainbows with family and friends.
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
Our main goal is to create a world of healthy and happy children. We intend to accomplish this goal by certifying hundreds of instructors all over the country to teach FLYAROO Fitness classes in preschools, gyms, community centers, outdoors, and more!
FLYAROO Fitness
Website: http://www.flyaroofitness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BFITKIDS
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Flyaroo/
