When Debra Sexton found herself in a new phase of motherhood, she was ready to pursue a purpose beyond just being “Mom.” Right after welcoming her third baby, Debra lived in Seattle, Washington, as a stay-at-home mom. “I was a SAHM and looking for an opportunity to do something I love outside of the home, but also conducive to motherhood,” she recalls. Her friend introduced her to Stroller Strides by FIT4MOM, sparking an interest that would ultimately shape her career and family life. “Fitness, community, and motherhood were three things I knew I loved, and after learning about FIT4MOM and their core values, this felt like the perfect place for me,” Debra says.
Discovering Purpose with FIT4MOM
FIT4MOM x Jessica Maurer x Debra Sexton
The Power of a Franchise
However, as quickly as she discovered FIT4MOM, her family moved to Carmel, Indiana, a town with no FIT4MOM franchise. Instead of letting this obstacle deter her, Debra leaned into her entrepreneurial roots, reading The Franchise MBA: Mastering the 4 Essential Steps to Owning a Franchise by Nick Neonakis to understand what starting her own business would involve. With a deep sense of purpose and determination, she moved forward. “I come from a family of entrepreneurs and business owners, and I knew in my heart this was the right direction for myself too,” Debra shares. “Within two months of researching, I purchased my FIT4MOM business.”
Debra’s journey was fueled by a vision for herself and as a powerful example for her children. “My ‘Why’ has much to do with myself,” she explains. “Finding an identity outside of being ‘Mom,’ but also to show my kids that we can do anything we put our minds to.” Owning a FIT4MOM franchise allowed her to build a career with purpose, one that could include her children when they were younger and adapt to her family’s needs as they grew.
Debra emphasizes that being a FIT4MOM franchisee provides an invaluable network of support and resources. “I wanted to be a franchisee because of the support and resources you receive. You don’t have to recreate the wheel or find answers the hard way,” she says. This support system includes a team for guidance and a community of franchisees to offer moral support and share experiences. “To be honest, I can relate to all three of these key drivers, and it’s hard for me to choose just one. All three reasons ultimately made me decide to take the leap of faith and become a franchisee.”
Her Evolution as an Owner
Over the years, Debra’s role within FIT4MOM has evolved. Now, with her children all in school, she can work behind the scenes while delegating tasks to her team. “My first three years in business, my youngest came with me to everything. Now, I can work more behind the scenes and delegate team members to be at activities that I no longer need to be at,” she says.
For Debra, FIT4MOM has been a place of personal growth, community building, and leadership. She has developed a passion for creating partnerships with other local businesses, leading a team of moms who share her love for fitness, and teaching classes. However, she values the example she sets for her children the most. “I have gained an entirely new set of skills that only comes with experience… but I mostly love the example I set for my kids. That we can do hard things!”
FIT4MOM also encourages community involvement, and Debra has embraced this wholeheartedly with “Moms with a Mission,” a program to give back locally through volunteer efforts. “We plan quarterly classes that give back and include an age-appropriate activity for our kids to help participate. A popular activity we love is creating/decorating cards and filling snack bags for our local food pantry,” she says.
Leading the Way
Reflecting on the culture of FIT4MOM, Debra appreciates the importance of vulnerability and authenticity, particularly for mothers facing the pressures of social media and self-doubt. “Vulnerability and transparency is a beautiful quality to have while running this business,” she explains. “In today’s society of social media, mom guilt, and feeling less than others, we need more leaders who can provide authentic support. FIT4MOM truly embodies what it means to support moms’ physical, social, and mental well-being.”
Debra Sexton’s story is an inspiring testament to the impact of community-driven fitness, both in her life and the lives of the moms she supports. Through FIT4MOM, she has found her purpose—and proved to herself and her family that anything is possible when you lead with passion and resilience.
It's Time to Find Your Village
If you want to become an entrepreneur and own a local business, we invite you to learn more about our franchise opportunities. Created by moms for moms, FIT4MOM is more than just a workout. We are a village of moms who build connections, empowerment, and strength in motherhood nationwide. Join our village of Franchise owners and create a community for moms in your neighborhood while building a successful business with your kids by your side.
Moms need a village, and it starts with you.
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