Recently, our founder and CEO Alexandra Spitz spoke with the man known as The Wolf of Franchises for his podcast “Franchise Empires.” They covered a lot of ground in 40 minutes and whether you’re interested in what New Mom School does (and why it’s so important), the inspiring story of how it came to be, or the New Mom School franchise opportunity (empowering mom entrepreneurs!), it’s an interview you’ll be glad you listened to. (And if you want to learn even more, listen to the latest episode where he names New Mom School one of the top 3 most interesting franchises of 2024!)
Listen now! And if you prefer reading, there’s a synopsis underneath the video. Enjoy!
In 2012, Alex found herself at a pivotal moment in her life. Her husband had just been relocated for work, moving their family an hour and a half away from where they were living. At the time, they had a one-and-a-half-year-old son, their first child. Becoming a mom had been a challenging experience for Alex, one that was vastly different from the expectations she had set for herself. However, this transition also marked the beginning of an incredible journey—from an overwhelmed new mom to the founder of New Mom School, and eventually, a franchise owner.
Humble Beginnings: The Reality of Motherhood
Before her son was born, Alex was, admittedly, a bit of a “judgy mcjudgerson.” She watched other mothers, including her brother and sister-in-law, struggle with parenthood and thought, “That won’t be me. I’m meant to be a mom; it will be a breeze.” Oh, how wrong she was. The reality was humbling. The transition to motherhood was far from the joyful experience she had anticipated.
Her once adoring relationship with her husband faced tension and distance. Alex was overwhelmed and grieving the loss of her freedom. It felt as though she had become a hostage to her own baby, and she was unprepared for the wave of emotions and challenges that accompanied new motherhood.
The Lifeline: Finding Her Tribe
It was Alex’s mom who suggested she find a mom group. Initially, Alex resisted, thinking she could handle everything on her own. However, desperation led her to join a local mom group, and it turned out to be a lifeline. This group saved her sanity and allowed her to find joy in those early, chaotic days. She realized the power of community and how sharing experiences with others in the same boat could be transformative.
The Birth of an Idea
Fast forward to the move, and Alex found herself searching for a similar support group in their new location. However, she came up empty-handed. She attended different classes and programs but couldn’t find the connection she craved. It became clear that she wasn’t the only one in need. If she was struggling to find support, other mothers must be facing the same dilemma. That’s when the idea for New Mom School began to take shape.
A New Approach: Postnatal Education and Support
Alex wanted to create something different, something that went beyond the traditional mommy-and-me programs. She envisioned a space where mothers could gather for support, community, and education. Unlike her initial experience, she wanted to offer a structured program that combined expert-led education with the social support of other moms. This was the birth of New Mom School, where the focus was on postnatal education and community support.
From Idea to Reality: The Scrappy Startup Story
When Alex makes a decision, she acts quickly. Once she realized the gap in support for new mothers in her area, she set things in motion. She found someone to help design branding and launched a website within 6 weeks. She then turned to Facebook mom groups, sharing her vision for a structured program where mothers could gather, learn from experts, and connect with one another.
The response was overwhelming. Alex quickly gathered a pilot group of 12 moms with babies ranging from zero to 12 months old. She found an office space within a therapy practice, where they could meet. They laid out blankets, sat on the floor, and began their journey together. She organized four weeks of topics, bringing in experts to cover areas outside of her expertise.
Growing Pains: From Pilot Program to Community Staple
The pilot program was a success, and the moms wanted more. After the initial four weeks, they asked for another four, and then another eight. It became clear that there was a dire need for this type of support and education, and it was time to take the next step.
Alex began charging for the New Mom School classes, and word spread quickly. The classes filled up, and she expanded the curriculum to accommodate growing babies and their ever-evolving needs. The age range for babies became more defined, allowing her to tailor the experience even further.
The Trifecta: Support, Education, and Community
The draw of New Mom School was its unique blend of support, education, and community – the trifecta for every mom. The classes offered answers to questions new mothers never even knew they had. They addressed the “why didn’t anyone tell me this?” moments that inevitably come with parenthood.
In the first few months of a newborn’s life, a mother’s mental and emotional health directly impacts her child’s development. This understanding became a cornerstone of the New Mom School approach. By supporting mothers, they were fostering healthier families and, ultimately, a healthier society.
The Ripple Effect: Benefits for Families
The impact of New Mom School extends beyond mothers to their partners and families. The program addresses the challenges that new parents face, including the tension that can arise in relationships post-baby. Often, partners feel anxious and inadequate, unsure of their role in this new family dynamic.
The program offers mothers a support network that alleviates the pressure on partners to be the sole emotional support. By educating mothers, they empower them to share that knowledge with their partners, fostering a more connected and understanding family unit.
Balancing Business and Family
Starting New Mom School allowed Alex to balance her passion for helping moms with her desire to be present for her own children. As a mother, her ultimate goal has always been to help as many moms as possible while still having the flexibility to be there for her own kids. She loves picking them up from school, taking them to sports practices, and just being present in their lives. Growing up with a single mom who worked long hours, Alex was often the last child picked up from daycare. From a young age, she dreamed of working part-time so she could spend more quality time with her children.
The Road to Franchising: Expanding the Reach
In 2022, Alex and her family moved from California to the Dallas area, and she faced a crossroads: sell her Orange County location or find a way to expand the business model to help even more moms. In discussions with a business broker, she was advised to consider franchising New Mom School. While she had always wanted to expand, she knew she couldn’t do it alone. The idea of franchising was daunting but exciting, and after interviewing several franchise consulting firms, Alex decided to move forward. This decision aligned perfectly with her passion for supporting new moms and encouraging women to become entrepreneurs.
Alex officially launched the franchise model in September 2023. While the journey has been challenging, it has also been incredibly rewarding. The franchise model offers a unique opportunity to scale the impact of New Mom School across the country. The flagship location in Orange County has served over 6,000 moms, and the reach continues to grow as they franchise and develop new locations. The mission is to fundamentally change how new mothers are cared for, creating a lasting impact on families and communities.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
Over the years, Alex has been passionate about helping women in her classes who wanted to leave the corporate grind or pursue their own ventures. Many women shared their dreams of becoming their own bosses, and she encouraged them to take that leap. Franchising New Mom School allowed her to support both new moms and aspiring female entrepreneurs, fulfilling two of her life’s biggest passions.
The franchising world is often male-dominated, but Alex sees immense potential for women to thrive in this space. Women are naturally nurturing and dedicated, but they often underestimate their capabilities. Alex wants women to know they can have it all—a successful business, a fulfilling family life, and personal growth.
Creating a Supportive Franchise Framework
Listening to feedback from aspiring franchisees, Alex prioritized creating a supportive framework for them. Many franchisees feel unsupported by their franchisors, and she is committed to changing that narrative. The corporate team is dedicated to providing exceptional support, resources, and training to ensure franchisees succeed.
The flexibility of the franchise model allows owners to work part-time and still be present for their families. It’s not a traditional 9-to-5 job; it’s a fulfilling opportunity that doesn’t feel like work.
Final Thoughts: A Vision for the Future
The journey from an overwhelmed new mom to the founder of New Mom School has been an incredible adventure for Alex (and inspiration for everyone she meets!). It’s a testament to the power of community and the profound impact that education and support can have on families. As New Mom School continues to grow, the mission remains clear: to empower new mothers and create a better, brighter future for the next generation.
And while the journey to franchising New Mom School has been filled with challenges and triumphs – it’s not just about building a successful business; it’s about creating a community of empowered women who can thrive in both their personal and professional lives. Together, they are stronger, and Alex is excited to see how this journey unfolds, knowing that the impact on the lives of moms and their families will be profound and lasting.
Want to be a part of the magic? Learn more about how you can own a New Mom School franchise here!