Meet Christina Thompson, Owner of My Gym Katy
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Katy area?
I was born and raised in Houston and currently do not live in Katy. Our home right now is in Jersey Village. We do hope to move here soon, though! We love the community and have made so many friends in Katy. Our children would thrive here!
How many kids do you have and how old are they?
My husband and I have 3 boys! Jake is 4, Max is 2 and Sam is almost 10 months old. We love boy life, and they have been the biggest blessings in our lives! Everything we do, including this business, is for them. We wanted to do something that our children would be able to enjoy while they are young.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
Hmmm…this is hard! I really have no secrets so I feel like nothing about me is surprising, haha! However, I do like to go to the movies alone, and not many people know that about me. Sitting in the theater eating popcorn, candy, pickles, and drinking an Icee is one of my favorite things to do! I’ve done it forever and I love it!
Favorite local things to do in the Katy area?
I LOVE to eat! Katy has so many restaurants and getting to eat at fun and new places is awesome!
What is your go-to activity just for you, mama?
As a new mom, it’s really hard to find the time to do anything that is just for me. With children, sometimes you forget what you like and have to “find yourself” again. It’s such a strange thing! The old me would say something like getting a facial or massage. The new me is still trying to discover her “go to activity” because sometimes “me time” is just sitting down and nursing the baby while scrolling through social media! Haha! During this phase in my life getting to do just that is a great “go to activity” since you sort of get to relax during that time.
Give us your best mom hack that makes life easier.
I don’t really have any “mom hacks” but I will say that as a mom of littles, having plenty of accessible snacks on you at all times can definitely make life easier! Lol
OK, let’s talk business. Tell us about your business and what makes it unique!
My Gym Katy is a children’s fitness center for kids aged 4 months to 10 years old. We run Mommy and Me classes, independent beginning gymnastics, Ninja classes, and throw AMAZING Birthday Parties! What makes us unique is we are truly a family. We do our best to make connections with every single person that comes through our doors. We are a family owned business and feel that relationships are the core to our success. Everyone feels like a member of our family and we hope they leave knowing that we love them! There is also constant movement in our program and we not only help with gross motor skills, but we work on socialization of the children. I truly believe that our classes can help foster confidence and independence which is something is super important for every child.
When did you officially launch your business and what’s been the biggest blessing in it all?
My Gym is a franchise that has been around for 40 years! However, I have been the owner of the Katy locations for a little over a year.
What’s your back story- what did you do before launching your business?
I was a teacher for many years and have worked with children for most of my career. I loved being an educator and I am so lucky that I still get to see smiling faces everyday!
Do you think it prepared you for being an entrepreneur?
I believe that my teaching career prepared me for being an entrepreneur in many ways. My husband always used to tell me that teaching is the only job where you get to become a “manager” as soon as you graduate college, and it’s true! Haha! The organization and planning that you do as a teacher came full circle as I became a business owner as I still do it! Of course, owning a business is not exactly the same as teaching but it was a good career that prepared me for the responsibility of being a business owner.
Most memorable moment in business for you?
At My Gym we always say every moment matters. When we post on social media you will often see a hashtag that says “moments that matter” because every moment has a special place in our hearts. There are so many memories of first steps that have been taken in the gym, or a child that was once a little timid, now runs inside, gives me a big hug and is so happy to be here. Our space is a safe place for many children, and the joy I see in them as they come through the doors makes it all worth it!
Best advice for mamas wanting to launch into their own business?
The best advice I can give to a mom wanting to open a business is to not give up. Things will be hard and you will feel defeated often, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Be positive, keep a level head, and cheer yourself on no matter what!
Biggest blessing about being a mama owned business in the Katy area?
The biggest blessing about being a mama owned business in the Katy area are the friendships I have made. I am a mother of 3 young boys and sometimes finding a community can be a challenge as everyone is in different phases of their lives. I get to walk in the doors of My Gym and know that I will see a mom/dad with a kiddo the same age as mine and we can talk, give advice and just listen while getting to spend quality time with our children. I am blessed to love what I do!
Future plans and hopes for your business?
My hope for My Gym Katy is to continue to grow and be a fun and safe space for all young children in the community.