From Nurse to Fitness Entrepreneur: Empowering Mums Worldwide with Mari-Carmen Sanchez-Morris
In this episode of the Badass Women in Business Podcast, we dive deep into the journey of Mari-Carmen Sanchez-Morris, a former pediatric nurse who is now a leader in women's health and fitness. As the founder of the FIT MAMA app, Mari-Carmen is on a mission to support mums around the world in reclaiming their health and well-being throughout their motherhood journey.
With seven years of experience as a nurse and a personal trainer, Mari-Carmen has supported over 500 women through pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Her FIT MAMA app brings together expert advice, fitness routines, and mental health support all in one place, making it an essential tool for new and expecting mothers.
From Personal Struggles to a Global Movement
After becoming a mother herself, Mari-Carmen realized there was a lack of accessible, reliable fitness and health information for pregnant women. Instead of settling for the gaps in care, she turned her frustration into action, launching her own fitness programs tailored to mums.
“I left my career in nursing because I wanted to make sure other women didn’t face the same challenges I did during pregnancy,” she explains. “Building FIT MAMA wasn’t just about fitness—it was about empowering women to take care of themselves, so they could show up stronger as mothers and in their own lives.”
Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
As a mother of three, Mari-Carmen understands the challenges of balancing a thriving business with the demands of family life. She shares practical advice on how to prioritize your own health and well-being while growing a business, offering insights into managing both roles without losing your identity.
“Mums often lose their spark because they pour everything into their children, but taking care of yourself is just as important,” she says. “If you want to be your best self, for both your business and your family, you have to make time for your own health.”
Scaling a Business with Purpose
Mari-Carmen built her business through bootstrapping, which means she's grown FIT MAMA without outside investment. She talks about the patience and perseverance needed to scale sustainably, especially when you're juggling family responsibilities at the same time.
“My biggest challenge has been patience,” she admits. “Building a bootstrapped business takes time, but I’ve learned that trusting the process and continuing to invest in myself and my vision is what leads to long-term success.”
Her FIT MAMA app continues to grow, helping mums everywhere access the care and support they need, right from their phones. Whether it's expert guidance, nutrition advice, or fitness routines, the app brings everything into one place, making it easier for mothers to stay on top of their health.
Advocating for Maternal Health
One of Mari-Carmen’s goals is to bridge the gaps in maternal health care, starting in the UK and expanding globally. She wants the FIT MAMA app to become a go-to resource for maternal health, working with organizations like the NHS to ensure more women receive the support they need during and after pregnancy.
“Maternity care is severely lacking in many places, and it affects everything—mums' physical health, mental health, and overall well-being,” she explains. “I want to make sure that mums don’t slip through the cracks and are given the support they deserve.”
Key Takeaways:
Turning Personal Struggles Into a Mission-Driven Business: How Mari-Carmen turned her own challenges into a global health and fitness app for mothers.
Balancing Motherhood and Business: Practical advice on managing both without sacrificing your own health or your ambitions.
Bootstrapping Success: Lessons on scaling a business sustainably, without external funding.
Championing Maternal Health: Mari-Carmen’s vision for better pre and postnatal care, starting with the FIT MAMA app.
The Power of Self-Investment
Mari-Carmen firmly believes that you are your business’s most important asset. She encourages women to prioritize their well-being, not just for themselves but for the success of their businesses. Her advice is clear: investing in yourself is crucial to thriving as both a mother and an entrepreneur.
“If you don’t take care of yourself, how can you take care of your business or your family?” she asks. “It’s not just about physical health; it’s about nurturing your mental and emotional well-being too.”
Empowering Women to Own Their Journey
Mari-Carmen’s work is all about empowering women to take control of their health and success. She wants women to know they don’t have to settle or sacrifice their ambitions, and that with the right tools and support, they can thrive in both motherhood and business.
Her journey offers inspiration and actionable advice for anyone balancing personal and professional ambitions. Whether you’re a mum, an entrepreneur, or both, her story is a reminder that you can build something meaningful and impactful by staying true to your vision and trusting the process.
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Stay badass,
Aggie & Cristy
