📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights on better living in Atlanta and discover more ways of mindful living, delivered straight to your inbox📖 Read more about this episode:👉 https://www.maconatlanta.com/ 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube:---🎙️ About the EpisodeIn this episode, Brent talks with Jane Mills — a long-time franchise owner of The Little Gym, whose two decades of experience offer an honest, inspiring look at the ups and downs of small business ownership.---⭐ Featured Guest: Jane Mills About the Guest:Jane Mills is a franchisee of The Little Gym, owning kids’ gymnastics gyms The Little Gym of Smyrna and The Little Gym of Decatur. She bought The Little Gym of Smyrna from its original owner after starting as Gym Director, and has since had a 20-year ownership journey that has landed her in The Little Gym Hall of Fame.Connect with Jane:📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thelittlegymofsmyrna/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/tlgdecaturga/---🎙️ Host: Brent MaconBrent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he's passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives.Through his podcast Macon Atlanta, Brent talks with interesting people about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with wellbeing, and using business as a force for good.Connect with Brent:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconatlanta/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyBo_7H2OpMjJ2m3mRBDng/🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/MaconAtlanta/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atlanta-61560549557983/?_rdr/--- 📺 About the ShowMacon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving.---👍 If you enjoyed the podcast, please like, comment, and leave a 5-star review to help others discover the show.You can also tweet @MaconAtlanta with your feedback or ideas — we’d love to hear from you 🙏---⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction: Jane Mills and The Little Gym Story01:05 – Buying the Smyrna Location at 2502:34 – Making It Happen: From Gym Director to Owner03:41 – Early Lessons in Ownership05:03 – From Employee to Franchise Owner05:56 – Growing, Scaling, and Finding Balance08:19 – The Little Gym Landscape in Atlanta09:58 – Leadership Evolution and Delegation12:22 – Family, Balance, and Life as a Business Owner13:23 – The Changing Atlanta Kids Landscape14:09 – Pros and Cons of Small Business Ownership16:21 – Unexpected Moments & Learning on the Go17:36 – Navigating the Pandemic and Keeping the Business Alive20:37 – Lessons from Surviving Crises21:51 – Advice for Aspiring Small Business Owners23:17 – The “Unsexy Business” Myth and Social Media Narratives24:43 – The Rewards and Challenges of Ownership26:09 – 20 Years of Impact: Families, Kids, and Community28:21 – Managing Teams, Responsibility, and Burnout30:00 – The Constant Presence of a Small Business Owner31:28 – The Little Gym’s 50-Year Legacy and Enduring Heart34:09 – Competition, Curriculum, and Staying Relevant37:36 – Gymnastics as Full-Body Development for Kids39:00 – What Babies Actually Do in Gymnastics Classes41:07 – Misconceptions About Gymnastics and “Real” Programs43:18 – Child-Led Learning and the Power of Exploration46:02 – Letting Kids Be Kids: The Freedom to Explore48:20 – Screen-Free Spaces and Modern Parenting50:04 – The Future of The Little Gym and Its Next 10 Years51:57 – What The Little Gym Means to Atlanta Families53:00 – Closing Thoughts and Gratitude---