Growing young minds

My initiation on motherhood continued when I started to look for activities suited for my daughter Renoa three years ago. Then Renoa was still a few months away from "oldhood", you know, the time you start telling everyone your child is one year old, two years old etc.

Like any mother, I want my daughter to get the best of everything I can give. In searching for activities that were being offered, I found that most were geared for toddlers at least two years old and up. Under that age practically nil. I did hear of swimming lessons offered even to newborn infants, but gosh, I sure did want to keep my daughter fair skinned. So wasn't I glad when a friend of mine introduced Gymboree to me. It was a relief, that now I had something for my daughter and more relief after knowing that I shared the same apprehensions with Mrs. Trixie See Suarez which is to find something for our little daughters to do. Trixie and husband own and operate the Gymboree franchise here in Cebu.

Was there a necessity to put up a business of your .

Trixie : Sort of. But more than it being a necessity, it has always been my desire. How did you come upon choosing Gymboree as a business?

Trixie: My daughter was enrolled in Gymboree Rockwell and when I thought about relocating back to Cebu, I thought of a Gymboree franchise because I was worried there was going to be no place for my daughter here. And also, I knew it was something I was also going to enjoy doing.

Did you consider getting partners?

Trixie : Not really because I was worried of causing someone else's bankruptcy. Hahaha. I think my husband and I are ok being on our own, though sometimes we really do wish we had someone else on board.

Being a neophyte in the field of entrepreneurship, did you find it daunting to enter a business that was new to Cebu?

Trixie: Yes. Introducing a new concept always has its high risks more so for a known tough market like Cebu.

What were the challenges you encountered in setting up Gymboree?

Trixie: Convincing the market that their child should come attend Gymboree classes even at a very young age.

As the owner, how involved are you in the day to day operations of the business and in what way?

Trixie: I would like to think I am very hands-on. I think I reported to Gymboree almost daily during our first year of operations. I also periodically fly to Manila for our meetings and likewise do class and program observations and updates.

How do you balance being a businesswoman and that of being a wife and mother?

Trixie: I have to say it's a constant struggle. I am forever busy but I make sure that I really do find time for my husband and my two girls. Thankfully, my daughters are both attending Gymboree so I can see them while I am working. And when it's vacation time, it's really vacation time and I literally become the family yaya.

What marketing strategies did you apply to get people aware of Gymboree? Are these still ongoing?

Trixie: I think the most important thing I had to do was conduct an effective information campaign. I also allowed families to preview our classes so they can see for themselves how the Gymboree program can foster their child's development. Our information campaign is year-round as everyday, babies are born and new families are formed.

What is the market base of Gymboree?

Trixie : We cater to 0-5 year olds, to families that belong to the AB market due to the premium rates we charge. These families believe that children this young should be enjoying the activities they do and that their development must be well-rounded.

What activities, programs does Gymboree have and what are they aimed at/for?

Trixie : We have our Gymboree core class and we also offer music, arts, fitness and learning lab programs that cater to the development of the whole child.

At Gymboree, we have a playfloor that is equipped with age-appropriate equipment that is safe and more importantly, fosters the development of a child's gross motor skills. Many parents do not realize how important it is to a child that he/she be able to walk or run well. In fact, his/her physical capabilities are actually related to the child's self-esteem.

At Gymboree, in whatever class the child is in, the setting is very supportive in the sense that we allow parents or caregivers to join in on the class. That way, a child who is secure is ready to learn a lot of things. Recently, we launched our academic program called the Learning Lab which is powered by Leapfrog Schoolhouse.

Coincidentally, we are now offering a school readiness program that is an alternative pre-school. This program fosters the child's love for learning among others. School is not a chore for them but rather something they look forward to since Gymboree ensures it is a wonderful learning experience always. Our pioneer batch is graduating this March and we are now accepting reservations for School Year 2007-2008.

How does Gymboree help in the development of a child?

Trixie : Gymboree's mission is to get your child ready for life. Our programs foster the development of your child's physical, cognitive and social/emotional development and our programs are backed by 30 years of research in early childhood development.



Gymboree started in the US in 1976 and is now the world's leader in early childhood development. Gymboree opened recently in China and at least 1500 students are enrolled in 1 center alone (they will have 50 centers by year end).

This just goes to show that even academic-conscious countries like China, embrace the concept of the whole-child development. Here at Gymboree, we foster creativity, ingenuity and most important of all, confidence... things that a child would need to be equipped with in order to face life's challenges.

Has there been any upgrading in facilities, equipment, lessons from the day you started Gymboree?

Trixie : Yes, since we opened last June 2005, we have launched 4 additional programs: fitness, yoga fun, learning lab, GLLP (our school-readiness program) and this summer, we are launching global kids. For our facilities, we have added one classroom and our equipment and program aides/supplies continue to be supplied by Gymboree USA. We invest in our facilities, ensuring its cleanliness and safety always since we are dealing with very young children.

Does Gymboree offer services outside the center?

Trixie: Yes, since we also offer birthday party entertainment packages.

We have been able to host a good number of parties outside, at venues like the Marriot, Waterfront, Marco Polo, City Sports, Casino Espanol, Montebello and the Cebu Country Club.

We've received good feedback from parents that our programs are not only fun, but educational as well.

What measures have you taken to ensure quality service and facilities? Trixie : Because we are an international franchise, we are under constant watch and observation by Gymboree headquarters. Internally, I also have very strict guidelines to ensure consistent good quality and service.

On that note, I am quite satisfied that enrolling my daughter and now also my son got me more than I asked for. And to top that, I also do enjoy in the various activities and theme parties that they do at the Gymboree.

Costume parties, pajama parties name it, these happen in Gymboree. And for moms not up to kids play, the Gymboree is conveniently located at the Banilad Town Center, where you can dine, do your groceries, shop or opt to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee while waiting.

Satisfied with what Gymboree has to offer? Well my three years of patronizing Gymboree's programs don't you think would be proof enough?