1851

When it comes to business ownership, business partners and close friends Alison Qualter Berna and Allison Schlanger are adamant about dreaming big and remaining flexible.&nbsp;That may be why their business, <a href="https://songsforseedsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=boss-moms-songs-for-seeds-co-founders-alison-qualter-berna-and-allison-schlanger-dish-on-their-journey-to-success-2712476" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">children’s music enrichment franchise songs for seeds</a>, is so successful. Qualter Berna and Schlanger, along with their respective husbands, Bobby Berna and Craig Schlanger, co-founded <a href="https://1851franchise.com/songsforseeds">songs for seeds</a> in 2009 in New York City, two years after they co-founded the <a href="https://appleseedsplay.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=boss-moms-songs-for-seeds-co-founders-alison-qualter-berna-and-allison-schlanger-dish-on-their-journey-to-success-2712476" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">play-space brand apple seeds</a>.&nbsp;Today, songs for seeds has 24 locations across the United States and is still expanding. The four co-founders are committed to the success of their brand, which has proven a particularly attractive franchising opportunity for <a href="https://1851franchise.com/songsforseeds/how-lisa-kozinn-went-from-songs-for-seeds-customer-to-multi-unit-franchise-owner-2712404#franchisee">women seeking an improved work-life balance</a>.&nbsp;In honor of International Women’s Day, Qualter Berna and Schlanger talked to 1851 Franchise about the genesis of songs for seeds, their advice for women who want to pursue business ownership and the women who inspire them the most.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Can you remember the moment you decided to open your own business?Alison Qualter Berna: We met while waiting for the freight elevator to take our respective sets of twins to a music class. Alison’s twins were six months old and mine were five months old. The double strollers wouldn’t fit in the normal elevator, so we had to wait for the freight elevator. Back then, New York City’s Flatiron District wasn’t as family-friendly as it is today. When we entered the music class, the room had low windows and no outlet coverage. It was not kid-friendly or clean or modern, and we wanted something better for our kids.&nbsp;There were also developments in our personal lives. At the time, Allison had a successful career as a producer for MTV Networks and I worked for UNICEF and did a lot of intense global traveling. We both loved our jobs, but we felt this incredible pull when we each had our twins. We really wanted to come up with a way in which we could work and use our minds in a career that had trajectory and still be parents. That was the genesis for apple seeds.&nbsp;Allison Schlanger: Alison and I were both really fortunate. We were in a unique position that a lot of new moms are not in, which is that our bosses allowed us to take extended maternity leaves. Alison had a two-year leave of absence from UNICEF and I was able to take 11 months off from MTV, some of which was unpaid, but I still knew I had a job to go back to at the end of that period. The minute I got back to work, I just felt this longing of wanting to be home with my kids. I also longed to have a career outside of the home. We both wanted a different balance in our lives and wondered about what kind of business we could open that would provide us with more control over our schedules.&nbsp;1851: What were some of the biggest learning moments when you became your own boss?Schlanger: We both worked for these really big companies and we worked really hard at our jobs, but ultimately, the bottom line wasn’t our responsibility. When you own your own business, you are responsible for your employees and clients. You take on everything and you’re responsible for the big stuff. Making the transition from working for someone else to working for ourselves and having that responsibility was completely new for both of us.&nbsp;Qualter Berna: Managing people takes time, and a customer-centric business requires you to be very hands-on. If you want to work remotely, don’t go into a customer-centric business that requires you to be physically present. Analyze the ways in which you need flexibility in your life, and think about what you’re good at. From there, you can determine what kind of business is right for you.&nbsp;1851: Before coming up with apple seeds, did you ever imagine owning your own business?Qualter Berna: When I was younger, I always had this dream of owning a bookstore with a coffee shop — a coffee shop that also sold flowers — next to it. I always wanted to be my own boss but I was so happy at UNICEF that I never thought it would happen. I also never thought I’d find someone I loved working with as much as I love working with Alison. I don’t think I would have done something like songs for seeds alone.&nbsp;Schlanger: I totally agree. There’s no way I would have done this alone. When I was younger, my dream was to work in television and with kids. I majored in communications in college. I never thought this would lead me to own my own business, but it turned out to be a very natural progression.&nbsp;1851: What advice do you have for other women looking to become independent business owners?Schlanger: Having the right business partner is crucial. Whenever I read articles about people I admire, they use the word “we.” No one is running a huge business alone. Also, don’t be afraid to start small and grow organically. You can have big and lofty ideas, but keep in mind that those ideas can have very big bills. You might even need to go the fundraising route for your business, which no one ever really imagines. If you start big, you have to grow into the business, whereas if you start small, you can just grow.&nbsp;Qualter Berna: That said, it’s okay to dream big and not be afraid. Just make sure you back that dream up with financial resources and hard work. I do business coaching outside of work, and I emphasize starting on the Why and the purpose of your business. Without that, the rest won’t happen. Then there’s the matter of money. Women often go into business with the idea that money is secondary. If you are starting a business, be unafraid and unabashed about making the bottom line the be-all, end-all. This is not a volunteer job. Lastly, you have to realize that failure is always a possibility and perfectionism is impossible. We all have this drive to make everything perfect, and almost nothing is perfect when you’re starting a business. You must be resilient and ready to pivot when the game changes and things get tough.&nbsp;Schlanger: When it comes to starting small and growing organically, we’re definitely speaking from experience. With apple seeds, we started really big with a lot of expenses and we had to grow into the business. That’s why we opted to franchise songs for seeds. A songs for seeds franchise has barely any fixed costs. The majority of your expenses come from rent and teachers salaries -- and you only incur those expenses when classes are in session. In your off class hours your expenses are at a minimum.1851: Are you involved in any women's clubs?Qualter Berna: We’re not, and it’s not because we don’t support them. It’s more that we just don’t have the time. Plus, association memberships cost money and we have six kids between us. That said, we’re big supporters of women’s organizations and have participated in many panels and want to do more. I have a life coaching business called <a href="https://www.soulinversion.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=boss-moms-songs-for-seeds-co-founders-alison-qualter-berna-and-allison-schlanger-dish-on-their-journey-to-success-2712476" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Soul Inversion</a> .We do monthly virtual calls and rely on one another for accountability and networking. At the end of the year, we have an in-person retreat. It’s an incredible group filled with successful women who are already established in their careers and are looking to find that work-life balance and lead even more authentic lives.&nbsp;Schlanger: We count our women friends as the village that make our lives possible. From the women we’ve been friends with since childhood to the women we’ve met through our kids and our businesses, they are all part of our circle and help us make our lives better.&nbsp;1851: What are some of your favorite women inspirations and role models?Qualter Berna: Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama. I’m blown away by Oprah and how she was such a trailblazer in the television industry. She’s just so exceptional. Michelle Obama is out of this world and classy and smart. She’s someone who redefined the First Lady position.&nbsp;My mom is also a huge inspiration to me. I’m one of three girls and we’ve all started our own businesses, and this really came down to our mother. She set a very high bar for us and led by example. For instance, it wasn’t enough for her to be on the PTA. She had to be the president. She always went for the top no matter what.&nbsp;Schlanger: My mom. She had a really strong work ethic and always advocated for social justice. I saw her consistently put in the hard work while always finding the time to support equality based issues. As a person and a business owner I learned so much from her example. Of course, there’s Alison. So much of my growth as a person in this stage of my life has been influenced by her. And Michelle Obama...

Boss Moms: songs for seeds Co-Founders Alison Qualter Berna and Allison Schlanger Dish on Their Journey to Success 

1851 Franchise

In honor of International Women’s Day, the business partners and friends spoke to 1851 about their franchise’s success, the women they admire and more. 

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

boss-moms-songs-for-seeds-co-founders-alison-qualter-berna-and-allison-schlanger-dish-on-their-journey-to-success

Lindora

Celebrating the Nurse Behind the Mission: How Melinda Endricks Is Powering Lindora’s Growth and Impact Nationwide

celebrating-the-nurse-behind-the-mission-how-melinda-endricks-is-powering-lindoras-growth-and-impact-nationwide

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Targets Chicago for Strategic Franchise Growth

sola-salons-targets-chicago-for-strategic-franchise-growth

Melting Pot

Photo of Melting Pot white chocolate fondue

How Melting Pot Franchisees Drive Year-Round Success Through Strategic Promotions and Local Marketing

melting-pot-franchise-year-round-success

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. - Technology Piece - CTO Nick Fontenot - May 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Builds the Future of Franchising With Tech-First Strategy

crust-pizza-co-technology-nick-fontenot-cto

Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette’s Recipe for Expansion: Leadership, Community and A Vision for 1,000 Cafés by 2030

paris-baguettes-recipe-for-expansion-leadership-community-and-a-vision-for-1000-cafes-by-2030

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands - 1851 Franchise

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands

doordash-acquistions-deliveroo-sevenrooms

Crumbl Franchise Investment - TSG Consumer Partners -  1851 Franchise

TSG Consumer Partners Takes Minority Stake in Crumbl, Signaling Franchise Growth Potential

crumbl-franchise-investment-tsg-consumer

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

QSR: McDonald’s Gains Momentum With Chicken Innovation, Value Deals and Franchisee Support

mcdonalds-franchise-recovery-chicken-strategy-value-deals-2025

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

District Taco Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-district-tacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

HTeaO Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-hteaos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

DonutNV Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-donutnv-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Photo of Happinest Brands vans and teams standing together

Happinest Brands Closes Strong Q1 With Strategic Growth, System-Wide Enhancements

happinest-brands-q1-2025-growth

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: Building Your Brand’s Growth Machine

ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises

Boss Moms: songs for seeds Co-Founders Alison Qualter Berna and Allison Schlanger Dish on Their Journey to Success

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS