Stroller Strong Mamas and Little Moments Little Fam join forces and lay roots with their new venture: The Heart of It
(Photo credit: Petite North Fork)
On a recent, humid Friday morning, I arrived at The Heart of It’s very first event: a workout led by Stroller Strong Mamas’ founder Rachel Goodale, followed by a children’s sensory, art, and play session by Amelia Little of Little Moments Little Fam.
Armed with yoga mats, snacks, babies, and toddlers, I watched as local moms spilled onto the grounds of The Heart of It in Aquebogue. As they waited for others to do the same, they chatted about their morning, their kids, and even their partners, exchanging stressors, laughs, and words of solidarity. Then, we got into the workout, one that was challenging yet enjoyable and infused with encouragement and bits of mom-talk in between. Children played alongside their mothers or explored the Heart of It’s sprawling lawn all within a safe distance. After the workout wrapped, some of the moms stayed for a children’s sensory, art, and play session led by Amelia Little of Little Moments Little Fam, where children played, crafted, and explored under the most whimsical tree.
I got to chat with Rachel and Amelia to learn about The Heart of It and their plans to workout, play, create, explore, and build community all in one magical space at their new home in Aquebogue.
Q: Tell Petite readers how The Heart of It came to be.
Rachel: At the beginning of Fall 2023, I got a call from Amelia, who was just getting started with her business. Amelia was doing pop-ups locally in Riverhead and wanted to see if it was something we could collaborate on. After sorting some details, we quickly created Strong Mamas, Little Moments, where we offered a mamas’ workout and a kids’ sensory adventure. During our first event, it was evident immediately how beautiful the energy was during our morning together. The workout and the sensory play were a big hit as they provided something for everyone. We have continued to collaborate in creative, fun ways and have since offered monthly special themed events, playgroups, and more.
This past January, after a playgroup in the studio in Mattituck, we both started talking about getting a home. I wanted a new home as we have outgrown our small studio, and I have always wanted one location for all of my classes, indoors and outdoors. Amelia wanted a first home so she could offer everything in one spot. This was the moment it dawned on both of us that we could come together on this somehow! We quickly realized our visions aligned after meeting a few times. During our meetings, we created our wishlist of a dream space where we could both operate our current businesses and make our vision a reality. After putting it into the universe, we stumbled upon the new location for rent, which not only hit everything on said wishlist, but exceeded it with more possibilities than we had initially hoped for. It felt right and meant to be. We have worked hard since then to create The Heart of It: Strong Mamas, Little Moments — our new home!
Q: What can we expect to see from The Heart Of It?
Rachel: We have a huge list of offerings happening as we combine both of our schedules and offerings. We are collaborating to include a ton more into the schedule for our community, including creative art classes, birthday parties and special events, open play, educational programs, and, of course, health and wellness. Stroller Strong Mamas will fully operate in only this location soon, offering our full schedule of fitness classes, seven days a week. I am moving all of our meditations and adult workshops, and special events, as well as all of the kids’ classes we currently offer: preschool preparation, music classes, kids fitness, and so much more! In addition to our Strong Mamas, Little Moments events, we will be working on scheduling classes at the same time, so you can attend a Backyard Bootcamp while your child attends a Messy Art Class. We are thrilled to have enough space to offer several classes all at the same time! For example, fitness classes can be held outdoors in our “backyard” while we have our classroom indoors being used for an art class. The possibilities are endless to host several things at once as we set up this dream location.
Amelia: We know that different families have different needs, so we’re creating a flexible schedule with a mix of combination classes and standalone offerings. Some days, you’ll see Stroller Strong followed by sensory play so parents can get in their movement while kids wind down in creative exploration. Other times, you’ll see those programs running independently. The goal is to meet families where they are and make it easy and enjoyable to be part of something that supports both child and caregiver.
Q: When will the Mattituck studio officially stop offering classes?
Rachel: My plan is to transition out of Mattituck sometime in the beginning of the summer, and it will be fully closed by the end of July. I am taking it one day at a time as we work on finishing the indoor space at The Heart of It. Once it is completed and I have a better timeline, I will immediately announce it to my clients, and then we will make the big move.
Q: What are you most excited about for this new chapter?
Rachel: It has been my dream to create this space for our community. One hub for all the things families need in one spot. In creating my offerings for the Mattituck studio, my first brick-and-mortar, I was trying to offer a little bit of everything for everyone: pre- and post-natal support, kids classes, enrichment, special events, workshops, etc. My studio was just a bit too small, and my schedule was too tight to actually offer it all. Now I get to do it in a dream location with the abundance of space and possibilities! I am thrilled to work alongside Amelia, who has the same vision as me.
Amelia: This new chapter is such a huge milestone for Little Moments. It’s more than just a new location — it’s the realization of a vision we’ve been building with our community from day one. Having a space of our own allows us to expand in meaningful ways and offer even more to the families we serve. We’re introducing new class experiences like Backyard Messy Art, nature playgroups, and even drop-off programs that nurture independence while keeping our play-based philosophy at the core. It's also a space where we can finally host unforgettable birthday parties — something we've been dreaming about for a long time. This space is a home built from the heart, and it reflects everything Little Moments stands for: connection, creativity, and community.
Q: How do you feel about having your first (official!) brick and mortar for Little Moments Little Fam?
Amelia: It’s hard to put into words — it feels grounding, exciting, and incredibly emotional in the best way. This space is so much more than four walls. It’s a reflection of the love, trust, and shared values of the families who have grown with us. We’ve poured so much intention into every detail so that when families walk through our doors, they feel like they belong. We’re not just offering classes — we’re creating a home for play, growth, and togetherness. And, for the first time, we can now also offer adult classes too… think mindful movement, parent wellness, and creative workshops, because community care includes caregivers too.
What else should Petite readers know about The Heart of It?
Amelia: Thank you to the families who believed in this vision with us and helped us build it—this space truly wouldn’t exist without you. We're not just opening a building; we’re opening the doors to a community hub where kids can be messy, curious, and free, and where adults can feel seen, supported, and connected. We will lead by example, not only working out with our kids but also showing them what it means to live a healthy lifestyle in the mind, body, and soul. We learn from each other, lean on each other, and support each other in this community. Whether you're dropping in for a class, planning a birthday party, or joining a parent meet-up, you're a part of this heart-centered space. We can’t wait to grow stronger together with you all in this next chapter.
The Heart of It is located at 359 Main Road in Aquebogue. To learn about their current and upcoming schedule and offerings, follow them on Instagram @theheartofitli and visit their website here.