Meet Abby Schmit | The Bunny Hive Roswell, owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Schmit and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abby, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I’ve always loved Erin Hanson’s quote: “What if I fall? Oh, my darling, but what if you fly?” It captures how I think about risk—balancing fear with the possibility of something extraordinary.

Taking risks is something many people avoid, often paralyzed by fear of failure. I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by strong women who weren’t afraid of taking risks and encouraged me to do the same. However, they also taught me the importance of taking measured risks—those that are calculated and thoughtful.

When evaluating risks, I always consider the worst-case scenario, both for myself and for my family. Often, the worst that can happen is manageable: losing money, starting over, or changing direction. These are setbacks, not the end of the road, and they can be overcome.

Opening The Bunny Hive Roswell was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken. I left a stable, well-paying corporate job to dive into something completely unknown. It was the first location for the franchisors, and I had no prior experience running a business. From my perspective, the possibility of building something meaningful for parents, caregivers and little ones in my community outweighed the fear of the unknown.

For me, the best part about taking risks is looking back and seeing how far I’ve come. Every risk carries lessons that shape who you are and how you grow. That journey—the ups, the downs, and everything in between—is what drives me to take risks when others do not.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
After having my second child, I felt a deep desire to leave my previous role and pursue something of my own. That’s when the opportunity to franchise The Bunny Hive came along—a place that held a special meaning for me. When my daughter, Ray, was born during the early days of the pandemic in 2020, The Bunny Hive was one of the few places I felt safe taking her. It provided a sense of community and comfort during an isolating time, and I wanted to offer that same experience to others.

Opening and running The Bunny Hive Roswell has been a journey filled with challenges. From building the right team to maintaining membership numbers and expanding into a private event space, every step has been a learning curve. There hasn’t been a single “easy” day, but it’s been worth every effort.

As a small business owner, one of the toughest lessons for me has been finding balance. It’s tempting to never “turn off” when there’s always more to do or learn. Along the way, I’ve realized the importance of slowing down—not reacting immediately in heated moments or making hasty decisions. Taking a step back has helped me approach challenges with a clearer perspective.

My hope for The Bunny Hive Roswell—and for our brand as part of the larger system—is to create a space where both children and their caregivers feel truly welcomed, loved, and cared for. The early years of parenting are incredibly challenging, yet they pass by so quickly. I want our studio to be a place where families can find ease and connection, stepping out of their homes into a supportive and joyful environment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you haven’t been to Roswell yet, hop in your car and get here fast! Don’t tell anyone, but I’m not much of a shopper—so my favorites revolve around great food and scenic walks! Here’s my ideal week-long itinerary for a best friend visiting the area:

Outdoors
Roswell Area Park: Perfect for a morning walk or a fun playground adventure for the kids.
Riverwalk on Azalea: Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the Chattahoochee River—it’s absolutely beautiful and so peaceful.

Food
Fellows: Start the day with breakfast or lunch and say hi to Christina and Tony—they’ll take great care of you.
Gracious Plenty: A cozy spot with delicious Southern-style comfort food.
Little Alley Steak: For a special dinner, this spot offers an incredible menu and a great atmosphere.
Brooklyn Café: Located in nearby Sandy Springs, it’s worth the short drive for their amazing dishes!
Pick-up a meal @ Simply Fresh

Drinks
Margaritas at PURE Taqueria: A must-visit for great vibes and even better margaritas.
Margaritas at Lola’s Mexican Cantina: Because one margarita spot just isn’t enough!

Kids
The Bunny Hive Roswell: Naturally, I’d take them to experience the joy and community we’ve built here—it’s perfect for little ones and their parents.
Home Depot Kids Workshop: A fun and creative activity for kids on Saturday mornings.
Avenue East Cobb: A great spot for strolling, shopping (if they’re into that), and grabbing a treat.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m so grateful for this opportunity to recognize those who have played a role in my journey—it takes a village.

First, I want to shout out my husband and my mom. They are my constant reminders to keep going, even when I feel like giving up. Their unwavering belief in me, even during my toughest moments, has been my motivation.

I’d also like to thank my manager, Katie. She’s always ready to dive into the “crazy idea game” with me, brainstorming and building alongside me as we grow this business. Her creativity and partnership make this journey so much more rewarding.

And last but not least, to the incredible owners of The Bunny Hive studios that are open —thank you for being my teammates in this growing franchise system. You inspire me daily to think bigger and do better. Your support and collaboration is unmatched, and I can’t imagine a time when we weren’t in constant communication. You are the voices shouting, “Keep going!” and I love you all dearly.

Website: https://thebunnyhive.com/roswell

Instagram: @thebunnyhiveroswell

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbyschmit/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551726328156

Image Credits
Ali Winston Photography and Ellie Nelson Photography