Songs for seeds Has Blossomed in Westchester County Thanks to Successful Television Producer, Mother and Multi-Unit Franchisee Dana Fisher

Songs for seeds was co-founded in 2009 by two New York City moms Allison Schlanger and Alison Qualter Berna. Allison and Alison bonded over the need for a better children’s music education concept—so, along with their husbands, they created the interactive children’s music education brand, songs for seeds. Songs for seeds embodies five key values—Live Band; More Than Music; Interactive Learning; Modern Approach; and Parents Matter—so that children can explore music through interactive learning that cultivates creative and critical thinking along key cognitive and developmental benchmarks.

Every 45-minute, interactive songs for seeds class showcases a three-piece live band and incorporates movement and visual aids. This “more than music” approach not only gives children a broad foundation to develop sensory, attentive, cognitive, emotional and motor skills to be applied to future learning, but keeps kids wanting to come back for more. This in turn fosters community involvement and the development of support networks among parents who see each other every week at songs for seeds.

Since 2009, and with the help of the brand’s dedicated franchisees, the four founders have grown the New York City-based franchise into 23 locations in nine states.

One of those franchisees is Dana Fisher, a former Manhattan resident and producer for ABC’s The View . Dana and her husband own three songs for seeds in Armonk, Port Chester and Scarsdale, New York, but Dana started frequenting songs for seeds about six years ago when her oldest, Teddy, was just an infant. For two years, Dana had many wonderful times at songs for seeds with Teddy and her younger daughter, Ruby.

Songs for seeds also became a vital network by which Dana was able to connect with other moms in her area and enjoy the support and companionship of her local community through her childrens’ early years.

Dana and her family eventually left Manhattan for the quieter Westchester County, New York. In spite of having such a large community of other young families, Dana couldn’t find anything quite like the songs for seeds classes she had taken back in Manhattan.

Originally, opening her own business was far from Dana’s mind—but when she realized the market potential of songs for seeds in her new community, she and her husband couldn’t ignore the value that it could bring to other families in Westchester County. Since first signing on with songs for seeds, Dana has grown her footprint to three locations in Westchester County.

“Owning a business was nowhere on our radar at that time, but we got an email that songs for seeds had started franchising and we remembered how much we loved the classes in spite of not having music backgrounds,” said Dana, who, on top of juggling a new move, was also working full-time as a television producer and parenting two young children. “We just decided it was going to be the perfect opportunity for us.”

The feeling was mutual. Co-founder Allison endorses Dana and their partnership, sharing that, “Along with having a full-time job as a producer at The View and parenting two children under the age of 7, Dana is one of our most successful songs for seeds owners,” said Allison. “Even when she is in the studio preparing the hosts [of the View] to interview a presidential candidate, Dana’s presence is always felt at songs for seeds.

She is a thoughtful manager who is in constant communication with her musicians and teachers. She knows and cares about every Westchester County songs for seeds family.”

Allison also credits Dana with playing a meaningful role in the brand’s growth.

“In Dana, we have found a true partner,” Allison continued. “She is a successful business woman, a devoted mother and someone who cares about songs for seeds as much as we do. We have grown this special franchise business together.”

Through songs for seeds, Dana has been able to replicate the network of parents that she had created for herself in the city—and which she continues to value highly.

“I think that it really builds a sense of community,” said Dana. “It’s such a great way for moms to meet other moms. When you first move to the suburbs, it’s easy to feel a little isolated. Having a community like songs for seeds can really ease that transition.”

Although her own children have aged out of the program, owning three songs for seeds locations has given Dana a portal through which she can continue connecting with other young families in the community. “Just by owning the business, I have become friends with so many people here,” said Dana. “My husband always jokes that I can’t go anywhere without running into someone I know, but it’s true! I am always seeing parents and students around town.”

Today, Dana and her husband own three songs for seeds in Armonk, Port Chester and Scarsdale, New York. Want to know her secret? “We really just juggle it all,” said Dana, “but it has all been worth it. Working with songs for seeds has been such a great experience and we’re happy to have brought it to the community.”