Honoring Mother’s Day: A Family Business Built on Love, Legacy, and Fitness

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating more than just the nurturing love of moms — we’re honoring the strength, sacrifice, and entrepreneurial spirit that inspires generations. Meet the dynamic trio changing the health and fitness game in Georgia: Sabrina McAfee and her children, Anthony and Gabrielle McAfee. Together, this powerhouse family is not only redefining family business but showing how love, resilience, and purpose can build a legacy.

In January 2024, the McAfees opened their first HOTWORX franchise in the Halcyon shopping district of Alpharetta, GA. Their venture was such a resounding success that they launched a second location just two months ago in Lawrenceville, GA. Together, they’re not just helping clients stay fit — they’re building a brand rooted in healing, purpose, and family.

A Mother’s Strength: The Heart of Their Success

Anthony and Gabrielle describe their mother as their absolute best friend and most powerful motivator.

“She’s the epitome of grace and pure love,” Anthony says. “She’s always been my rock, my sounding board. When my dream of becoming a pro football player didn’t work out, I felt completely lost. But my mom reminded me that there was life — and purpose — beyond the NFL. She gave me the confidence to pursue my MBA and ultimately, the courage to become a business owner.”

Gabrielle shares a deeply personal story about her own journey with disability. Diagnosed with Brachial Plexus Palsy as an infant, she struggled with confidence and shyness growing up. But Sabrina saw beyond her daughter’s challenges and poured love into her talents.

“My mom enrolled me in arts programs to help me find my voice,” Gabrielle says. “When I wanted to pursue music, she didn’t hesitate to support me. She moved to Atlanta with me and became my manager. She believed in me before I fully believed in myself.”

Sabrina’s support ultimately led to Gabrielle signing a deal with the Billboard-charting label EMPIRE, and she now serves as CEO of McAfee Publications & Entertainment, LLC.

The Matriarch: Sabrina McAfee’s Journey from Teacher to Mogul

Sabrina, a former public school teacher of 15 years, grew up in Jacksonville, FL, raised by entrepreneurial parents — her mother owned a daycare and her father a dry-cleaning business. After losing her mother to cancer, Sabrina turned to journaling and poetry to cope with the grief. That creative spark led her to write full-time — a risky but rewarding leap.

She published her breakout novel, The Brides of Hilton Head Island, which became an Amazon bestseller within 8 months. Her next book, Marrying the Millionaire, also hit Amazon’s Top 100. Despite publishing offers, Sabrina chose to stay self-published — a bold move that paid off. Today, she’s a bestselling author, book consultant, and creator of The Secret Sauce to Self-Publishing: How to Turn Your Passion into Profit Program. She’s also in pre-production for her first feature film.

From Healing to Hustle: The HOTWORX Connection

Sabrina first discovered HOTWORX, a fitness studio that uses infrared sauna technology to enhance workouts, after a muscle injury. Initially hesitant, she was blown away by the healing and weight loss benefits — losing 23 pounds in the process.

She introduced HOTWORX to her children, and it quickly became a family affair. Gabrielle found relief from joint pain, and Anthony appreciated the detox benefits. The experience was so transformative that the trio decided to open a franchise together.

“We realized this was more than just a business,” says Anthony. “It was something that helped us heal, get stronger, and now we get to help others do the same.”

Now owners of two HOTWORX studios in Alpharetta and Lawrenceville, the McAfees are sharing the benefits of this innovative fitness model with their community. HOTWORX, nationally ranked as a top 100 franchise, offers 24/7 infrared workouts, including Hot Yoga, Hot Pilates, and Hot Cycle, guided by virtual instructors.

“Doing this as a family means everything,” Gabrielle adds. “It’s not just about the business — it’s about building something meaningful with people who love you unconditionally.”