Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Skinner.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Where do I begin? Wow! I guess it started March 2020 where in the span of a week I lost 90% of my business. I was in the non-profit sector and running massive events and fundraisers and in the blink of an eye, it was all gone. I was devastated to say the least, but once I found some comfort and support in communities worldwide I realized I wasn’t alone in this journey and that while everyone else was having to shift and pivot, I just had to start over… and build it.
Instead of seeking the answers from programs or experts outside of me, I went inward. I became more aware of what was happening around me and what was missing. What the world needed the most was connection and community. Armed with the why, I didn’t actually know “how” it would all come together. I just trusted that the experience I already had worked to earn over the years and the relationships I fostered and nurtured globally, would leave the clues and bring the right people my way. I feel that because I was so open and in many ways had to begin again, I looked at it all with a learners mindset and learned how to inspire myself and tap into my own innate creativity and ingenuity to create what I wish existed.
Fast forward today. I have a thriving community and a new business model that is focused on just that. I found that curated small intimate spaces is where the most connections can and do take place. Mentorship, advice, coaching, opportunities all happen in this containers and I wanted to be developing leaders, bringing women (like me) out of the shadows and into the light so that they could show up, challenge themselves and share boldly who they are and what they are here to do. Plus, it’s way more fun to do it in a group. Welcome to the revolution….where we believe women need to be supported and deserve to be seen. This is Women Making Waves.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s never a smooth road especially as an Entreprenuer. I actually like the term “soulprenuer” because it’s the people that create, collaborate, and ignite new ideas and take things next level or challenge the status quo. Those are my people. When you do things from a soul space and you give it your all, every day and in all ways, I don’t think you can “have it easy.” I believe in flow and things coming together or feeling like they are aligned, but there will be dark days and obstacles to move around.
Oh so many struggles, but without them, I don’t know how I would be where I am. I think they are necessary in order to learn new ways to invent or adjust so you can produce or put out your best work.
I can list so many of them, but to keep this short and sweet I will share that one of the hardest things as a creative and in events is that when you put something out there that you think is so amazing and it’s go time…you get crickets. No one shows up. No one buys a ticket. For me, it felt like it was all about me and I would often blame myself for this mishap as if there was some oversight or something I “did wrong.” This self-doubt is common and what I had to learn was that the event was not me. It was not a reflection of who I am or what I offer. There are so many factors at play and I had to take the ego out and move forward and keep creating and staying consistent.
Once I could grasp that concept, it all felt easier and I could finally separate the art from the artist. I have since built out and consulted on dozens of events and experiences that I am so proud of.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am known as a connector, empowerment strategist and catalyst for change. With our community Women Making Waves, we curate adventures and retreats for women to help them get out of their comfort zone and to embrace the unique offerings and beta test their ideas, projects and practices in a community where they are supported and seen.
I also consult women small business owners on how to get more creative, build their own communities, and get connected or re-connected to their “why.” Then I connect them to the people and resources needed to take it further and expand…sometimes even beyond their own imagination.
I am most proud of our recent launch of a mentorship program called the #NextWAVE: Evoke the Leader Within where we are Mentoring the next wave of women leaders. We connect women with diverse female role models to enable personal transformation, professional advancement, and collaborative impact.
This has been the best part of the journey so far. Getting women connected nationally and globally to create a new network and provide opportunities for workforce development, corporate training, and investment in women as the economy.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To listen both to myself and to others. To slow down and pay attention to what matters. To create space for it all and to just keep going and growing.
And not always in that order. Wink 🙂
Pricing:
- $37 per month for membership
- $499 for 6 months of mentorship
- Friends & Champions: Priceless
Contact Info:
- Website: www.women-making-waves.com
- Instagram: @women.making.waves
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-skinner-ba3b78189/
Image Credits
@ginicistudios @ashleylenayfrench
