We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tyler Skinner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tyler , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The mission is meaningful because it is me. In December 2020 I found myself strapped into a harness and perched on a platform a few hundred feet in the air. I am terrified of heights, but this was an extreme that needed to be embraced in order for me to shake things up and to learn how to face my fears. I had a team of athletes around me, coaches/ performers ready to support me as I took that next step to fly high on a trapeze.

A few months prior, I was sitting at my computer in shock and disbelief because in the span of a week, I had lost all of my contracts….90 % of my business. That punch to the gut was something I could never have seen coming. What it did for me though was allow me the chance to take a pause and to find out what I truly wanted vs what was expected of me. My business up to that point was purely driven by ego and needing validation, constantly competing with my peers in an industry that was high stakes and stress.

What the world needed the most at that time was connection and community and it just so happens that the name I chose for my company…Connnected Communities was it.. I knew inherently that I had something special and instead of getting back in the rat race of the shift and piviot all I had to do was go out and build it.

Up on that platform, I was afraid, but I was also excited to see what would happen if I just. let. go. Once I did, I felt the rush and I was able to allow my body to trust the timing. It felt so exhilarating and after months of feeling down and defeated, I felt like I could do anything. I recognized that it was about a community with a deep trust and empowerment that made that magical moment happen for me. it was everything.

I left that experience a different person. I was capable of overcoming something that had held me back for so long in order to find what I was missing. I felt seen, I felt supported and I felt powerful. It was time for me to create my own community and to show others what it feels like when you show up for yourself. This was the beginning of women making waves.

I always said if 2020 were a circus, I’d choose to be a trapeze artist.

Tyler , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Absolutely! I’m thrilled to share my journey and the essence of my work with you.

I’m the founder of Women Making Waves, a community-driven and dedicated to empowering women and fostering wellness through innovative and holistic experiences & adventures. My journey into this industry began with a deep passion for women’s empowerment and a personal commitment to wellbeing. Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of community support and the incredible impact of providing spaces for women to connect, heal, and grow.

Our organization offers a variety of services, including wellness events, workshops, mentorship programs/networks, and community retreats. We focus on creating safe, nurturing environments where women can explore their potential, find support, and build meaningful connections. From yoga sessions and breathwork to sound healing and leadership workshops, our offerings are designed to address the multifaceted needs of women in today’s fast-paced world.

One of the core problems we solve for our members is the feeling of isolation and disconnection that many women experience. By providing a supportive community and a range of wellness practices, we help women find balance, inner peace, and a sense of belonging. What sets us apart is our holistic approach, which combines physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being with practical tools for personal and professional growth. We like to call it “Pause & Play.”

I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made through initiatives like our “#NextWave” program. This program highlights the achievements of women who are driving positive change and making significant contributions in their fields and to share experience and insight with other women on the journey in the name of mentorship. It’s a testament to the power of collective support and the incredible things that happen when women uplift each other.

For those new to our community, I want to emphasize that our work is rooted in authenticity, inclusivity, and a genuine desire to see every woman thrive. Our events are designed to be welcoming and accessible to all, regardless of where you are on your journey. We believe in the power of going ‘innate to innovate’ – tapping into our deepest selves to bring forth creative and impactful solutions.

In essence, my work is about creating spaces for healing, growth, and connection. It’s about building a community where women can support each other, celebrate each other’s successes, and navigate the challenges of life together. Whether you’re looking for a supportive network, personal growth, or just a moment of peace in a hectic world, we’re here for you.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me and WMW. I look forward to welcoming you into our community and supporting you on your journey.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

This business was by no means funded the traditional way. Nothing we do is traditional or conventional.

Funding a business is always a significant challenge, and for Women Making Waves, we took a unique and empowering route. From the very beginning, we decided to bootstrap our venture, consciously choosing not to seek venture capital funds or take out any loans. Our journey was fueled by our passion and commitment to empowering women and creating a supportive community.

We started by pooling our personal savings and contributions from our founding team. Each of us believed so strongly in our mission that we were willing to invest our own resources to bring our vision to life. This personal investment created a deep sense of ownership and dedication to making Women Making Waves a success.

Additionally, we tapped into our network of friends, family, and early supporters who were equally passionate about our cause. Through small contributions, collaborations, and support from this community, we were able to raise enough initial capital to cover our essential startup costs. This grassroots approach not only provided the necessary funds but also built a strong foundation of community support from the start and we continue to explore ways to expand with this concept at our core.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One of the most effective strategies for growing our members at Women Making Waves has been a multi-faceted approach that focuses on collaborations, referrals, and providing unique experiences and support.

Firstly, collaborations have been instrumental in our growth. By partnering with like-minded organizations and individuals who share our vision, we’ve been able to expand our reach and tap into new audiences. These collaborations have included co-hosted events, joint workshops, and shared marketing efforts.

Referrals have also played a crucial role in our growth. We are fortunate to have a passionate and engaged community that believes in our mission. Word-of-mouth recommendations from our existing members have been incredibly powerful. To encourage referrals, we are in the process of implementing a referral program that rewards members for bringing new people into our community. This not only incentivizes growth but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.

Finally, providing unique experiences and unparalleled support has been at the heart of our strategy. We strive to offer more than just events and workshops; we aim to create transformative experiences that leave a lasting impact. Our “Yoga for the Cause” events, for instance, combine wellness practices with social impact, offering participants a holistic experience that nurtures both body and soul. Additionally, we provide ongoing support and resources, such as mentorship programs and networking opportunities, to ensure our members feel valued and empowered.

By focusing on collaborations, leveraging the power of referrals, and consistently delivering unique and supportive experiences, we have been able to grow our members organically. This approach has not only expanded our reach but also strengthened our community, ensuring that Women Making Waves remains a trusted and cherished resource for women seeking empowerment and connection.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.women-making-waves.com
• Instagram: @women.making.waves
• Facebook: Women making waves
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-skinner-ba3b78189/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenmakingwaves