Early Life and Education
Born in 1988 in Boulder, Colorado, Tyler Haney grew up with a love for athletics and the outdoors. Boulder’s active, nature-centric lifestyle influenced Tyler’s passion for fitness from a young age. She excelled in track and field throughout her school years, developing a deep appreciation for staying active. After high school, she pursued a degree in Business and Apparel Design from Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she merged her love for design and sports into her future business idea.
Her time in New York exposed her to the fashion industry, where she noticed a gap in the activewear market—an opportunity to create a brand focused on everyday movement rather than high-performance athletic wear. This observation became the seed for what would later become Outdoor Voices.
The Birth of Outdoor Voices: A New Approach to Activewear
In 2014, Tyler Haney founded Outdoor Voices, an activewear brand aimed at encouraging people to get moving without the pressure of intense athletic performance. Her mission was simple: to create clothing for “doing things,” whether it was walking your dog, going for a casual jog, or enjoying a hike with friends. Unlike other brands that marketed high-performance gear for elite athletes, Outdoor Voices focused on inclusive, everyday activities.
Tyler wanted to break the mold of intimidating fitness culture by promoting an active, healthy lifestyle that was accessible and fun. Her brand’s motto, “Doing Things,” encapsulated this philosophy, encouraging customers to move their bodies in ways that felt good without the pressure of achieving athletic perfection.
Case Study: Outdoor Voices’ Success in the Activewear Market
- Targeting Inclusivity: Tyler Haney recognized that many people were intimidated by brands that focused on high-performance athletes. Outdoor Voices was different—it celebrated everyday activity, encouraging people to move at their own pace. This approach resonated with a wider audience, particularly millennials who wanted fitness to feel approachable.
- Brand Aesthetic and Design: Outdoor Voices was known for its minimalist, stylish designs in soft, muted colors, as opposed to the bright neon tones of traditional sportswear. The brand’s aesthetic appealed to a demographic looking for fashionable yet functional activewear they could wear both during and after workouts.
- Community Building: A key part of Outdoor Voices’ strategy was building a community around the brand. Tyler organized local events and group activities, such as jogs and yoga sessions, to bring people together. These events helped foster brand loyalty and created a supportive fitness community, reinforcing the company’s “doing things” message.
Growth and Expansion
Outdoor Voices quickly gained traction, expanding from online sales to physical retail locations across major cities in the United States. Tyler’s vision of creating an approachable and fashionable activewear line appealed to a younger demographic, particularly those interested in wellness and lifestyle over intense fitness goals.
The brand secured investments from top venture capital firms like General Catalyst and Google Ventures, raising millions of dollars in funding to fuel its growth. In a market dominated by giants like Nike and Lululemon, Outdoor Voices carved out a unique niche by focusing on casual activity and community-driven marketing.
Challenges and Business Resilience
Despite its initial success, Outdoor Voices faced several business challenges, including leadership changes and financial pressures. In 2020, Tyler Haney stepped down as CEO, but she remained involved with the brand’s creative direction. The company had to adapt to market fluctuations and operational difficulties, but its core values of inclusivity and fun fitness have continued to resonate with customers.
Tyler’s journey as an entrepreneur has been marked by resilience, learning from setbacks, and staying true to her vision of creating an activewear brand that celebrates everyday movement.
Family Life and Personal Achievements
Tyler Haney keeps much of her personal life private, but she has always emphasized the importance of balancing her work with her personal well-being. Her passion for fitness extends beyond business; she continues to be an advocate for mental and physical health, promoting an active lifestyle for all.
Though her role at Outdoor Voices has shifted, Tyler remains a prominent figure in the business world, inspiring young entrepreneurs, especially women, to pursue their dreams and challenge industry norms.
Conclusion: Tyler Haney’s Lasting Impact on Activewear
Tyler Haney’s innovative approach to activewear redefined how people engage with fitness and wellness. Outdoor Voices stands as a testament to her vision of making fitness more fun, inclusive, and accessible. Through her leadership and creativity, she transformed a simple idea into a beloved national brand, inspiring a generation to “do things” in a way that fits their lifestyle.
Her entrepreneurial journey is a powerful example of how passion, resilience, and community building can lead to business success, making Tyler Haney a role model for aspiring business leaders in the fitness and fashion industries.
