Nothing inspires us more than defeating fear. It’s freeing, ridding ourselves of the feeling that we’re not good enough or that we don’t have enough skills, resources, or power to get where we want to go. The reality is, our fears are practically insignificant when sized up against our passion and dedication to a project, our careers, or our goals. Ty Haney knows this firsthand.
Starting an activewear company is no easy feat, especially with gigantic corporations like Nike and Adidas on the market. Similar to the blogger/influencer industry, it can be hard to find the niche that sets you apart. The challenge of rising above others and standing out is oftentimes enough to hold people back from trying. But this didn’t stop Ty Haney. Her company Outdoor Voices is continuing to grow exponentially, and she’s filling the closets of everyone from celebrities with elite trainers to everyday people who enjoy an occasional hike every now and then. While one could easily assume a smaller brand doesn’t stand a chance against large activewear companies, Ty has quickly shut that idea down. These brands are her equal competitors now.
She’s always on the move, whether it’s brainstorming a new project or running a couple miles, and it’s nothing short of inspiring. Not to mention, she’s done all of this before turning 30. We obviously had to reach out and have a five-minute chat with this industry groundbreaker to get some advice on beauty, entrepreneurship, and coffee orders.
To start off, what's your personal elevator pitch? Who do you see yourself as in a few sentences?
Endorphin queen/Energizer bunny/mad scientist of movement. My mission is to get the world moving through play and community.
How do you like your coffee?
Large drip with Fronk’s nut milk.
If money, relationships, and jobs weren't a factor and you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
Little treehouses all over the world in Patagonia, Telluride, Topanga, Todos Santos, and Austin.
Workout class you can't live without?
A free three-mile trail jog around Austin’s Town Lake.
What's more important to you, morning or night routine?
Both. I love and need routine. It enables creativity.
What are the products on your bathroom counter that you can't live without?
True Botanicals Pure Radiance Face Oil, Supergoop! moisturizer with SPF, OSEA seaweed gel cleanser, biotin, and ‘El Cosmico’ by D.S. & Durga.
What's your go-to outfit when you're in a pinch?
The OV Exercise Dress, a vintage cropped T-shirt (layering my favorite Jenni Kayne cashmere sweaters over right now for warmth), OV Rec Socks, and Spalwart sneakers.
What's one thing you wish you would've known leaving college and going into your career?
Take an improv class.
What's the hardest thing you've had to learn as a young entrepreneur?
More opinions sometimes only yields more opinions. Be real selective about who you take advice from. Always good to take it in, but learn to synthesize it and come up with your own solution and perspective — trust your instincts!
What's your best piece of advice for facing failures and working towards success?
Compression of time creates value. Fail fast, learn, and apply learnings.
Who would you like to see featured next in our Five Minutes with series? Sound off below!
Opening image by Ty Haney.
