Tyler Haney was born in Long Beach, California, where her mother, Jenn, was a hair stylist and her father, Bob, worked on an oil rig.
She began experimenting with the idea of a style uniform for herself of a cropped white t-shirt and A-line skirt, and had what she called an epiphany about the clothing she was working out in, saying that on a run, she suddenly felt the workout clothing she was wearing emphasized performance over enjoyment of physical activity and wondered whether an athletic wear brand could "free fitness from performance" and "approach exercise with moderation, humor, ease, and delight".
[1] She struggled at first in convincing the mostly-male investment capitalists until she began sending kits to their wives and girlfriends ahead of scheduled meetings.
[1] According to the New York Times, Outdoor Voices "helped to popularize a fitness paradigm that has more to do with everyday movement than the body-stressing athleticism advertised by brands like Nike".
[7][1] Haney left Outdoor Voices in February of 2020 amid company growing pains, the strain of a headquarters move from New York to Austin, investors questioning her leadership, and employee complaints about workplace culture.
[7][6] The company declared bankruptcy in March of 2024 and closed its eleven bricks-and-mortar retail outlets; it was acquired by Consortium Brand Partners in June of 2024.
[7] Haney referenced the amount advertisers spend on social media to attract customers to help small brands and startups reduce such costs.