Ep 162 Kiley McKinnon & Ariana Ferweda - The business of being outdoors

Stand Out Life

What were you doing the first few months of 2020? Today’s guests were launching their business together in outdoor apparel. A business that, by starting in uncertain times has forged its way into new territory. Olympic freestyle aerial skier Kiley McKinnon, alongside Ariana Ferwerda initially set out to create a skiwear brand designed by women, for women. After competing at the 2018 Olympics in men's ski wear, Kiley knew the male-dominated outdoor industry needed to change. She shares the frustrations she found in trying to talk to sponsors about the subtle differences for women’s ski wear. Without any traction. This was a lightning bolt moment for her, Ariana, an avid recreational skier frustrated by the lacklustre outdoor apparel industry, had also struggled to find technical women’s apparel that fit correctly, functioned accurately, and looked good. With that, Halfdays was born. In this conversation we talk about the power of connecting with nature, navigating a fast growth business together, and the cross-over between Olympic level skiing and being in business. From a seed of an idea, to navigating the important things in relationship and work, enjoy this conversation with Kiley McKinnon & Arianna Ferwerda.