Meet the Creatives: Adventure-Loving Tammy

Q: You used to be a nurse. What made you shift from healthcare to footwear, and how do those worlds connect, if at all?

Once a nurse, always a nurse. Even though I'm not working in the field anymore, the two worlds definitely connect. Everything in life is about caring and sharing!

Q: You're described as the "glue" of your family. What does that mean to you?

The glue binds and holds the unit tight. I've always done that and always will, because family is everything.

Q: How do you keep resellers across the US and Canada feeling like part of the VIBAe tribe?

First of all, you need to choose the best resellers – those that share similar values of doing business and similar outlooks in life. Values, ideas about sustainability and lifestyle, style, comfort, life seekers, hard workers, and people who know how to laugh when the going gets tough.

Q: What's the one job in VIBAe you would never ever want to do?

Honestly, I would love less time on the computer and more time in the field meeting with all our accounts around the world. I love moving, not being stagnant, and I love being with people. I do NOT love wearing glasses whilst going down the rabbit hole of software platforms on the computer.

Q: What does a perfect workday look like for you in sunny Malibu?

Tea first, watching the sunrise, contemplating the day ahead. Jump on the computer and get the important tasks out of the way. If I can squeeze in a beach walk, trail hike, or even better, a trail ride, then the rest clicks. We head to our flagship stores and work a few days a week there, meeting all the customers who make this journey possible. The rest of the time I'm at the computer until the sun goes down – and that's one of my favorite times of the day!

Q: If there's a BBQ, beach dip, or mountain getaway on the calendar, we assume you're the one who planned it. Where does that love of spontaneous adventure come from?

Hahaha, yes! I can't get enough of adventure and nature. Currently I'm at Mammoth Mountain about to jump on the bike! Even as a small kid I was always outside, and let's just say the classroom was not the best fit for me. The teachers kindly booted me out frequently so I could run, skip, and bounce around the oval.

Q: Everyone says you bring warmth and fun into every conversation. What's your secret to building genuine relationships in business?

That's all there is to it. Be genuine, love what you do. I can never be too serious on the outside, but on the inside I'm a deep thinker. Life is a balance. You need to trust who you're in business with and believe in their skills. I believe this raises productivity and keeps the good vibes flowing.

Q: What's one lesson you've learned while growing VIBAe that you'd share with someone just starting out?

Believe! If you have a great idea, lots of passion, enthusiasm, and you're not scared of hard work, then you're on your way to something amazing.

Q: What's your favorite place in the world and why?

I love to travel. I don't have one favorite place – the world is my favorite place. Planet Earth is truly amazing, and we must look after her better. I love all the creatures and species residing here. It's geographically stunning. The four seasons, the tides – everything is almost perfect here.

Take Tammy’s word for it: the best kind of success comes when you stay true to yourself, lead with heart, and remember that life is meant to be lived, not just scheduled.

We can't imagine this wild ride without her!