Tybee Surf Lessonsand Tybee Yoga and Healing Arts collaborating at World Ocean Day, North Beach Tybee Island Ga. Supporting local businesses, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship on Tybee Island, Georgia.
Supporting small businesses, healthy communities, and our coastal environment.
After more than a decade of operating Tybee Yoga & Healing Arts, I've learned that building and sustaining a small business on a barrier island comes with some unique challenges and some pretty wonderful opportunities, too!
Since founding Tybee Yoga & Healing Arts in 2013, I've had the privilege of working with local yoga teachers, wellness professionals, businesses, nonprofits, and community partners. Together, we've brought movement, mindfulness, and meaningful experiences to residents and visitors alike.
But I've also experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to find affordable space, navigate changing regulations, maintain year round income, and make sure our small businesses have a voice in decisions that affect us.
And I know I'm not alone.
That's why I'm excited to introduce an idea I've been thinking about for quite some time: the Tybee Mobile Business Network.
What Is the Tybee Mobile Business Network?
The TMBN is a new community initiative designed to connect, support, and advocate for mobile, cottage based, and home based businesses that contribute to the health and well being of Tybee Island.
I believe that wellness goes far beyond yoga studios, fitness classes, and massage therapy.
Wellness can mean exploring the shoreline while learning about marine life, taking a surf lesson, participating in a beach cleanup, supporting a local cottage business offering healthy products, or simply spending meaningful time outdoors. Sailing on a charter and learning about our impressive ecosystem, there are so many of us involved!
It also means caring for the natural environment that makes these experiences possible.
A healthy island supports healthy people, and healthy businesses help sustain a thriving community.
Why Do We Need a Network?
Many small businesses operate without traditional storefronts. We meet our clients on beaches, in parks, at private residences, in shared spaces, and throughout the community.
Our businesses create employment opportunities, support tourism, collaborate with established local businesses, and contribute to the island's economy.
Yet we often face challenges that aren't always visible.
Affordable commercial space can be difficult to find. Regulations surrounding public spaces, home based businesses, licensing, and zoning can be confusing. Seasonal fluctuations affect our ability to maintain consistent income. And sometimes, we simply don't know what resources or opportunities might already exist. Rather than navigating these challenges individually, I'd love to see us come together, share what we've learned, ask thoughtful questions, and develop constructive relationships with our city leaders.
This isn't about creating more restrictions or limiting competition.
It's about improving communication, encouraging collaboration, and helping responsible small businesses succeed.
Who Is Welcome?
The network welcomes mobile health and wellness professionals, yoga instructors, massage therapists, outdoor recreation providers, environmental educators, nature based businesses, and other small business owners whose work contributes to community well being. You must have an active Tybee Island business license.
We also welcome cottage based and home based businesses operating in accordance with applicable laws and offering products or services that support healthy living.
Nonprofits & Community Partners Welcome
Nonprofit organizations, conservation groups, educators, and community advocates are encouraged to participate! We simply ask that when joining, you identify yourself as a nonprofit, community partner, or supporter rather than a mobile business owner, if applicable. Total transparency :)
This helps us better understand who is represented in the alliance while encouraging collaboration among businesses and community organizations.
My hope is that this can become a positive space where local businesses and maybe city representatives exchange information, better understand one another's perspectives, and work toward practical solutions.
The alliance will remain an independent community initiative rather than an official city communication channel.
Environmental Stewardship Is Part of Our Mission
Living and working on Tybee Island comes with a responsibility to care for our coastal environment.
Our beaches, dunes, shorebirds, sea turtles, waterways, and marine ecosystems are not simply beautiful backdrops for our businesses. They're living environments that deserve our respect and protection.
I'd love for this alliance to help connect businesses with environmental nonprofits and community organizations offering volunteer opportunities.
Beach cleanups, habitat restoration, conservation education, wildlife protection, and responsible outdoor recreation all have a place here.
Nonprofits and community partners will be welcome to freely share volunteer opportunities, educational events, fundraisers, and environmental stewardship initiatives.
Commercial promotions will also be welcome when they align with our mission, but the alliance's primary purpose will be advocacy, education, collaboration, and community connection not simply another advertising platform.
Let's Bring Our Questions to the Table
One of my first goals is to gather questions from participating business owners.
As you join, I'd love for you to consider:
What is one question you would feel comfortable asking our Mayor, City Council, or appropriate city officials about operating or growing a small business on Tybee Island?
Maybe it's about licensing, zoning, affordable indoor space, access to public areas, environmental regulations, or opportunities to collaborate with the city.
No question is too small if it helps us better understand how to operate responsibly and sustainably.
I'd like to collect these questions, identify common concerns, and eventually help facilitate a respectful, organized conversation with our local leaders.
A Commitment to Kindness and Respect
I want to be very clear about something from the beginning: this alliance is intended to bring people together, not create division.
There will undoubtedly be different opinions, experiences, and perspectives. That's healthy!
But combative behavior, personal attacks, bullying, harassment, and disrespect toward other business owners, nonprofit representatives, or city officials will not be tolerated.
We can ask difficult questions, advocate for ourselves, and respectfully disagree without losing sight of our shared goals.
I believe kindness and professionalism are strengths, especially when we're working toward meaningful change.
An Invitation to Grow Together
Tybee Island has been my home for many years, and building Tybee Yoga & Healing Arts here has taught me so much about community, resilience, and the importance of supporting one another.
I've also learned that a small business is rarely built by one person alone.
My own business provides paid opportunities for several local teachers and has grown through countless partnerships, collaborations, and relationships throughout our community.
I want to help create more of those opportunities, not just for my business, but for others who are working hard to build something meaningful here.
The Tybee Mobile Business Network is just beginning, and I'd love your input as we shape what it becomes.
If you're a local mobile or home based business owner, nonprofit representative, environmental educator, or community partner whose work aligns with this mission, I invite you to join the conversation.
Let's support our small businesses, care for our coastal environment and build a stronger, healthier Tybee Island together.
With gratitude, Laurie Kinkel-Dale
Founder & Owner | Tybee Yoga & Healing Arts
E-RYT (experienced registered yoga teacher) 500 HR | YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider)
Founder | Connect Tybee & Tybee Mobile Business Network
🌐 www.tybeeyogahealingarts.com
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