By Courtney Byers
Seattle has a reputation. We’re known for the coffee, the rain, and most notoriously, the “Seattle Freeze.” It’s that polite but distant barrier that makes finding a genuine community feel like a mission.
But lately, I’ve noticed a massive shift in how we’re choosing to spend our energy. As a founder, I’m constantly looking at the data, and it’s clear: people are hitting a wall with digital-only connections. We’re seeing a global trend of communities moving off of socials and back into the real world. People are hungry for something tangible, something that doesn’t require a screen.
From URL to IRL
When I started Seattle Wellness Society, I wasn’t trying to build a movement. Honestly, I was new to the city and just looking for my people. What began as a handful of women meeting for Sunday morning walks has spiraled into a community of over 11,000 local women.
It turns out the “Freeze” isn’t actually a lack of interest in connection. It was a lack of infrastructure. In an increasingly fragmented city, wellness has become our common language. There is something uniquely disarming about moving together. Whether it’s a morning walk or a sweaty workout, it completely bypasses the awkwardness of a DM and goes straight to real connection.
The Evolution
This evolution from a small walking group to a massive physical ecosystem is exactly what led me to my next project: HERA. I’m building HERA to bridge the massive education gap in women’s fitness. I’m obsessed with the idea that we shouldn’t just be moving our bodies, we should actually understand the physiology behind them.
But as any founder will tell you, the digital space is only one piece of the puzzle. We still need to show up for each other in person. On May 30th, we’re taking that mission offline with Strong & Social. We’re bringing 200 women together for a bootcamp style workout that is less about burning calories and more about celebrating connection. Both within our community and ourselves.
It’s about so much more than just the sweat. Post-workout, we’ve curated a wellness experience featuring some of my favorite female-founded and BIPOC-owned Seattle businesses. It’s a community-first approach where we’re intentionally supporting the brands that make this city vibrant.
Connection with a Purpose
While we’re building social equity among women, we’re also looking toward the future of our city. A portion of the proceeds from Strong & Social will support the Technology Access Foundation (TAF). They do incredible work expanding STEM education for students in underserved communities. This is an initiative that is deeply close to my heart as I navigate the tech world myself.
The Seattle Freeze is real, but it’s definitely not permanent. If 11,000 women have taught me anything, it’s that when you provide a space for women to put down their phones and pick up a conversation, the community will always show up.
