The Girlboss Phoenix? Audrey Gelman and Ty Haney Stage a Curious Comeback

Remember the 'girlboss'? The term, once a beacon of empowerment for female entrepreneurs, swiftly devolved into a pejorative, synonymous with performative feminism, toxic workplace cultures, and ultimately, unsustainable business models. Yet, in a twist that has many observers raising an eyebrow, two of the movement's most recognizable faces, Audrey Gelman of The Wing and Ty Haney of Outdoor Voices, appear to be making their return to the public and business spheres.

Gelman, co-founder of the once-ubiquitous co-working space The Wing, became an emblem of the girlboss ideal: impeccably styled, well-connected, and building a community-driven empire tailored for women.

The Wing, at its peak, was valued at hundreds of millions, attracting venture capital and celebrity endorsements. However, its ascent was matched by an equally dramatic descent, plagued by allegations of racial discrimination, a hostile work environment, and financial mismanagement. Gelman stepped down in 2020 amid the controversies.

Now, reports suggest she's quietly exploring new ventures, sparking conversations about what lessons, if any, have been learned from The Wing's downfall.

Similarly, Ty Haney, the dynamic founder of athletic apparel brand Outdoor Voices, embodied the laid-back, aspirational side of the girlboss aesthetic.

Her brand, known for its "Doing Things" mantra and stylish activewear, quickly gained a cult following. But behind the veneer of cool, Outdoor Voices reportedly struggled with internal strife, rapid expansion issues, and ultimately, Haney's departure from the CEO role in 2020 following disagreements with investors.

While Outdoor Voices has since undergone significant restructuring, Haney has been hinting at new projects, suggesting a return to the entrepreneurial stage, albeit perhaps with a more measured approach.

The return of Gelman and Haney isn't just about individual comebacks; it's a litmus test for a broader cultural moment.

The girlboss era, for all its flaws, did highlight the need for female-led businesses and challenged traditional male-dominated startup narratives. The question now is whether these founders, and others like them, can forge new paths that genuinely embody sustainability, inclusivity, and responsible leadership, shedding the problematic baggage of the past.

Are we witnessing a true evolution, or merely a rebranding of a concept that never quite lived up to its initial promise? The jury is still out, but their re-emergence undoubtedly ensures the conversation about female leadership and entrepreneurship continues, for better or worse.