Maddie Scales, founder of No Girl Walks Alone. (Credit: Courtesy of No Girl Walks Alone)
Weekly Walks for Connecting Women to One Another
Maddie Scales launched No Girl Walks Alone to create communities of women who bond through weekly walks around Austin, Texas.
In 2022, Maddie Scales moved to Austin, Texas from Oxford, Mississippi. Her job was fully remote, and she didn’t know where to begin to build a new community for herself. On her evening walks, she would often see other women strolling alone, which gave her the idea to start a walking club for women – an idea that became No Girl Walks Alone. Scales has been hosting weekly evening walks through her nonprofit for three years, and has brought together women from all ages and walks of life during each outing. Scales told us her biggest success is watching women show up every week – to chat, to make new friends, to catch up with old ones, and be a part of the community she has built.
Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
We are the largest walking club in Austin, Texas. We are also the first walking or running club (that we know of) to go down the nonprofit path.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
When women show up to our walks and tell us it’s the first time they left their house all week. Or, when we overhear someone being vulnerable with a stranger on one of our walks. Or, when someone messages us online to tell us they met their entire friend group through our walks. We measure success in smiles and connections.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Sustainable growth. We have considered scaling through marketing efforts – for example, partnerships with brands to support our walks, or efforts to engage more often with our audience. However, this community exists to create time to disconnect from the noise of the world. We know our walkers do not want to be advertised to. They want to tuck their phones away and find connection with new people. This is part of why we are exploring a nonprofit model.
Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?
I have multiple family members who struggle with mental health challenges, and I have lost family members to suicide. This motivates me to create opportunities that allow others to take care of themselves and feel less alone.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
The most important thing is your “why.” Why are you doing what you are doing? Get clear on that, and let it be your compass.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
By slowing down, spending time in nature, and reminding myself that it is a rare privilege to lead this organization.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.
Who is your most important role model?
Taylor Swift. I have been watching her in awe since she first released her debut album in 2009.
Instagram: @nogirlwalksalone
TikTok: @nogirlwalksalone
Check out our Advice + Tips for entrepreneurs starting-up
Watch our latest videos
Subscribe to our podcast