Today we’d like to introduce you to Skylar Grizzle.
Hi Skylar, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I started Synth Babe Productions, I was incredibly lost, like many others who had lost their place in the tech industry. My identity was deeply intertwined with my role as a co-founder and Chief Operating Officer. My life revolved around my team and the product we were building. The burnout I experienced took a severe toll on my body and strained many of my social, romantic, and familial relationships. I’m still on the journey of helping my body recover from that period of intense stress. The tech and startup world isn’t exactly welcoming to those who lead with compassion and aim to create change. Once you see behind the scenes, it’s just more of the same. Instead of dwelling on what felt like a failure, I chose to embrace what I learned. I realized I sit in a unique niche at the intersection of technology and creativity—so why not showcase that?
Today, I’m continuing to build the early stages of Synth Babe Productions. Over this first year, the growth has surpassed anything I could have imagined. I’m always driven to do more, and that passion shows no signs of slowing down. We’re expanding the number of local events we produce and partnering with larger organizations to create educational series and nightlife entertainment. Our operations are also growing to support businesses at every stage, providing them with tools for unique branding and compassion-driven business models. We offer a one-stop shop for content creation for events, brand marketing, portraits, and both personal and business-oriented social media. Our goal is to empower businesses to present themselves authentically without losing the human connection part of it, using our creative industry experience and deep knowledge of the startup world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building a business amidst an industry collapse has been anything but smooth. The market was flooded with incredible talent, and everyone, just as lost as I was, was searching for purpose. Let’s just say 2023 gave 2020 a run for its money. My mental health hit dangerous lows, making it incredibly hard to keep moving forward on some days. As a leader and business owner, validation becomes rare, especially when you’re juggling countless roles. Funding for startups and small businesses was nearly nonexistent, adding to the challenge. Imposter syndrome felt like being adrift in an endless ocean, but my community and support system kept me going. Despite the cards being stacked against me, I refused to stop.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a burlesque performer, photographer, producer, educator, and talent coordinator. I dove into photography about a year ago and immediately felt a natural flow state. Picking up a camera felt like finding a missing piece, and I quickly gained momentum, loving every opportunity to bring others’ visions to life. My unique lighting techniques and experience as a performer give me an edge in directing subjects and translating their visions into powerful images. Drawing from my tech industry and event brand experience, I use brand strategy intake sessions to help photography clients clarify their goals and realize they are the art.
In event photography, my background as a burlesque dancer helps me anticipate the rhythm of performances, capturing shots that resonate with performers. The most common feedback I get is gratitude for photos that offer an artistic perspective rather than conforming to the ‘male gaze.’
My event production experience spans small workshops, corporate entertainment, burlesque shows, fetish events, and even world championship esports tournaments abroad. My ability to stay organized and maintain clear communication has been invaluable, applying my tech and startup skills to enhance creative projects.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Books: Smart but Scattered; Four Agreements; Dare to Lead: Brave Work, Tough Conversations, Whole Hearts;
Apps: Monday.Com;
Pricing:
- Executive Coaching Starting at $400 Monthly
- Photography Packages Starting at $450
- Corporate Events Prices Vary
- Business Operations Audit Starting at $1200
- Advising Packages Starting at $450
Contact Info:
- Website: https://synthbabeproductions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/synthbabeproductions/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skylar-grizzle/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/ladyymarionette/
