Executive Highlight

Leah Stiles

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Founder / CEO, SEA WAVES
Business Founded: 2023
Phone: (903) 689-2837
Email: [email protected]

Address:
15747 Fountain Springs Rd.
Winter Garden, FL 34787

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How long have you been in your industry?2 years
Why did you choose your industry?I chose this industry because I witnessed the toll eating disorders take on service members during my Navy career. The pressure to meet strict fitness standards often led to silent struggles, with limited resources or support. Founding SEA WAVES allows me to address this critical issue, advocate for change, and ensure no service member feels unseen. It’s about saving lives, breaking stigmas, and building a healthier, more resilient military community.
Who are your typical clients?Our typical clients are active-duty service members, veterans, and their families who are impacted by eating disorders or related mental health challenges. We also work with military leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers to raise awareness, provide education, and advocate for systemic change.
What do you like best about being in this industry?What I love most about this industry is the opportunity to make a real, lasting difference in people’s lives. Seeing service members and their families feel seen, supported, and empowered to seek help is incredibly rewarding. I also value the chance to challenge stigmas, spark meaningful conversations, and create systemic change.
What are common problems you see?Common problems in this industry include the stigma surrounding eating disorders and mental health, which often prevents service members from seeking help. There’s also a lack of awareness and education among military leaders and healthcare providers about recognizing and addressing these issues.
What advice/tips do you have for clients?1. Speak Up: If you’re struggling, know it’s okay to ask for help. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. 2. Educate Yourself: Learn to recognize the signs of eating disorders and understand that they affect anyone, regardless of rank, gender, or fitness level. 3. Advocate for Change: Encourage open conversations and push for systemic improvements in mental health resources within your community. 4. Prioritize Self-Care: Mental and physical health go hand in hand. Make time to recharge and seek balance in your life.
When is your busy season?Mental Health Awareness Month in May and National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in February are peak times for outreach, events, and educational efforts as we raise awareness and provide support within the military community.
What keeps you up at night?What keeps me up at night is knowing that so many service members are silently struggling with eating disorders and mental health challenges, often without the support or resources they need. The stigma and lack of awareness in the military make it even harder for them to seek help.
How do you market yourself to grow/expand your business?We grow SEA WAVES by connecting with military leaders, leveraging social media, offering programs like MEDAL Training, and hosting events like Paint to Heal. Through advocacy, partnerships, and sharing my story, we raise awareness, build trust, and expand our reach to support service members and their families effectively.
How involved are you in the community?I’m deeply involved in the community through SEA WAVES, offering free clinical screenings, educational programs like MEDAL Training, and hosting events like Paint to Heal. I collaborate with military leaders, advocate for policy changes like the SERVE Act, and partner with nonprofits to expand resources. My focus is on raising awareness, fostering support, and empowering individuals.
What is your favorite not for profit or charity?One of my favorite nonprofits is Project HEAL, which provides critical resources and funding for eating disorder treatment. Their mission to break down barriers to care aligns closely with the work we do at SEA WAVES. I admire their dedication to making treatment accessible, challenging systemic inequities, and offering hope to individuals who might otherwise go without the support they need.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of getting into this business?If you’re considering the nonprofit industry, start with a mission you’re truly passionate about—it will drive you through challenges. Research your target audience and the problem you want to solve. Build a strong network of supporters, focus on clear, transparent communication, and understand fundraising is as important as delivering your mission.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?In my free time, I love spending quality moments with my family and our bulldog, Beaux. I also enjoy writing, whether it’s working on my books or journaling, as well as engaging in creative outlets like painting and activities that inspire self-care and reflection.

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