Meet Tristan Tolley

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tristan Tolley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tristan below.

Tristan, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from the experiences and challenges I’ve faced throughout my life, especially over the past year. Losing my dad was a huge blow, but one thing he always said that really stuck and stayed with me my entire life was “keep one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward… onwards and upwards son!” My dad also taught me the importance of staying strong for the people who depend on me, like my family and my younger siblings.

My wife Juliana is a also huge source of support and inspiration, constantly reminding me that no matter how tough things get, we can overcome anything together. I’ve also have always had an entrepreneurial spirit even when I was very young always thinking and dreaming about ways I could solve problems and create solutions, but I think my father’s death was huge catalyst for starting my business. Losing him made me realize just how precious time is and how important it is to create something meaningful with the time we have. His passing was a turning point that pushed me to take action, to stop waiting for the “right” moment and instead pursue what I was passionate about—knowing that I’m creating something that positively impacts my community keeps me going, even when things get tough.

Bringing Aquastar over to the island wasn’t just about teaching swim lessons; it was about carrying forward the values my father instilled in me—resilience, hard work, and giving back to the people who care about you. In a way, his passing ignited a sense of urgency in me to live life with purpose and to honor his memory by building something that matters.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am the visionary behind two businesses here on Vancouver Island: AquaStar Swim Lessons and Island Tech Tutors. AquaStar has been my main passion project, where we teach swim lessons across Vancouver Island, with a focus on inclusivity and making sure every child, no matter their ability, can feel safe and confident in the water. Over the past year, we’ve expanded to 5 locations and completed 500 lessons this summer alone. It’s been an exciting journey to see our impact grow within the community, especially knowing that we’re providing such an essential skill to so many families.

What makes AquaStar special is our commitment to personalized, one-on-one lessons tailored to the needs of each individual, including those with autism and diverse abilities. It’s more than just teaching swimming—it’s about creating a supportive environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered.

On the other hand, Island Tech Tutors allows me to tap into my tech background and help seniors and older adults navigate technology in an increasingly digital world. From seniors learning how to use their devices to adults needing tech support, I’m passionate about bridging the tech gap and making technology accessible to all.

I am continuing to grow both businesses, and there are exciting things ahead! AquaStar is looking to expand even further here on the island, partnering with schools and community organizations to integrate our swim program into their offerings. My goal is to keep pushing forward, building on what we’ve accomplished, and creating more opportunities to serve the island, bringing swim lessons Island wide from Victoria to Campbell River and beyond.

This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m thrilled to keep moving onward and upward—just like my dad always said!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to serving the community.

Resilience: This quality has been essential in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. When challenges arise, it’s important to stay focused and keep pushing forward. My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace setbacks as learning opportunities. Develop a mindset that views obstacles as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you during tough times.

Adaptability: The ability to pivot and adjust plans is crucial in a constantly changing environment. Whether it’s responding to feedback from clients or adjusting your business strategy, being flexible allows you to stay relevant and effective. For newcomers, I recommend staying curious and open-minded. Seek out diverse perspectives and be willing to experiment with new ideas. This will help you cultivate a more adaptable mindset.

Commitment to Community: Building strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and the broader community has been vital to my success. Understanding the needs of those I serve has allowed me to tailor my services effectively. My advice is to actively engage with your community—listen to their needs, build relationships, and seek feedback. Being genuinely invested in helping others will create a strong foundation for your business and will lead to more business through word of mouth alone.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The number one obstacle I’m currently facing is organizing all the clients we’re acquiring each day while trying to balance the demands of my personal life and business. As AquaSTAR and Island Tech Tutors continue to grow, the influx of clients has become overwhelming at times. It’s a great problem to have, but it also requires a lot of time and attention to ensure that each client receives the best possible customer service.

To overcome this challenge, I’m implementing a few strategies. First, I’m looking into using better scheduling and client management software to streamline our processes. This will help me keep track of appointments, lesson plans, and client communications more efficiently.

Additionally, I’m learning to delegate tasks where possible. Whether it’s bringing on additional instructors or seeking help with administrative tasks by effectively hiring my wife to become my administrative assistant, I know that sharing the load can free up my time to focus on strategic growth and personal commitments.

Finally, I’m prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries to ensure that I’m not spreading myself too thin. Taking time to recharge is essential for maintaining the energy and focus needed to run both my businesses and my family life effectively. By finding a better balance and embracing these tools, I’m confident I can navigate this challenge successfully.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aquastarcanada.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aquastarcanada/

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