Skyler Hynes

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, I was the youngest of six kids, constantly finding ways to stand out and make my mark. My first love was acting, and at just 14, I put on an impressive performance—this time offstage—by helping my parents find our dream home, moving us from Olney to the Bustleton neighborhood in Northeast Philly.

After high school, I pursued my passion for acting at New York University. But the Big Apple came with big bills, and despite scholarships, I had to put my studies on hold at 19. I spent six nights a week waitering, eventually saving over $10,000, which I used to embark on a life-changing adventure: backpacking through Europe.

This journey was my real education. I explored the rich cultures of England, Ireland, France, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Italy. I island-hopped across Greece, visiting Santorini, Sifnos, Ios, Crete, Samos, and Paxos. From Greece, I traveled through Turkey, starting in Koufanisi, then Izmir, and ultimately Istanbul. My travels then took me to New Delhi, India, where I trekked overland to Kathmandu, experiencing the majestic Himalayas firsthand.

Returning to the States with a wealth of global experiences, I spent a summer in Provincetown, MA, before heading west with my best friend Zee. We drove to Los Angeles, which has been my home for over 35 years. In LA, I reignited my passion for acting, but the industry didn't quite click for me. My creative urge led me to start a T-shirt company called Don't Panic in 1990. It grew to six retail stores and 60 employees, one of whom was Marty Finkelstein, an actor from Montreal. We fell in love and embarked on a 20-year relationship.

Our desire to become parents led us to surrogacy, and a year later, we welcomed our twins, Juliette and Harrison. Watching them grow into the amazing people they are today (now 22) has been a miracle. After 18 successful years in the T-shirt business, I shifted gears, using my business acumen to consult for startups and retailers.

A serendipitous request from our realtor, Sheila Rose, to modernize her business systems introduced me to real estate. When Sheila went on a month-long vacation to Eastern Europe, I managed her business, including overseeing an escrow without a real estate license. By the time she returned, I was ready to get my license and dive into real estate.

In 2009, as the market rebounded from the crash of '07/'08, I joined Coldwell Banker, where I've thrived for over a decade. Real estate's project-focused nature suits me perfectly—whether helping someone buy or sell a home, each project is a new adventure. My experience growing a T-shirt business provided invaluable lessons that have made me the realtor I am today.

Now, based in Beverly Hills under the management of Tom Dunlap, I work alongside fun, hard-working agents and admins. With my kids grown and out of the house, it's just me and my four dogs—Gracie, DJ, Foxy, and Lulu—who keep me grounded and remind me of the simple joys in life.