We had the good fortune of connecting with Tyler Falcoa and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tyler, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting your own business can seem daunting, especially if you haven’t done it before. I was fortunate enough to stumble into it at a young age by doing what I loved: producing music. Over time, I honed my skills, and word of my work spread on social media, leading to opportunities in producing for other artists and brands. Running my own business for five years has transformed my initial knowledge into a passion for creating brands.
One thing I’ve learned is the importance of learning itself in business. You’ll never start with all the knowledge you need, and that’s okay. It’s crucial not to let ‘analysis paralysis’ stop you from making decisions and moving forward. For instance, when the idea of starting the podcast ‘PLEASE EXCUSE MY OCD!’ hit me, I had no experience in creating or hosting podcasts. However, being an avid podcast listener, I had subconsciously absorbed lessons on structuring shows, engaging audiences, ideal episode lengths, and marketing topics.
I began by jotting down ideas in a Google Doc, ranging from potential topics to merchandise, studio equipment, distribution channels, and potential interviewees. Then came the more traditional business steps: registering my LLC, opening bank accounts with my EIN number, and composing the articles of organization, to be recognized as a legitimate business.
I also had to learn how to build and run a website from scratch, which was daunting, but I managed to do it. The key lesson here is to start and let the details unfold as you go. Let your knowledge and skills grow with your business.
Life, for me, is about taking one step after another. This approach may not be easy, but it provides a way to navigate through challenges. My experience in music production played a significant role in shaping my approach to podcasting, allowing me to leverage my skills and network in new, exciting ways. This journey shows that the best business ideas often come from following your passions and being open to where they lead you.
What should our readers know about your business?
As an entrepreneur running multiple businesses, I’m still navigating the intricate world of branding. My first venture, “Coloring Silence Media,” is a production company dedicated to writing, producing, mixing, and mastering for artists, brands, and film companies. Then there’s “Daily Dose of Bristol R.I.,” co-founded with my mentor and business partner, Brian Lovett. Our shared love for Bristol, Rhode Island, drives us to connect newcomers, lifelong locals, businesses, and tourists!
Recently, I embarked on a new project, a podcast called “PLEASE EXCUSE MY OCD.” The mental health sphere is filled with professionals educating about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, but voices of those living with it are less heard. My podcast offers a unique perspective – while I approach topics with sensitivity and empathy, I also bring a straightforward, sarcastic, and comedic tone, which comes from my personal coping strategies for OCD. I always found that making already serious situations to be even more serious, only made me feel worse about them, which hindered me in processing them. My whit is what made things a bit easier for me to deal with. My goal is to create a supportive community with open communication, using humor to lighten the often serious and challenging nature of OCD.
The most exhilarating aspect for me is exploring where this podcast can lead. My overarching aim in brand building is to foster connections and positively influence people. That’s the essence of what I hope to achieve with my podcast.
At 29, I’m just at the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey. I’m SUPER goal-oriented; I thrive in setting objectives and pursuing them passionately. Business success for me transcends conventional metrics; it’s about continuously evolving and embracing new challenges.
Gratitude sets the tone for my daily life, but this journey hasn’t been without its struggles. I’ve navigated through unfulfilling jobs, daydreams, moments of feeling unseen and unheard, rejection, doubt, and ridicule. These experiences, while challenging, have reinforced my self-trust, an absolute necessary quality for any business owner in my opinion. Trusting oneself isn’t straightforward; it’s built through perseverance, overcoming failures and obstacles.
What do I want the world to know about me and my brand? That’s an interesting one. I encourage my audience to start by introspecting – understanding oneself is the first step to understanding others. As I share my struggles with OCD and life on my podcast, I’m an open book. However, true comprehension of others, including individuals like myself, begins with self-reflection and inquiry.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a small town guy, always have been, probably always will be. I’m from a small town called Bristol, Rhode Island. We’re a beach town with water surrounding us on both sides, so we’ll definitely spend some time by the water at Colt State Park. When the sun is shining, we’ll drive through and stop at one of the frozen lemonade trucks to grab some Del’s Lemonade, which is super famous around here!
One of my favorite places to eat is Pomodoro, a family-owned Italian restaurant here. I usually get the Chicken Parmesan, my favorite dish, but they have a wide selection of Italian dishes to choose from.
In the mornings, I love going to Bristol Bagel, located downtown. They make their own bagels fresh daily, and there’s usually a line out the door when you first get there. Don’t worry, though, it moves quickly! After that, we can grab some coffee at Sunset Cafe on the other side of the street. I usually get their iced vanilla chai, which keeps me going all day. Sunset Cafe is actually known for its great breakfast, so we can plan to go there another morning.
You can’t visit Rhode Island without having a night out in Providence. Personally, I love going to “Free Play,” an arcade bar with vintage arcade games, air hockey tables, pinball machines, plenty of Dance Dance Revolution, and a really cool bar!
If it’s a hot summer day, though, we need to head to the Newport Beaches. Newport is famous for its coastal scenery, historic buildings, and fancy mansions. An 80-degree summer day is all you need, and Newport is yours to enjoy.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I firmly believe that no one is truly self-made. We are all products of our experiences and the people who shape us. In my life, it has been my entire family who has nurtured and supported me, but it’s my immediate family—my dad, mom, and brother Ryan—who are the foundation of my success. They have witnessed every facet of my journey: my highs, my lows, and the countless moments in between. Their unwavering love and support have empowered me to live with less fear than most. Ryan, by the way, is a professional tour photographer and took the photos of me that you see in this article.
I can’t forget about my cat, Banja. She has no idea how much she’s done for me just by being my cat. People often underestimate how much of an impact pets can have on our overall well-being and success.
My mentor, Brian, has been instrumental in teaching me what it means to fearlessly run multiple businesses. My friends, too, have played a crucial role, always being there for me and demonstrating the true meaning of friendship. And to those who doubted me, I extend a unique gratitude. Your skepticism taught me that doubt can be a powerful motivator, sometimes even more so than direct support. In a way, doubt can be its own form of support, only from a different perspective.
One book that changed everything for me, was “The Power of Now”. You may have read about it, heard of it, or seen it around, but for me, this book was life-changing. It wasn’t until my second read that I experienced an existential shift so profound that I was compelled to view life through an entirely new lens. Although it was initially daunting, it has since given me the gift of perspective. Now, I approach life with a lighter touch, more willing to take risks, and less inclined to let my ego dictate my path.
Website: https://www.pleaseexcusemyocd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerfalcoa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTylerFalcoa/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ceAiI7WoT_K1YgsMJhcmw
Image Credits
Ryan Falcoa