Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Malphrus.
Tyler, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Summerville, SC to a family of exceptionally hard workers… they didn’t just do things… they did it better. Knowing that I had big shoes to fill, my head was full of big dreams… there was nothing I couldn’t do, no one I couldn’t talk to. I am an extrovert and a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, so sitting behind a desk was not for me.
Throughout my childhood, I excelled in every sport, but I was too curious and imaginative for the structure of the classroom. After high school I quickly realized college wasn’t for me, coming back to Summerville after one semester at USC. I started working in real estate and got my builder’s license with Eastwood Homes. I excelled in that career pretty quickly, building over 100 homes before the age of 23.
At that point, I was burnt out and change and adventure were calling. I packed up my Jeep with a few essentials and drove cross country to Denver, CO with Mocha, my chocolate lab. I decided I needed a little sabbatical from the daily grind and started working at a lift in Vail where I got to shred (snowboard) every day.
With no real responsibility, I quickly went from working hard to playing even harder and that little sabbatical turned into a 3-year long party, that traveled from Vail to LA and back to Denver. I wouldn’t change any of it for the world, met some interesting characters, lifelong friends, and my now wife.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I ask myself every day if it will ever get easier… I’ve battled with my own demons, which are overcome day by day and everyone knows starting a business is NOT easy… so needless to say, yes there have been obstacles.
I am an avid listener to inspirational speakers who guide me in my day-to-day successes and my long-term goals keep me striving toward the future.
Favorite quote by Gary Vaynerchuck: “It’s simple, be a good person, and good things happen.”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
After working in the hospitality industry for a number of years, tired of being overworked and underpaid by some crappy boss or entitled manager I decided it was time to go out on my own.
As I stated earlier, I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs so I knew it was my destiny to create something of my own, something I was truly passionate about. After marrying my Italian wife, It was decided that we would be creating Italian food. If you know Italian women, you know there is no use arguing with them.
I had a few other ideas, but it is evident that everyone loves good Italian food and we knew it would be a hit once we decided on the name. Chow Bella food truck has been serving up “Beautiful Eats” around Charleston, SC since April 2022. We pop up at breweries, festivals, neighborhoods, and apartment complexes.
Our catering business is growing as well; we have served private birthday parties, corporate lunches, and weddings.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
My mom and my sister reminded me that I was always going or talking…
there wasn’t a sport I didn’t try and a stranger I didn’t meet. Growing up, I had the desire to be anything from Batman to a pilot to a professional BMX rider in the Olympics.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @chowbellafoodtruck
- Facebook: @chowbellafoodtruck
- Twitter: @chefmalphi
Image Credits
Ashley White of Laura Ashley Photography
Sheryl Hill
July 21, 2022 at 9:20 pm
Great article. I think he has found his cup of tea! Food is excellent and he is all the time! I am proud of him. He did have a journey but Iiy takes time to know what you are meant to do! Go Tyler and Monica!