We were lucky to catch up with Tyann Daoutis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tyann, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I’ve always been a naturally curious person. Having traveled to 28 countries and lived abroad for a couple of years, I’ve learned that the true essence of any place lies in how the locals experience it — their favorite coffee shops, hidden gems, family-run restaurants, and the stories behind the people who make it all come alive. Don’t get me wrong, the big tourist attractions are wonderful too, but I’ve always found that what makes a destination unforgettable are the authentic, everyday moments that you can’t find on a brochure.

When my husband and I moved to California’s Central Coast, we instantly fell in love with its charm. The vineyards, coastline, local businesses, and warm-hearted people make it one of the most special places in the world — and we’re grateful to call it home. But as we explored, we noticed there wasn’t really one site that captured the true spirit of this region. Everything online felt either too corporate, too touristy, or too surface-level. We wanted to create something that felt different — something personal, curated, and deeply connected to the community.

That’s how TheCentralCoast.com was born. We wanted to build the kind of resource we always wished existed when planning our own trips — one that combines insider insight with practical travel tips for every type of traveler. Whether you’re visiting for a family getaway, a romantic wine weekend, or an outdoor adventure on a budget, our goal is to help people experience the Central Coast the way locals do.

What sets our platform apart is that it doesn’t just showcase the beauty of the coast — it tells the stories behind it. We feature local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and artisans who make this region thrive. Behind every great meal, vineyard, boutique, or event is a person with passion and purpose, and we love sharing that with our readers.

At its heart, TheCentralCoast.com is more than a travel guide — it’s a love letter to this region. It’s our way of celebrating a place we’re lucky enough to call home and inviting others to discover why there’s truly nowhere else like it.

Tyann, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Before launching TheCentralCoast.com, I founded a digital marketing agency called TD Creatives, where we specialize in website development, hosting, and creative marketing solutions for businesses of all sizes. My journey into this industry actually began years ago when I worked for a global luxury fitness equipment brand. That experience opened my eyes to the incredible power of digital marketing — how thoughtful design, messaging, and storytelling can transform the way people connect with a brand.

I’ve always loved being creative and finding ways to highlight products and services that make people’s lives better. Along the way, I also discovered that one of the biggest gaps in this industry was true, human-centered customer support. I noticed how often clients felt lost or unheard, and I made a promise to myself that when I started my own business, that would be my top priority.

At TD Creatives — and now with TheCentralCoast.com — I take pride in being hands-on, approachable, and committed to finding solutions. If something isn’t working, I’ll dive in until it’s resolved. I believe in treating every client, partner, and collaborator the same way I’d want to be treated — with respect, patience, and genuine care.

What I’m most proud of is that both of my businesses are built on relationships and trust. Whether it’s helping a business grow its online presence through TD Creatives or spotlighting a small local brand through TheCentralCoast.com, my mission is the same: to celebrate people, tell their stories, and help them shine.

At the end of the day, I think that’s what sets my work apart — it’s personal. It’s about connection, creativity, and community.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Looking back, I think my resilience has shown up in many chapters of my life — but one of the earliest was during my years as a solo female traveler. For about eleven years, I explored the world on my own, visiting 28 countries and learning how to navigate unfamiliar places, cultures, and languages. I started out as a shy person, but traveling alone completely changed me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me independence, confidence, and self-reliance. I funded my travels entirely on my own, which was something I felt deeply proud of — proving to myself that I didn’t need to rely on anyone else to build the life I wanted.

That same resilience carried me into my career. Years later, I was laid off from my digital marketing job after a company restructuring — at a time when I was eight months pregnant and just 30 days away from moving into a new home. It was an incredibly emotional and uncertain moment. But instead of letting it defeat me, I regrouped and decided to take control of my future. That’s when I started TD Creatives, my digital marketing agency.

There were moments of doubt, of course — wondering if starting a business while expecting a baby was too risky. But I chose to believe in myself and trust that hard work, creativity, and perseverance would pay off. And they did. I welcomed my baby, moved homes, and grew my new business all at once.

Fast forward to today, I’ve found myself in a similar situation — once again pregnant, moving homes, and launching a new business, TheCentralCoast.com. It’s funny how life has a way of repeating itself, but this time I see it differently. It’s no longer about survival — it’s about growth, strength, and embracing the challenge with confidence.

These experiences have shown me that resilience isn’t about never falling — it’s about how you rise each time, stronger and more certain of who you are.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I decided to start my businesses, I made a conscious choice to fund everything myself. I wanted full ownership and control without owing anyone anything. Every dollar that went into building my first company, TD Creatives, and later TheCentralCoast.com, came from money I had saved from previous jobs and freelance work.

From the beginning, I’ve been intentional about keeping overhead costs low, focusing on high-quality services, and reinvesting profits directly back into the business. I’ve also built strong collaborations and partnerships that allow both sides to grow without needing heavy upfront investment.

So far, I’ve been fortunate to sustain and grow both businesses without taking on debt. I’m not opposed to leveraging funding when the time is right, especially as we expand TheCentralCoast.com further, but I’ve always believed in being smart and strategic with money. Building something from the ground up with my own resources has made every milestone that much more meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thecentralcoast.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.central.coast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Central-Coast/61575341751805/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-central-coast/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCentralCoast
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/the_central_coast/

Image Credits

Brecon Estate
Bethany Joy Photography
Allegretto Vineyard Resort
Central Coast Outdoors