Crystal Thompson, Features Editor 

Image courtesy of Tyrone Hall

This is part one of a two-part series 

During the pandemic, UNC Greensboro graduate Tyrone Hall craved what most home-bound individuals desired the most: social interaction. “Like many, I found myself with an abundance of time and a craving for connection,” says Hall. That’s when he came up with the idea to create Musssee.com, a website that would provide information about places others may have never even heard of before. “Initially, I envisioned Musssee.com as a platform to highlight lesser-known small cities and towns across the U.S. and globally,” he says.  

He thought it would be a fun, informative resource for people who share a similar curiosity for authentic experiences. However, he soon realized the digital landscape was already rich with travel resources. While the initial concept didn’t fully materialize, he held onto the domain name, sensing its potential for future use. “Musssee.com could become the perfect showcase for my own original T-shirt designs,” says Hall. 

The artwork on his T-shirts is a simple yet powerful blend of illustrations he’s created over the years and slogans designed to both inspire and bring a smile. Many of these illustrations are directly inspired by the diverse people, memorable events, and captivating places he’s encountered throughout his life. What began as a collection of dog-themed T-shirts has since evolved into a wide variety of designs, each reflecting this playful, yet purposeful, combination of visuals and words. 

And what about the name? Hall explains that “’Musssee’ actually has a sweet, nostalgic origin. Growing up in North Carolina, I spent summers with my grandparents. In the evenings, they’d often watch TV, and I distinctly remember the popular network slogan ‘Must See TV.’ That phrase always stuck with me, and so, ‘Musssee’ is a playful and memorable take that reflects the idea of something captivating and worth experiencing.” 

His artwork’s origins are equally unique. The freedom to experiment and constructive guidance instilled a deep-seated confidence in his ability to pursue unconventional paths. He points to mentors who empowered him to think independently and embrace his unique perspective.  

“The intellectual and emotional scaffolding that allowed me to continuously dream, adapt, and ultimately, bring those dreams to fruition and the foundational experience of being supported in my artistic pursuits taught me the value of authentic self-expression and problem-solving through a creative lens.” 

Hall goes on to reiterate that this support has been a guiding force throughout his career, from navigating the corporate world to launching his own online T-shirt company. His curiosity and vigilance have led him to work on a medical team as a medical illustrator for nearly two years. “Without taking that leap to travel, I truly believe I would never have been able to realize such a unique and impactful use for my talent,” says Hall. 

While his focus on the corporate world has limited his extensive travel over the last decade, he’s eager to get back to exploring new places soon. “The experiences gained through travel are, for me, inextricably linked to creative growth and self-discovery.” 

“Musssee.com is a project I’m committed to continuously iterating on and growing. I see it evolving as a platform where my creative passions can connect with a broader audience, fostering both inspiration and joy,” says Hall. 

Hall currently balances his full-time corporate role with developing Musssee.com in the evenings and on weekends. These two endeavors keep him busy, but he is able to stay focused and balanced. “I’ve eliminated distractions like TV and streaming services at home to stay focused. My main priority is continually iterating on Musssee.com to ensure it resonates deeply with our customers. I’m actively collecting customer feedback and data to make necessary improvements.”