Tullie Bailey’s life is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of transformation. From a tough childhood in Grand Junction, Colorado, to a career in oil and gas, music, and entrepreneurship, Tullie has continuously reinvented himself. His latest book, Unleashing the Hustle Within: Advice for a Positive and Productive Life, encapsulates the lessons he has learned through his diverse experiences.
Overcoming Early Hardships
Growing up as the youngest of five in a struggling single-parent household, Tullie quickly learned the value of resourcefulness. After his father’s tragic downfall and passing, his mother worked tirelessly to support the family. They walked miles to get groceries, each child carrying bags home—a symbol of the resilience they had to develop early on.
By fourth grade, Tullie became aware of his family’s financial struggles. He started finding ways to make money—collecting glass bottles for cash, fixing and selling bicycles, and later, engaging in less-than-legal activities like stealing car stereos. Although these early hustles weren’t always ethical, they taught him valuable business lessons: leadership, organization, and reinvestment.
Turning Point: The Juvenile System and a Fresh Start
At 16, Tullie was arrested and sent to a juvenile boot camp. Seeing his siblings receive serious prison sentences, he made a vow to turn his life around. But stepping away from a life he knew wasn’t easy. After his release at 18, he struggled to find a clear path forward. That’s when his older brother introduced him to the oil and gas industry—a job that provided financial stability and discipline.
From Oil Rigs to Music Stages
The oil and gas industry offered Tullie an opportunity to earn a solid income while working two weeks on, two weeks off. In his off-time, he explored his passion for music. Starting as a DJ, he transitioned into rapping, producing beats, and eventually booking his own shows. He leveraged his business instincts to network and create tour opportunities, allowing him to perform across the U.S. and even Europe.
Balancing two drastically different worlds—grueling work on the rigs and high-energy performances on stage—Tullie gained a reputation for his relentless work ethic. But with the music scene came another challenge: the party lifestyle. Alcohol and drugs became an increasing presence in his life, pulling him into a cycle of excess.
Battling Addiction and Finding Sobriety
By 2020, after years of substance use in both his music and oil rig environments, Tullie hit a breaking point. A disastrous New Year’s Eve event led him to make a life-changing decision—he quit drinking and using drugs cold turkey. The COVID-19 lockdown that followed unexpectedly became a period of self-reflection and rebuilding. He focused on spending time with family, engaging in creative projects, and reinforcing his newfound sobriety.
Entrepreneurial Hustle: From Nightclubs to Ice Cream Shops
Tullie’s business instincts never faded. After leaving the oil rigs, he dove into the nightclub industry, managing multiple venues and developing marketing strategies. Yet, as time passed, he felt conflicted about promoting a culture of excessive drinking.
He started experimenting with new business ideas, including a goth-themed claw machine in a nightclub lobby and a hip-hop-inspired hot dog food truck. These ventures, while unconventional, were highly successful, reinforcing his knack for understanding market trends. Eventually, he transitioned into restaurant consulting and even acquired an ice cream shop—showcasing his ability to pivot and create opportunity in any industry.
Lessons from Unleashing the Hustle Within
Tullie’s latest book, Unleashing the Hustle Within, is more than just a guide to making money—it’s about cultivating a mindset of productivity, resilience, and fulfillment. He emphasizes that success isn’t just about wealth; it’s about creating a life filled with passion, purpose, and balance.
Key Takeaways from Tullie Bailey’s Journey
- Resourcefulness Leads to Opportunity – No matter the circumstances, creativity and hustle can open doors.
- Resilience is Built Through Experience – Tough experiences shape stronger, more adaptable individuals.
- Success Isn’t Just About Money – A fulfilling life is about purpose, not just profit.
- Sobriety Can Spark Growth – Removing toxic habits creates room for personal and professional transformation.
- Lifelong Learning is Key – Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to future success.
Tullie Bailey’s story is proof that transformation is possible at any stage of life. Whether it’s through music, business, or mentorship, his goal is to help others break barriers and unlock their full potential. To learn more about his journey, check out his books, Unleashing the Hustle Within and The Quiet Lessons of an Incredibly Loud Adventure, available on TullieBailey.com.
