Meet Alyssa Fazio | Owner of Uncle Rico’s Surf Wax

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alyssa Fazio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alyssa, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
It was actually my dad Ken and brother Eric who started Uncle Rico’s – they have a baseball products business (Tyrus Baseball) where they make sticky products for wood bats. Pine tar, grip sticks, etc. One day they thought “Hey, let’s make a surf wax.”. Their products have similar ingredients and the same end goal as surf wax does, just for a different part of the body. I did, however, help to come up with the name when they were first throwing around ideas. We called Eric ‘Rico’ growing up, and it was sort of a play on Uncle Tito from Rocket Power. The logo, which came before the name, was an animated version of Eric, so it just fit.

Anyway, Eric and my dad were pretty successful locally on Long Island where there’s surf year-round. They were starting to get really busy with production and decided to outsource it. Unfortunately the factory messed with the formula and produced a bunch of not so sticky wax, and it was a lot for them to keep up with with the baseball business, so they decided to let it go. They were trying to sell when I came along and offered to take it over. I was at a Digital Marketing firm for 4 years and was pretty burnt out, and I was only 26. I wanted to start something on my own or at least, resurrect it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I explained how the idea for the business came to be, but let’s pick back up from where I took things over. What I had from the boys was non-sticky wax, wax scrapers, some stickers, tank tops, and some surf shop owner contacts. First and foremost, I had to find a better manufacturer. Being pretty health and eco-conscious, I also wanted to make the surf wax organic. After endless samples and testing, I partnered with an excellent manufacturer in the US. From there I dropped off samples to as many shops as I could, on Long Island and beyond. Eventually I got a few wholesale orders in, and it took off from there! the official launch was at NY Surf Week in Long Beach, NY.

Once the wax orders were steady, I focused on apparel. I started making hoodies, tshirts, crop tops, kids clothing, and hats. It’s important that I’m working with partners who can get comfortable, quality material. I want to make things that people can wear around the house but also wear out. Stuff feels great while looking cool.

When I left my Digital Marketing job I had just turned 26, so I was officially kicked off my parents’ health insurance. While I was sorting out the resurrection of Uncle Rico’s, I worked as a crewmember at Trader Joes. They had amazing benefits, and it was so much fun learning about the products while working in a really (truly) happy place. Once Uncle Rico’s was in a more stable place, I made my descent back into corporate America at a creative agency that I really love.

It’s a constant balance – work, play, family, love. Not to mention, keeping my mental and physical health in check. The truth is I just do the best I can and try to have fun while doing it. It’s the same with surfing. I love the feeling it brings, but I’m actually not very good at it. I just go out there, do my best, and have fun. There’s a message on the inside of the wax label that says ‘Hey, have fun out there.’ Words to live by!!

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 now realizing that @Patrick you may think that I live in Long Beach CA lol but it’s actually Long Beach, NY. I’d say wake up close to sunrise and surf. Grab breakfast at Riptides or Blacksmith’s. Walk the boardwalk. Ride the boardwalk! Drinks on the beach with something from Long Beach Sandwich Co. or Sorrento’s. Then dinner at Lost & Found and out to one of the bars in the West End.

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?
My dad! We’ve already covered that him and my brother started Uncle Rico’s, but he’s just an incredibly smart, talented, and supportive person. He has so much business experience in different areas and is always willing to share knowledge when I need it. Starting a business is tough, especially at the beginning when you don’t know what the hell you’re doing. It’s great to have someone like my dad that I can ask questions or bounce ideas off of. He also helps me work events and it’s a lot of fun. So does my boyfriend Sean, my mom, and Uncle Rico himself – grateful for all of them too!

Website: unclericoswax.com

Instagram: @unclericoswax

Image Credits
James Parascandola