Meet Claire Mulvaney | Founder & CEO of OpenMic Co.

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

Hi Claire, how do you think about risk?
I believe taking risks is an essential part of growth. What is often perceived as a risk is usually just something outside your comfort zone. If you educate yourself, do the research, and spend time laying the foundation, then that “risk” isn’t really a risk. It’s just something unfamiliar. Something different. Something uncomfortable. That said, I also recognize that some opportunities in life are genuinely daunting. They excite us and maybe make us anxious. Trusting your instincts is important, but I also think leaning into what unsettles you (and unpacking why it does) can teach you a lot about yourself.

When I look at my career, pursuing music as a profession is technically “risky.” It may not offer traditional stability, but it’s something I’ve dedicated my entire life to. I’ve pursued it wholeheartedly, every single day. So is it a big gamble to me? No—I feel prepared. Is it a guarantee of a certain level of success? No. But success is subjective, and I think you should be proud of yourself simply for taking the leap. The success is in trying; it’s not just the predetermined outcome you’re hoping for.

Looking at OpenMic, I think the entire journey involves uncertainty: sharing your vision, getting people on board, building a team, and securing resources. It can be intimidating. But if you’ve done your due diligence, all you can do is try your best. Otherwise, nothing new ever gets created.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m most proud of building something that feels meaningful. Hopefully not just to me, but to the creative community around me. OpenMic came from a very personal and vulnerable place. I had experienced firsthand how hard it is to find collaborators, build momentum, and grow as a freelance musician, both inside and outside of major music hubs. There wasn’t a clear path (and there doesn’t have to be), but that uncertainty is what pushed me to create something that could help others navigate the same challenges.

Getting to where I am now, business-wise, has been a learning curve. I didn’t go to business school, so I didn’t have the education to back me or show me the roadmap. However, I had the drive, curiosity, and a willingness to have a lot of conversations with people smarter than me. These people showed me the true pitfalls of this industry and gave me the hope to build a solution. I said yes to feedback. I kept showing up. I learned how to pivot, how to ask better questions, how to lead, and how to build trust and empathy. I’m still mastering those things, but I feel much more confident in them now.

Of course, it hasn’t been easy. There were moments when things felt completely stuck, or when I questioned if I was in over my head. But every challenge forced me to grow. It taught me resilience, creativity, and the power of putting yourself out there. I’ve learned that clarity doesn’t come all at once; it comes from trying, assessing, and adjusting along the way.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me or my brand, it’s that OpenMic was built for all types of musicians who are all-in. And I mean “all-in” as a subjective term. It’s for the ones grinding behind the scenes, making music after their day jobs, and chasing something that doesn’t always come with a clear path. The ones who are talented, serious, and ready, but just need the right connection or moment to keep moving forward. This isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about building something lasting, something that truly supports the creative journey and can weather the storms.

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.
My favorite places to take people really depend on whether it’s their first time in LA or not.

If it is their first visit, we’ll usually hit some of the iconic classics: a hike to the Hollywood Sign or a loop around the Hollywood Reservoir, a stroll through Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, a concert at the Hollywood Bowl if the timing works out, the Santa Monica Pier for sunset, and both Getty museums.

If they’ve been to LA before, I like to go a bit more off the beaten path. Topanga and Malibu are two of my favorite areas. There are some incredible hikes out there, and the scenery is stunning. Hopefully, those areas continue to recover well from the recent fires, but they still feel like little escapes from the city.

Sundays are a great day on their own, between the Hollywood Farmers’ Market in the morning and the Melrose Trading Post in the afternoon. You get great food, unique shopping, and prime people-watching all in one day.

When it comes to food, I always have my favorites ready, which are a bit different from what I usually hear recommended in LA. Crown of India in Hollywood is a cozy spot with amazing flavor, and Murakami in West Hollywood is a casual go-to for sushi. Good Goose Cafe in Larchmont is great for Thai fusion, and Dune in Atwater Village has some of the most mouthwatering Mediterranean food in the city. I’m also gluten-free, so I’m also a regular at Modern Bread and Bagel in Santa Monica and Erin McKenna’s Bakery in Larchmont. For coffee or tea, I love La La Land for its fun matcha flavors, Horror Vibes Coffee for its quirky, fun theme, and Republic of Pie for a cozy workspace.

And of course, if they’re a musician, we’ll check out some of the classic local music spots. I’ll see what’s happening at Hotel Café, The Mint, Hotel Ziggy, or Bar Lubitsch—they all host awesome showcases with local talent. Or maybe they’re in town for a fun networking event: Pop Hangs, Jesse and Friends, Two Rooms, an event with The FAM, or an open mic.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow! So many people: family, friends, mentors, professors. A lot of people from my hometown in Ohio, music school out in Boston, and here in LA.

If I were to list all of them, my brain would explode. But I think you can surmise who they are from the people I interview on OpenMic, the ones I cheer on, and those I follow. I try to be very open and generous with my support.

If I were to thank the communities as a whole, I would thank Northeast Ohio for teaching me to love music, to challenge myself, and to put in the work. I would thank Boston for showing me that getting out of your comfort zone and exposing yourself to the unknown can take you to new heights. And I would thank LA for helping me find the most vibrant and supportive community in what could have been an intimidating move away from home.

Website: https://www.getopenmic.co/

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