Tell me about yourself?

My name Andrew Hallon but I go by Andy. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. My family are both half Chinese and half Ecuadorian. Even though I was born in the States, I learned Spanish as my primary language and learned English as my second language. I am a proud Air Force Veteran serving 20 years and continue to serve for the Idaho Air National Guard. I am a proud Father of two beautiful young ladies.

What are some passions in life that you currently working on?

I am working on three things all simultaneously, my main focus is completing my 20 years for active duty time. I am very close to retirement. Secondly, I am the owner/founder of ND’s Kicks LLC which is my Sneaker Consignment store. Lastly, I am currently in training to open another business as a freight broker.  My passions are streetwear fashion, music production, helping our community, hunting, fishing, hiking and sports.

What have you been able to accomplish in life so far?

Well, the majority of things I’ve set as a goal, I accomplished.  For instance, I told my Air Force Recruiter that I wanted to travel the world and help people.  I have been very fortunate to travel around the globe two complete times. I also served in Iraq and Afghanistan during our war in Iraq. I was able to help not only the locals but coalition forces and even our own.  I have helped with National Responses and Natural Disaster relief.  I am also very proud of my multiple degrees, a younger me took many classes but never chose a major. I was able to complete 4 degrees (Criminal Justice, Human Resource Management, Art and Fashion, and Music Production)

What are some words of positivity you live by everyday?

My favorite one is “The only one holding you back is you” I love this one because whenever my mind starts to feel defeat  in any situation, I remind myself, it’s all mind over matter.  Meaning, that if I think I can, I will. Another phrase is “Treat people like you would like to be treated” It’s simple and straight to the point. I will treat someone with kindness, positivity and try to be helpful.

What are some struggles you’ve went through in life and how did you overcome them?

My everyday struggle is my PTSD, anxiety and depression caused by all the events I have witnessed and/or experienced through my life.  I’ve done therapy (group and solo), medications, meditation, and I believe the best thing for me to do is rely on a small group of family/friends that I can reach out to and be as raw as I need to be without judgment. Therapy won’t always be available or affordable but having that support team can always help.

Finding my identity was really difficult growing up in California.  I was always surrounded by large groups of certain ethnicities but never would meet another Ecuadorian. I learned to speak and write in Spanish but my accent and dialect were different from the local Spanish (Mexican). It was hard to fit in especially since I am multi racial, with a mix of Asian, Spanish and American.  The closest ethnic group I could relate to were Filipinos. I even look like I am Filipino because of my dark complexion, straight hair and slanted eyes. I never felt like I fit in and I had to come to the conclusion that my identity can best be described as ‘That uniquely different guy.’

What is one way you’d like to make an impact in someone’s life?

One of my missions and goals are to educate others that have big dreams and continue to chase them. My biggest struggle was not knowing the resources that were available at my disposal to help me start my business. Once I found my niche I doubled down and went to some of the agencies that helped small businesses grow. They really helped expand my knowledge and I was able to accomplish many of my goals. I want to be able to do the same for other entrepreneurs.

What are some other things about you that you would like to share with the world?

It doesn’t matter where you came from, how you were raised, what opportunities you had; if you dedicate yourself and continue to be persistent you can accomplish any dream (big or small) you may have. Make sure you dream big because those that grind and get business done can accomplish any goal.