Meet Andrew Balayan | Health and Wellness Creator

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

Hi Andrew, how do you think about risk?
In my early adult life, I was incredibly indecisive. The reason for my indecisiveness was due to my inability to take risks. I always thought to myself “but, what if this is the wrong decision?” Today, my approach to risk taking is much more lenient. I take calculated risks, instead of making spontaneous decisions that may not be in my best interest. I started social media, specifically YouTube and TikTok, by taking a calculated risk. I weighed the pros and cons, and decided to shoot my shot. One year later, I can confidently say the risk was worth it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Since elementary school, I have been a runner. I was part of a club cross country team in middle school, and continued to run for fun throughout high school and college. When I started my social media career, I thought to share my running with others to hopefully inspire them to pick up a hobby or live a healthier, happier life. Throughout my training for the first marathon I ran, I documented my training. Day in and day out, I showed my runs, what I eat to recover, pre- and post-run stretches, and everything in between. I hope that when people consume my content, they realize that the only person getting between them and what they wish to achieve is themselves. I hope to relay the mental and physical strength that humans hold, and that we are much more capable of achieving hard, arduous goals. Keep going, keep enduring.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I went to college in Santa Barbara. You can ask anyone in my life and they will tell you that I am obsessed with Santa Barbara. It’s cafes, hikes, farmer’s markets, and little college two of Isla Vista, it is a southern California gem. I would take my best friend to a coffee shop called Caje in downtown SB. We’d grab a coffee (I love cold brew), then go for a hike in Montecito at a trailhead called San Ysidro. Then, I would take them to Backyard Bowls on Motor Way, and eat açaí bowls while taking in the downtown SB spirit. I’d end the day with a charcuterie board on the bluffs of Isla Vista while watching the sunset.

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?
I remember feeling so lost after graduating college. We were in the height of the global pandemic, and confusion was at the forefront of everyone’s daily life, especially those who finished their undergraduate studies and were now forced to make a decision on what to do with the rest of their lives. I spoke with my mom, who I consider my best friend. She encouraged me to take the leap with social media, stating I already live and lead a healthy lifestyle, and to share that with others. My close friends talked me into it as well. Without these people, I likely would not be where I am today. This has been a group effort. My success is mine as much as it is theirs.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewbalayann/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewbalayan

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewbalayann