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

Hi Andrew, how do you think about risk?
Depending on where I am at in life, is how I measure the level of risk I would take. This applies to business, financials, investments, or a complete career change. There are pros and cons to taking a risk, and I have endured both. Most people are afraid to take risks since the outcome is not always guaranteed. But I decided to live my life not wondering “what if.” I was single for most of my twenties, which meant that I did not have any serious obligations or large expenses. In my opinion, this is the best time to take risks especially when it comes to time and money. I’m now currently 30 years old and soon enough I may be looking to build a family. As an entrepreneur, I took my biggest risks a couple years ago when I began investing in something that can be qualified as “high risk” opportunities. I have taken steps into investing time and money into various startups, cryptocurrency, and other highly volatile opportunities. As time goes by and I come closer to considering more stability, my investments and time have become more valuable. As I reap the fruits from investments made in the past, I have been increasingly diligent about the type of investments and companies I’m involved in. The main reason for this careful approach is because of where I’m at in life, and the everchanging economy especially when it comes to Covid-19. Currently, I find myself mitigating risks by taking control of my investments. This includes being heavily involved in operations within companies I’ve started. It is very important to be a team player and listen to what other members of the team have to say before making an executive decision. My approach to different situations also plays a role in risk taking and it is key to maintain love and trust for others when working towards a resolution. Otherwise, all the invested time and effort might end up going to waste.

What should our readers know about your business?
Apart from Thundrr, a talent management and influencer marketing agency, which was discussed in previous publications. I have been dedicating my time towards Forma, a new CBD brand with an objective to help people live an easier life. Forma pushes the medicinal boundaries by helping customers find alternatives to substances that may cause harm. We are equipping our communities with tools to help individuals overcome challenges that may arise from their daily routine. We have found that the majority of our consumers are athletes, yoga instructors, cross-fit trainers, creatives, wellness advocates, business owners, and other professionals. We are thrilled to expand our operation and distribute product nationwide. Forma has come with multiple obstacles, but with every problem there is a solution. Fortunately, with a good trustworthy team anything is possible. Challenges arise with every business, but it is important to remain calm and find a solution. Along the way, I was able to learn how to problem solve since there’s a fire to put out basically every day. I find joy in finding solutions to different problems. I try to maintain my well-being by staying active and dedicating time for things outside of work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As we all know, there is so much to do and see in the great city of Los Angeles. The itinerary really depends on the friend who I am with. If it’s their first time in LA, they would probably want to see all of the touristy spots such as the Hollywood sign, the Hollywood stars, Santa Monica pier, Rodeo Drive – the list goes on and on. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t be interested in any of that, so without further-adieu here is my list of things to experience if you want to have a genuine time in LA: 1. Malibu: The drive to Malibu is breathtaking. If we decide to hit the beach, Paradise Cove would probably be my number one choice. Paradise Cove Cafe serves seafood right on the beach. If I remember correctly, they also serve beer. They have seating on the beach sand so you can eat, drink, and enjoy the view. 2. Venice: Abbot Kinney has to be one of my favorite streets in Venice Beach. All of the shops and restaurants are super unique. I believe the experience just walking up and down that street is really special. Side note – A lot of photography can be shot there. 3. The Arts District in Downtown LA: There are a bunch of new places popping up in the Art’s District including the ROW DTLA and a few other restaurants. The ROW hosts food trucks on Sundays which is a great way to try something new in LA. Blue Bottle Coffee and Zinc Cafe are also worth checking out. 4. Downtown LA: It is worth visiting the tallest building on the west of the Mississippi, the Wilshire Grand. If you make it to the very top of the building, you will find yourself at an outdoor bar with breath taking views overlooking all of LA. The vibe is great but be prepared to spend a pretty penny. 5. Hollywood and West Hollywood: If you’re looking for wild nightlife, West Hollywood would hands-down be my top pick. I would probably take friends to the Highlight Room and El Compadre for food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a few people who have been extremely supportive throughout my journey as an Entrepreneur. However, I learned a lot from my current business partner, Christopher Campbell. He has supported me throughout my ups and downs. He has also taught me how to be a lot more patient. He might not know it, but I have observed his approach when dealing with tough situations. As mentioned previously – being gentle, honest, and loving is key when handling business and personal life. Our choice of words and ensuring that everyone comes to an agreement is critical for expediting resolutions. Fighting for more might not always be the best option if you are looking to conserve your energy and make better use of your time. The world works in mysterious ways – you will find that as soon as you walk away from a certain situation, more doors will open for you. These are just a few things I’ve learned from Christopher. The other person I would like to recognize is my Mother who has encouraged me and supported my decisions throughout my childhood up until this very moment. Her love and support have helped me maintain my happiness which has helped me accomplish more in life. I give her all the credit for helping me get through my education and kicking off my entrepreneurial journey. She is the reason I am the man I am today.

Website: https://formacbd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewinla/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrawes/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aandrawes/