Explain who you are and what you do

My name is Andreys Varela. I’m a Los Angeles based creative, explorer, health and wellness advocate, and leader of a global network of creators.

How did you get here? Did you know this was your life’s mission?

My life’s mission started with a vision. Hey that rhymes ;)

In 2012 I had just finished college with the mindset to have no immediate obligations or restrictions other than to find a sustainable living situation and fully enjoy life on my own terms. The first goal was to enjoy life by the beach and to surf every day. So I chose the most beautiful destination within my reach and pulled the trigger. I bought a one-way ticket to Hawaii with $200 in my pocket and kissed my Ma goodbye. I told my family and friends, I would not start a big boy job until I crossed everything off my bucket list and found something I was super happy doing every day.

What was meant to be a blind jump to the Hawaiian islands, ended up being a 5 year experience full of the memories of the greatest time of my life.

During my time on the island of Oahu, I lived on a boat, worked full-time at the front desk of a hotel, part-time as a model/actor, and made friends from all over of the world. My friends, the people, the culture of Hawaii, and exploration of the land, made me into the person I am today. A happy, thankful, respectful, curious and adventurous individual.

Over time of meeting many travelers and transplants from all over the world I kept in touch with the ones who really inspired me and who I shared my most memorable experiences with.

After 5 years planted in Hawaii, I made the jump to LA to immerse myself into the creative world and explore the entire west coast.

I juggled jobs between a beach hotel and motorcycle coffee cafe until I could save up enough money to buy a camera. I hired my co-workers as models and actors, and we started planning adventures around southern and northern California.

It was then I realized my life’s mission.

I decided to put all my efforts into learning photography and videography. And would document any experiences and adventures with my friends and family and influence people to explore and live a happy and healthy lifestyle.

I bought a camera, spent hours watching youtube tutorials, and eventually starting landing jobs as a photographer and videographer.

After 3 years of cooking in the creative boiling pot of Los Angeles and finishing an 8-month long travel photography job. I decided to pool my most creative friends from around the globe and start assembling the ultimate team of creatives.

As of March 2019, we are an official Creative Collective and Global Network of Creators. “Have Visions Creative Collective”

What does a typical day look like for you?

The first couple hours of the day I try to reply to emails, DMs, and comments within our community on all of our social platforms that are following our journey including my personal brand. I’m also fully invested in the planning of our expeditions, road trips, campouts, events, and day in life documentation involving our original network.

A typical day of juggling multiple jobs and roles will always feature some aspect of a fun day in the life captured on social media. No matter how busy or bummey the day is, I love winning and documenting the experience of building something meaningful.

Who inspires you?

My Ma, she gave me the ok to make the leap and has supported my every move.

Also my team. We are comprised of optimistic, self-made, self-driven, happy and creative individuals, and all have a unique story to share just like everyone else who is chasing their dreams.

Describe the “Happiest and Healthiest” Version of yourself

Surrounded by good people and family who support your dreams. Loving and listening to your body. Being well rested, hydrated, energized, and stoked on life.

Best advice you’ve ever received

“To build something meaningful takes time. What are you doing with your free time? If you could stay up late night doing something you really love, what would that be? Really ask yourself what would that be, and start doing that in your free time.” Gary V

One thing on your bucket list.

Next step is to start a family I’m aiming for 6. ;)

The goal is to train them to be leaders, healthy, and happy, little surfers, skateboarders, and creatively adventurous babies. Eventually, have them join my team and travel the world. :)

Favorite Health-Ade Flavor

I got a chance to try a secret flavor in March that blew my socks off! Tropical Punch!

What’s up next for you? Any exciting projects or trips we can look out for.

Our team just purchased a Sprinter Van, which we are converting into a luxurious mobile studio. You can follow our building process and journey on Instagram @AlwaysOnTheRoam we are also launching a health and wellness channel called @DoEveryYou which will educate people on how to live a happy and healthy lifestyle.

What does “Follow your gut mean to you?

Follow your gut to me means, Listening to yourself, your body, and trusting your visions on how you want to live the rest of your life.

Looking for Tropical Punch Health-Ade Kombucha? It's currently not available to the public but you can check out our lineup of flavors here. And of course, you can shop all of the delicious, USDA Certified Organic Health-Ade flavors here.

Today's blog is written by our very own Daina Trout, MS, MPH

Daina is not just our Co-Founder, she is also a nutritionist that has spent her adult life dedicated to finding and sharing health and wellness through food. With 2 masters' degrees in nutritional biochemistry and public health, Daina has called upon her education often while leading the way at Health-Ade - from how we make every batch of kombucha, to how we talk about gut health to consumers, to even how healthy our employee workplace is! She even writes a few blogs here and there. Happy reading! :)