Today we’d like to introduce you to Erick Mendoza.
Hi Erick, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The Pandemic hits…we are all affected. For most, it has changed our way to live. It surely has for me, but I wanted to make sure that I turned something traumatic to become positive and motivational in some way. Thus, I began the SUP Lifestyle Movement. The meaning for SUP is “Straight Up Positivity” and is the way we should live by being positive and finding motivation on what we do. I began this journey when I started my YouTube channel on my car build. Building my car by adding modifications is what began my motivation. From there, I met other car enthusiasts and eventually joined a car club where I shared happiness of having the same interests on our cars. The positivity in everyone was astonishing, especially how we all had negative feelings from what the Pandemic has brought. This pushed me on this journey to continue with the SUP Lifestyle Movement. I’ve interviewed certain car clubs that have helped with charity events such as the Ronald McDonald House Charities and Stand Up For Kids (which can be watched on my YouTube channel). So as of today, I continue to set up my booth at car events on spreading positivity but hope to expand in other ventures to bring this mental health awareness.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The challenges on spreading mental health awareness are not so easy. Many people who visit my booth love the idea, but everyone has different lives that can be difficult to think positive and be motivated. The best thing I can do for the moment is sell merchandise which includes key chains, stickers, air fresheners, wristbands, and apparel with messages that remind people to be positive and motivated. One way I help to motivate people is to play a football or basketball game I setup at my booth. They score a point, they win! On the other note, I also post Motivational Mondays on my Instagram, which are quotes I develop myself. These quotes are based on the same aspect of the SUP Lifestyle Movement.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My current occupation is an Electronics Engineer. I work with high-tech companies on electronic equipment, including software, lasers, and robotics. I’ve always enjoyed the evolving of technology and glad to say that I am part of it. With the increasing changes of technology it has brought changes in our lives for the better.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up as a teenager in the ’90s was challenging in Southern California. I was raised around a society that the music was revolved around gangster rap. It was easy for some people to fall into the negative side of that lifestyle, but as I enjoy listening to the music, that was not the lifestyle I wanted. I wanted to find a way to change for the better, and electronics was my interest. I got my bachelor’s degree in electronics and have been using my experiences since then. Someday I plan to invent something that will change our lives to make it easier on how we live. But for now, bringing positivity is just the beginning.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.suplifestylemovement.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/suplifestylemovement
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/ErickFK8
- Other: www.instagram.com/erick.fk8 (personal)
