Pandemic Turned Positive - 2020 Graduate Shifts Gears

A life-altering pandemic might not seem like the ideal backdrop for starting a business from scratch, but that’s exactly what 2020 Chaminade Julienne graduate Andrew Murray did.

Rather than dwell on all he lost during a senior year cut short by COVID-19, Murray focused his time and energy on compassion and clothing and Livion was born. From t-shirts to hoodies and crewnecks to polos, Livion Clothing is all about comfort, but Murray is even more passionate about spreading positivity and raising awareness. Livion donates 15 percent of the company’s profits to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Founder Andrew Murray shares more about his passion for positivity. 

Q: The pandemic was a challenging time for so many people, especially students. Why was it the right time for you to begin this new venture?
A: This was the perfect time for me to begin Livion Clothing for many reasons. I currently live at home and attend Sinclair as part of the Sinclair/UD program. That has allowed me to put more time, energy, and money into starting up this business. It quickly became my purpose. The timing of the start of Livion was not up to me, but it was up to God and I simply chose to listen and take action. Seeing so much negativity around the world was nothing short of encouragement for me. I was tired of it and I truly wanted to make a difference. That is why our mission is to not only raise awareness for St. Jude patients but to spread positivity and kindness to all that we come across.

Q: Did you have experience to build on or were you starting from scratch?
A: This process has taken months to develop. Prior to our launch date on January 30th, 2021, I put in roughly 650 hours simply learning the business development processes. This included gaining knowledge of software development, LLC formation, taxes, coding, legal policies, product design, our partnership with St. Jude, and much more. This entire brand was started from scratch and I am truly glad it was because it has been such an incredible learning experience for me.

Q: There are many ways to be of service and make a difference. Why did you choose clothing?
A: I have always wanted to give back to my community. I have always wanted to own a clothing brand. That is why I combined two of my many dreams into one to create a company that has and will continue to change the world in many different ways. Seeing so many others around town wearing my product is such an incredible, mind-blowing achievement for both Livion and myself. I believe that there is a story behind each article of clothing and I wanted to join in that sense of curiosity.

Q: How did you choose the name?
A: The name "Livion" is incredible for many reasons. It came about from the idea to "live on" during the chaos and negativity around the world. It wasn't just the pandemic. We as a society have quickly entered into a time of unfriendliness, anger, hatred, and selfishness. One of my many goals for Livion is to show the world that kind actions can truly make a difference and that they are incredibly important. Livion to me means living in spite of our troubles, illnesses, or obstacles and choosing to find the good wherever we can. It means working to make a difference for other people because the one that it truly benefits is you.

Q: A portion of the proceeds benefit St. Jude's. Why was that the organization you selected?
A: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has always had my support. From the age of 16, I began donating to St. Jude for many reasons. Seeing so many innocent children choosing to fight back against the illness in their lives was nothing short of an inspiration to me. I have always believed that the best way to get out of a negative situation is to find a unique way to turn it positive. That quickly became my mission for Livion Clothing.

Q: What are your goals, personally and professionally, and how does Livion Clothing fit into them?
A: I have many goals in my life, both personally and professionally. Personally, my goal is simple. I want to leave the world a better place than when I arrived. I want to change not thousands, but millions of lives one way or another in my lifetime. Livion Clothing has blessed me with that opportunity through our donations to St. Jude and our community through social media. We have already helped save countless lives and the joy that it brings me is unexplainable. Professionally, my goals are a tad more complex. I have many different roads that I am open to taking, but Livion Clothing plays a role in each one of them. No matter what, I want to be a part of a business that shares the same values, dreams, and goals that I do. I can't say it enough. I am here for one reason and one reason only; I am here to change the world for the better and Livion has blessed me with the opportunity to do just that.

Q: Anything else you want to add?
A: Aside from our regular donations, we highlight kind acts and positivity through our social media platforms. That plays a major role in changing lives as well. Even just putting a smile on someone else's face makes my job so much more enjoyable and meaningful.
One of our many goals is to sell at least one product in every state in the U.S. by June 26th, 2021. Our map is updated on our Instagram page @livionclothing.
 
 
-- This story was published on May 28, 2021.
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