Andrey Pavlenko has a very simple approach for what has driven him to create his business: “I always want to help people.” He started his business 10 years ago and changed the name to Langley Visual Design Services earlier this year. People on Whidbey may have seen Andrey making videos at events.
Andrey comments: “My work is also a way of exploring the soul” and he adds, “I can help people with so many things.” His talents led him to explore many fields and to extend his business beyond doing videos to include:
- Writing books (two are currently available at the Commons in Langley);
- Writing poetry;
- Creating a collection of songs, lyrics, tablatures, and drawings;
- Tattoo artist with studio in Freeland;
- Singer and songwriter;
- Private guitar and ukulele teacher.
He is a first generation Russian immigrant, having come to the United States when he was 10 years old, and he still speaks Russian fluently. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and was a substitute teacher in Auburn for five years. He says he loves working with children, and they were the ones who came up with his name, “Mr. Chill Guy.”
Five years ago he married Hailey Way, who now works at the Langley Chamber of Commerce and is a source for several of the jobs where Andrey’s talents have been used. Interestingly, they met in Texas, but Hailey, whose family lives on Whidbey, suggested that Whidbey might be a better place for them to settle. They are both happy to be living on the island. Hailey says about Andrey, “He is a mystery wrapped in an enigma.”
Andrey’s goals for the future are to continue to be valued for the work he does in the community and to enjoy the comfortable life on Whidbey.
To see some of Andrey’s work, you can visit his website for Langley Visual Design Services: https://mrchillguy.com/.
