Meet Abe López | U.S. Army Combat Veteran, Model, Actor & Small Business Owner

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

Hi Abe, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Last year, when I saw Jennifer Lopez perform at Biden’s Inauguration and sing ‘This Land is your Land’, there was a moment when she translated in spanish a small part of the Pledge of Allegiance. She said, “Una nación bajo Dios, indivisible con libertad y justicia para todos.”

Right then and there, I envisioned a name, a brand that would represent all latinos around the world, regardless of where they come from.

I’m originally from Puerto Rico but raised in The Bronx, New York.
And as a child, I remember playing in different play streets but all of them had something in common; the majority of us kids were hispanics.
I also remember going to different neighborhoods where most of them were occupied by hispanics.
So after seeing Jennifer Lopez; a puertorican representing all latinos and letting us know that we are all “one nation, under God”, that made me want to create Latino Ave.

I wanted to create a brand that would distinguish all Hispanics around the world. I came up with LATINO AVE because, growing up in NYC, I would hang out, play, spend time in alot of neighborhoods where you’d see nothing but latinos. We LATINOS are millions and millions around the globe. And I want this brand to unite us all. We are all ☝🏽blood, ☝🏽flag, ☝🏽raza… LATINOS for life 🔥🔥🔥

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a U.S. Army combat veteran. Back in 2018, I tried to commit suicide in two occasions. I was going through sever PTSD, depression, anxiety, hate and so much emotional and mental pain. I found myself in the darkest place of life. After the second suicide attempt, I had the same dream for five, consecutive nights. When I woke up that fifth night, I decided to write down the dream so I wouldn’t forget. What began as a dream, became a story. What became a story, turned into a novel. But most importantly, what turned into a novel, saved my life.
After writing my story, my life took a 360 spin. I started to take care of myself; emotionally, mentally, physically and even spiritually.
Today, I am a better father, a better husband, a better man.
I am also a model, and an actor. And now a brand creator.
It wasn’t easy at all. But it was definitely worth it.
As a latino, I would love the world to know that if I was able to overcome these obstacles in life, we all can.
To never lose hope. I believe there is always a brighter path after every struggle. I want Latino Ave to bring unity, love and peace. That is why I created the slogan, Concordia Mundial.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, if we’re talking only about the DFW area, I would choose:

Places to visit
Downtown Dallas
The Fort Worth Stockyards
Lewisville lake for Jet Ski
Gondola Adventure
Scat Jazz Lounge
A Texas Rangers or Dallas Mavericks game

Places to eat
El Rey del Sabor
El Jibarito
Riscky’s Steakhouse
Kasai Hibachi
Dos Molinas Mexican Restaurant

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I thank God for giving me the knowledge and capability in being able to create something like this. Also, I would have to definitely say that my shoutout, my thanks and love goes to Jennifer Lopez. After seeing her perform in Bidne’s 2021 Inauguration, I got inspired to create Latino Ave.

Website: www.latinoave.com

Instagram: @latino_ave / @abe_lopez_84

Image Credits
Photographer: Michael Duncan Models: Galilea Cazares Jacqueline Pérez López Angela Santos Genesis García Jade Hernández Gloria Flores Juan Ramos Anthony Baumgarte