Shining and Smiling

For over 14 years, Andy Waller has been a quiet fixture on Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade, where sunshine and ocean breezes provide the backdrop to his unique craft. As people from all over the world stroll past, their faces lit with joy, Andy holds his corner of the promenade, bringing life back to scuffed shoes and weary soles. Born in Texas but seemingly made for the Californian sun, Andy spends his days greeting a rotating cast of locals, tourists, and regulars, each trusting him with everything from polished dress shoes to the occasional flip-flop. His workspace is not only vibrant but alive with stories, and Andy, ever observant, is both listener and witness to the passing mosaic of humanity.
Andy’s journey began at Fox Studios, where he first picked up a brush and a shine cloth. Later, he set up shop outside the Santa Monica police station, ensuring the boots of local officers gleamed with pride. But it was his move to the promenade that truly made him a part of the city’s fabric. Now, as the shoe shiner of 3rd Street, Andy is as much a part of the promenade’s charm as its street performers and bustling crowds. With each shine, he connects with his customers, exchanging stories, laughter, and sometimes quiet moments, all while watching the world walk by.