Brian Noonan may look like your typical hooligan, but looks can be deceiving. The orange and lime green sneakers and a shirt printed with guns and a bandana may throw you off. But, if you can get beyond the clothes, you will discover a very nice guy working to succeed just like everyone else.
His story begins with a unique heritage. Noonan is 20-years-old. He is half Korean and half Irish. When he speaks about his parents, whom he calls his heroes with no hesitation, he is very proud of who he has become due to their influence. Noonan is working towards a journalism major and fashion merchandising minor. He has a bright future filled with fashion design.
In an effort to save money, he decided to go to community college and will transfer to Long Beach State University next year. He said he doesn’t like the Central Valley much and would prefer to be near a beach.
He currently works at Buckle located in the Fashion Fair mall and is hoping to get a job soon at Metropark. For a second job, Noonan works at the Spaghetti Factory where he said he gets a lot of scrutiny for the way he dresses. His tattoos and nose piercings have to be disguised at the request of his bosses. They said they do not think his style of dress would reflect well on their business.
In his spare time, Noonan enjoys blogging and cross country running. His face lit up when he began to talk about his favorite music and fashion magazines. His idea of great art is anything with female themes such as silhouettes.
When asked if the negative opinions give him motivation to dress a little more “normal”, Noonan replied, “Actually it gives me more motivation to continue to dress the way I like.”
Noonan will continue to be true to himself in the future. In 10 years he sees himself an editor of one of his favorite fashion magazines and beyond that he wants to start his own magazine.
Noonan’s parents might not always agree with his ways, but he said they have always been supportive. Noonan attributes any success, past, present and future, to his parents’ guidance, love and support.
Though, Noonan may never wear a suit and tie he has so much more than most people will know beyond his bandana.