Maggie Trujillo

Fabulous People: Maggie Trujillo

Maggie Trujillo is the managing executive chef of Aerlume Seattle, just steps from Pike Place Market. The restaurant impresses diners with its sweeping views of the sound and connections with local farmers and providers. Learn about Maggie Trujillo…

Hometown: Caldwell, ID

First job: Teaching private swim lessons. First industry job: barista.

Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: Swimming, running, hiking, snowboarding, enjoying nature. Sunday dinner with my family.

Your biggest accomplishment and why: The privilege of leading of a phenomenal group of servers, bartenders, chefs, cooks, dishwashers and captains at Aerlume.

The biggest obstacle you overcame: Creating time for myself. Managing a restaurant, food and beverage operation and talented people requires hard work and dedication, including long hours and time away from loved ones. Learning to take care of myself and spend time doing things I enjoy outside of work has led to greater fulfillment. I can better take care of my team when I walk into work recharged. Weekends and daily self-care are important. It’s taken me years to understand this. 

Someone who inspires you and why: I am inspired by Amanda Marino of Fall City Farms and Jamie Porter of Sound Sustainable. Their talent and passion for cultivating amazing produce inspires all dishes created at Aerlume.  

Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Always push for personal growth and continued learning. I continue to research, learn from others and challenge my knowledge and growth daily.

Favorite quote: “The earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” –Chief Seattle

Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I’m up at 6 a.m. headed to the pool five days a week.

What makes someone fabulous: Someone is fabulous when they step outside the box and their own comfort zone. They push themselves and others to be their best selves and embrace authenticity.

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