Aaron Lindstrom’s job is one that most have only dreamt about having; he is the chocolate education and outreach manager for Theo Chocolate, a Seattle company he joined seven years ago. Theo Chocolate is currently hosting a pop-up shop at Periodic in South Lake Union, through May 13. Learn about Aaron Lindstrom…
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
First job: Walking the parking lot of a Target to collect the shopping carts people left behind. (Please, return your cart when you’re done.)
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: If I’m not at work doing things for Theo Chocolate, I’m usually at home making my own personal batches of chocolate. I also play music in a local soul-rock band and can be found hiking all around the PNW with my dog.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Learning the importance of self-love and self-care. Running yourself ragged might help accomplish items on a checklist, but there’s only so much you can handle before you hit burn out. Treat. Yo. Self.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Imposter syndrome. It’s hard for me to not feel like all my hard work and accomplishments aren’t just happenstance, coincidence and luck. But I’m learning to stand up for myself and take credit for what I’ve worked hard for. Being humble but still standing proud.
Someone who inspires you and why: Anyone who is open and candid about their struggles and hardships. I’ve struggling with everything from roasting times for cocoa beans, addiction and everything in-between. Learning to be vocal and open about my struggles and asking for help has opened so many doors for me. So, anyone I see who is able to be open and honest about their struggles has my respect.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: You need to have passion behind what you’re doing. All the business-savvy in the world can’t help you if you don’t love what you’re doing. And if that passion starts to dwindle, bring people on board that have the same passion that you started with and let their fire reignite you and remind you of why what you’re doing is so important and fun. Oh, and an obsession for chocolate also helps.
Favorite quote: “I know I was born and I know that I’ll die, but the in-between is mine.” –Eddie Vedder
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: That my ability to karaoke both Will Smith and Sisqó’s parts of the song “Wild Wild West” is phenomenal.
What makes someone fabulous: I have an unhealthy obsession with jackets. And a good jacket can change everything. If I wake up feeling unconfident and anxious, the moment I put on a quality jacket (be it from Goodwill or somethin’ that cost a pretty penny), it changes my posture and my attitude. So, start your day with a jacket that makes you feel fabulous and within two strides, you’ll be fabulous.