Rising Stars: Meet Judith Aram

Today we’d like to introduce you to Judith Aram.

Hi Judith, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
During the pandemic, I was forced, like everyone else, to stay home. I’m also a visual artist, so all I did during that difficult time was paint. One of those paintings caught the owner of Cortez Coffee Roasters’ attention, and he bought it. When I went to deliver the piece, he kindly took the time to show me his business and the process of roasting coffee, which was super interesting. Still, when he mentioned he was processing cacaos and playing with some chocolate recipes, I was even more intrigued when he showed me the cacao beans; that was it! I got an instant connection with them. Long story short, I always stayed in that place, and today, 3. 1/2 years later, Midge has its production facility in downtown Phoenix and Tempe, AZ. Thanks to the program “Mexican Businesswomen Abroad” from The Mexican Consulate, I had the knowledge to start a business. RAIL CDC allowed me to open my business through The Tempe Makers Grant. I’m very, very grateful for this. So here I am now, spreading love through my Vegan Chocolate Spreads.

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
There always are, no smooth road here. The first bump was me. Keeping focus and avoiding procrastination was one of my first fights. But I overcome it through discipline and maintaining my everyday focus. Another struggle was the language barrier. English is my second language, and nowadays, I need to keep up with a lot of English slang. And last but not least, I’m a single mother with two teenagers at home. I’m not under a paycheck; painting is my side job and is not very often, so financially is an everyday challenge. I’m very positive, and I live one day at a time.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The older you get, the wiser you become if you allow yourself to learn from your mistakes and carry on. I’m very proud of myself, first able because I’m very teachable and curious. When something is attractive to me and felt in love with it, I tend to treat it my best and take it to the next level until it shines. I care, I’m very passionate, and I dislike conformity. If I do something, whatever it is, I’ll do it exceptionally well, always taking the extra mile. I’m a doer, and I like to teach. That’s what keeps me different from others.

So, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you before we go? How can they support you?
I need help with a lot of things. One of them is to spread the word about what I do and offer, and that’s through social media. I need someone to help me sort my cacao. Help with labels and packaging and help me keep track of things. I am a multitasker, but instead of having someone helping me with this sort of stuff, I can be more flexible with my workshops and paintings.

Pricing:

• $12 each 4oz jars
• $40 Midge Bundle
• $50 PP/2hr Cacao Session workshops
• $5 Midgejools. Stuffed Dates covered whit vegan chocolate

Contact Info:

• Website: www.midgechocolate.com
• Instagram:@midgechocolate

Image Credits
Cortez Coffee Co., Midge Chocolate Co., Hilltop Farms, Cameroon Boyo, More Than Fair trade LLC, Judith Aram, Jessica Simpson, Photos