Meet Veronica Alvarado | Owner & Chocolatier

We had the good fortune of connecting with Veronica Alvarado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Veronica, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I’ve always worked for companies that I truly believe in so I’ve always loved my job, even on the hard days. However, that makes it even harder to draw the line between work and personal life. Still, I’ve realized that even as a hard worker, I want to look back at my life and say that I was there for family dinners, I was there for birthdays and graduations, and I was there for my friends when they needed me the most.

I think that’s what it comes down to; Do you want the people that matter to you to remember you as the person who worked all the time or as a good friend, a good spouse, a good sibling, a good parent, etc.?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I like to think of my bonbons and chocolates as a collaboration of all the people that have influenced and supported me. I was very apprehensive about taking this step because it really is such a big risk. I didn’t have the finances, the time, or the support to do this when I first moved away from home and to a different state. It was through loved ones and newfound friends that I had the support to even consider starting Umber Chocolates.

Just as I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of others, I like for my chocolates to be influenced by others as well. I love asking people for crazy flavors or color ideas then bringing their creativity to life. I think there’s more joy in having others take a part in the creative process than it just being me. I can’t wait to work with other artists to have artists series and people voting for seasonal flavors so anyone eating my chocolates feel like it’s truly theirs.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am personally such a nature person, that I would definitely recommend going to the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens and Fort Worth Japanese Gardens. If you’re not really into nature, then Deep Ellum is the place to be. There’s great food, great rooftop bars, and you can just walk around and enjoy the shops. No matter who you are and what you enjoy, Deep Ellum has a place for you.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t have started Umber Chocolates if it weren’t for my boyfriend Adam Molitor. He supported my dream from the very beginning when it was still just a question of, “If you could do anything and money didn’t matter, what would make you the happiest?” He is right there beside me when I’m in the kitchen until 2am, sharing with others how proud he is of me and my work, and he knows when to push me to help me succeed.

I definitely want to thank Mitch Siegert of Truman Chocolates for introducing me to the world of chocolates and being my first mentor. He always said, “There’s no such thing as a chocolate emergency,” and that’s a mantra I often repeat to myself when I get stressed out.

I’d also like to thank chef Luis Amado for giving me confidence in my abilities, Debbie of Jetset Chocolates for the tips and tricks on how to get started, and all the kind, supportive chocolatiers that I’ve met along the way.

Website: www.umberchocolates.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umber.chocolates/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/UmberChocolates

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umberchocolatespgh