Introducing another member of our dedicated team - Madeline! Not only our head of shipping, she also sorts cocoa beans in the salon and packages in production. If you’ve ever received a package from Videri, Madeline has been the one to send it on its journey to you. Let’s get to know her a bit more, below!

Meet: Madeline

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

Worked at Videri Since: 2021

Position: Shipping Coordinator & MVP

Hey there, Madeline!

Why work at a chocolate factory, and specifically Videri?

I applied at Videri because there are no nuts, woo! But really, I came here as a kid because it was always a safe space for me since I have a nut allergy. I would always get hot chocolates and chewy salted caramel bonbons. My double feature birthdays consisted of Videri Chocolate Factory and Boxcar Arcade starting at the age of 12. You are talking to an air hockey master… I’m pretty good at it. That and Galaga, which is such a fun game.

What’s one thing you love about working at Videri?

The people. They are some of the most genuine people I have met in my life and I met my two closest friends while working behind the retail counter.

Any embarrassing stories that you wish to share?

Well we could start with playing soccer with empty cardboard boxes after close and end with my coworker playing scary music when I was taking out the trash (thanks).

If you could see one band in concert, living or dead, who would they be?

Beastie Boys, no question. The song Alive, specifically. “It could be nice to be alive…” too true.

What other artists do you look up to?

I’m a big fan of “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” by George Seurat.

In Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want,” by The Smiths is playing and the camera zooms in on the painting, specifically the little girl, until she is so blurred you can hardly see her. In the film, Cameron —a pessimistic, moody guy who hates his life — has a moment where he sees himself in the little girl. It was almost like when you watch a movie and you see yourself, and its a shocking moment like “that’s me,” but you don’t entirely want it to be…? That was the moment I had watching the movie and I guess it’s the kind of moment Cameron was having looking at the little girl in the painting. (I am him, he is me; twins)

When you’re not at work, where can we find you?

Most of the time, I don’t really go anywhere. The Taco Bell Drive Thru at 1 am? You could probably find me there… or walking around my neighborhood. Not necessarily a “hot girl walk,” though, more of a contemplating-the-meaning-of-life walk. Walking in cemeteries is fun. :)

Give us 5 songs to accompany a walk of your caliber. (And what would you name the playlist?)

Here is my walking playlist: Songs That Everyone Should Know and Listen to if They Relate to Cameron from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off:

“Leave Me Alone” - New Order
“Feel the Pain” - Dinosaur Jr.
“This is Hell” - Elvis Costello
“Back to the Old House” - The Smiths
“All Tomorrow’s Parties” - The Velvet Underground

I know you love vinyls, where do you go to hunt them down?

Oooh, love a good record. Shout out: Nice Price Books and Records— take all my money (in a good way). I got a free tote bag there since I spend so much money. I have over fifty records and I’m usually on Pinterest or reading a book while I’m listening to one. My favorite record that I have is Goo by Sonic Youth. I’m in desperate need of any records by the Cocteau Twins or Joy Division.

So we know you jive with introspective cinema and melancholy punk. How do you express yourself in other avenues of life?

Well, my red tattoos can be considered pretty sick nasty. I think tattoos are a good way to express yourself because there are so many different styles. You can show who you are without giving away too much. Plus they’re fun to look at.

I like funky silver jewelry, stars, lace, moody natural colors, and Doc Marten’s.

What are some of your favorite foods? And what is your go to Taco Bell order?

Pomegranate seeds, Cheez-Its, farfalle pasta with sharp cheddar, and butter beans.

Number 7 with a root beer, thank you! That includes a chicken quesadilla with jalapeno sauce and one crunchy taco. Shout out Ivy for introducing me to heaven on earth (in a crunchy shell).

What’s your current favorite chocolate bar, and what do you love about it?

75% Colombia Single Origin bar. It’s everything you could want in a chocolate bar! The flavor! The texture! Perfect, perfect, perfect…

What’s your favorite seasonal bonbon, and why?

Lavender Black Pepper Caramel. Its a combination I didn’t expect to work so beautifully. The black pepper enhances the lavender and adds lovely depth.