Aidan Stark-Chessa

📧 aidanstarkchessa@gmail.com
📞 (207) 420-6551
🔗 LinkedIn
📷 Instagram: @Aidan_StarkChessa
🌐 aidanstarkchessa.com

About

I am a senior at Bates College studying Philosophy with a concentration in Religious Studies and a minor in Rhetoric. My work sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship, storytelling, and community building. I founded Weeping Willow Co., a beverage company producing a non-alcoholic cocktail called Honeysuckle, which won the Bobcat Ventures entrepreneurship competition at Bates College. My experience spans digital marketing, hospitality, and brand development, where I focus on building products and stories that resonate with people and communities. Outside of work, I am the captain of Bates Ultimate’s Orange Whip, and I’m interested in craft, food systems, and collaborative creative spaces. Expected Graduation: May 2026

Experience

Founder

Weeping Willow Co. LLC — Portland, ME / Hybrid
2023 – Present: Co-founded a beverage company producing a non-alcoholic cocktail brand, Honeysuckle.Winner of the Bobcat Ventures Entrepreneurship Competition (2024). Lead product development, production logistics, and distribution strategy. Managed branding, storytelling, and direct-to-consumer marketing

Marketing Specialist

Get Maine Lobster — Portland, ME / Remote
2021 – 2024Developed digital marketing campaigns and brand storytelling for a national seafood company.Created social media content across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X. Executed viral campaigns that increased audience engagement and reach. Produced blog content and assisted with product launches and branding

Bartender / Server / Host

Street & Company — Portland, ME
2022 – PresentWorked in a high-volume fine dining restaurant known for seafood and hospitality.Delivered high-quality guest service in a demanding dining environmentAssisted in cocktail preparation and bar operations. Communicated with French-speaking guests to improve the dining experience

Server

Florabella — Missoula, MT
Summer 2025Fine dining Italian restaurant. Guided guests through food and wine pairings. Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure efficient service

Co-Founder

Procure Maine — Falmouth, ME
2020 – 2021Launched a pandemic-response concierge service delivering essential goods within 24 hours.Built a website and sales strategy within two weeksPartnered with local businesses to source products. Earned media coverage in The Boston Globe

Leadership & Community

Captain — Bates Orange Whip (Ultimate Frisbee)
2024 – Present
Lead team logistics, tournament coordination, and organizational operations. Board Member — SafeBAE
2020 – 2024
Worked with a national youth-led organization focused on sexual violence prevention and advocacy.Youth Advisory Board — Maine Boys to Men
2019 – 2022
Hosted The Youth Take podcast discussing masculinity, consent, and violence prevention.

Skills

Marketing & MediaSocial media strategyContent creationBrand storytellingViral campaign developmentEntrepreneurshipProduct developmentStartup operationsDirect-to-consumer marketingCommunicationPublic speakingCommunity organizingConversational French

Education

Bates College — Lewiston, Maine
Bachelor of Arts, Major: Philosophy
Minor: Rhetoric
Concentration: Religious Studies, Expected Graduation: May 2026