Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaac Lozano.
Isaac, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m originally from East Chicago, IN- the south shore of Lake Michigan. To place it lightly, this part of Indiana has a different culture than the rest of the state. We were built upon the close-fisted, hard-working, steel-making immigrants that settled here as early as the turn of the century. Far away from the European and Latin-American lands they formerly called home. Many of whom escaped acrimonious conditions in the attempt to try their luck and grit in the economies of Chicago.
Northwest Indiana is as much Chicagoland, as it is the Indiana Dunes. As much hot dogs with no ketchup, as it is carne asadas for the 4th of July. And as many ‘windy’ political characters as in neighboring theaters in Illinois.
Like many in his time, my father immigrated to NWI in the mid-70s in search of work in the steel mills. He reached this milestone and continued working in that trade for many years thereafter. I grew up with the sons and daughters of the steelmaking industry – it helped shape my character and global purview. I can equally accredit my familial values of academic rigor, manual labor, and freshly made tortillas to the reason why I was so curious at an early age. I remember asking myself scrolls of questions about what life could be like in foreign lands; their definitions of normal within music, dance, and gastronomy. Could they differ from what I’ve known in ‘this place’- is it possible that neighboring communities could have nuances to here?
My curiosity, in tandem with my hunger for more, led me through both personal and professional journeys that has helped define my adult life. My first step was graduating from high school with honors- check. Graduating from an Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelors Degree- check. Teaching English in Ecuador for a year and learning a new culture- check. Graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with an MBA- check. Hiking over 800 miles of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) through the Iberian Peninsula- check. Traveling to over 20 countries, and counting- check. Founding my own food start-up, TeaSquares, with like-minded and driven colleagues- check. Creating a career that’s both professionally rewarding, and provides social & economic stewardship- check!
In this crossroads (both literal and figurative), I received a calling to leave, to travel, and to experience the cathartic. I felt the desire to see, listen, and taste the places that were difficult to pronounce.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It absolutely has not been a smooth road to where I am today- and I value every moment of it. I’ve hit countless obstacles throughout my journey to the present day. Throughout my life, I’ve encountered nay-sayers and cognitive dissonance in others. I’ve perfected the art of refining my social and professional circles to operate lean. Whether it be as a result of diverging life paths, or just plain detoxification, I believe it can serve as a conduit for healthier living. I don’t have time for non-constructive endeavors. I’ve learned over the years to channel those obstacles/frustrations/negative energies into my hobbies. For example, photography, running, and planning upcoming travels abroad (usually researching etymology, history, food, and dance). I find these activities relaxing and allow my creative side to take over my life canvas.
Please tell us about TeaSquares.
TeaSquares are the first caffeinated snack bars through the use of tea powder. They’re designed to help fuel your focus and to accomplish more throughout your day. They are great at work, on-the-go, and before a workout. TeaSquares was founded by my 3 partners and me in 2016 as a result of converging research, resilience, and ideologies. We founded TeaSquares with 2 missions: 1) To Fuel Your Passions through healthy, caffeinated snacking, and 2) To Fuel Economic Development by providing both employment and entrepreneurial training to youth from underserved communities.
I’m the Co-founder and VP of Operations at TeaSquares. I help ensure that we’re able to keep the lights on and always meeting deadlines. More specifically, I’m responsible for monitoring performance and building efficiencies within our production processes. But, as is the case with so many startups, our team operates lean. And, I find myself wearing many different hats for the progression of our company. One of my roles at TeaSquares has been the building of a Fellowship program for our employees that give them the agency to grow their business acumen through project-based work within TeaSquares.
Along with TeaSquares being an energizing and tasty snack, I believe our missions and business culture are foundational differentiators. Our team isn’t afraid of learning from their mistakes and doesn’t fail at the opportunity to support each other, both personally and professionally. We take every opportunity to grow our brand and to serve as stewards of positive economic change in the Chicagoland area.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had a time machine to go back and speak with my younger self, I’d tell him to always keep his values in mind. To allow his values to serve as a lighthouse toward the shores of enlightenment. To keep calm and remain headstrong. To receive every challenge as a learning opportunity, and to provide growth opportunities for everyone around him.
Pricing:
- TeaSquares- 3 ct. Variety Pouches (2.25 oz, 16 squares) – $11.99 ONLINE
- TeaSquares- 12 ct. Variety SingleServe Packs (0.7 oz. 4 squares)- $18.00 ONLINE
Contact Info:
- Address: 157 W 75th St.
Chicago, IL 60620 - Website: www.myteasquares.com
- Phone: 312-284-1013
- Email: isaac@myteasquares.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myteasquares/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myteasquares/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/myteasquares?lang=en
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/TeaSquares/pages/15336548011
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