Aaron Naden is taking Salem by storm—one business at a time. If you have been downtown since 2016 you have probably seen at least one, if not more, of his companies. He started Bearded Oregon in July 2016 and his husband opened Flowers in the Alley in October 2020. Continuing their entrepreneurial ambitions, they established Capitol Menswear in July of 2021, then Capitol Apothecary in August of the same year.
This bearded businessman has been in and out of Salem most of his life but settled here with his husband about seven years ago. Aaron takes great pride in being part of the downtown Salem community—wanting to see it continue to flourish. He recently joined the Board of Directors for Salem Main Street Association, a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that “provides the opportunity for interested persons to collaborate and participate in advocating for a vibrant Downtown Salem.” The SMSA helps organize events such as the First Friday Art Walk and the recent holiday lights downtown.
Aaron was also instrumental in spearheading this past summer’s pride event downtown. He was excited to celebrate during pride month while not interfering with the annual Capitol Pride event in the park which typically takes place in the late summer.
Next time you are downtown stop in and visit Aaron’s businesses. But first, let’s stop and take a peek at what makes this entrepreneur and community activist tick.
What is your favorite thing about Salem?
I love Salem’s potential in where it’s situated, the climate we have, and the diversity of people we are home to.
What is your favorite thing to do in Salem?
An autumn walk through Minto Brown with my husband and our Yorkipoo. Also, dining at our fabulous locally-owned restaurants.
What name would you pick for yourself other than your current name?
I like my name, but it might be fun to spell it differently. A Starbucks barista once spelled it “Ehren” and that was intriguing.
If you could meet your 18-year-old self, what advice would you give them?
So much advice. Most importantly, don’t be so hard on yourself.
What subject do you wish you knew more about?
I wish I would’ve pursued art more. I would love to sit down and paint something beautiful.
What is the best compliment you have received?
Being told that I’m helping make significant change in a community is a wonderful compliment and hopefully, I can look back and agree.
Who has influenced you the most and how?
I had two teachers in high school who both said “in order to know what you believe, you must know what you don’t believe. That’s how you develop your worldview.” That’s really stuck with me.
Do you have a secret talent, if so what is it?
Gosh, I wish I did. I like to think I’m a dog whisperer.
Quiet night at home or night on the town?
I’ve always been a night-on-the-town person, but am definitely preferring quiet nights at home more often as I get older.
Chinese or Mexican food?
Mmm Mexican food is bomb here in Salem. Gotta go with that.
Stage play or a concert?
Depends on what it is. Probably a concert.
Sweet or dill pickles?
Dill for sure. Gotta be crisp though.
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 15 (Feb/Mar 2023)