Queer Women We Love, Red Hot Entrepreneurs, Wonder Women

Workin’ It 2010

November 8, 2010 Cheryle Burke, Kat Long

Some chefs spend years in pricey culinary institutes trying to master natural foods. Deborah Gavito, proprietor of the snazzy NYC vegetarian restaurant Counter, learned the art of cooking with seasonal produce and edible weeds from her grandmothers. Gavito’s early fascination with natural cooking has grown into a long-time dedication to local and sustainable foods: her first venture, an all-natural baked goods business called Body & Soul, debuted in 1993. She sold her scrumptious treats at the Union Square Greenmarket, where she developed an appreciation for family farmers, and earned enough dough (pun intended) to open Counter in 2003. As Counter’s proprietor, Gavito designs fresh vegetarian fare, biodynamic wines and cleverly named organic vodka martinis (one is called “The Angry Lesbian”). “I waited on tables years and years ago, but other than that, I’ve only worked for myself,” Gavito says. “I don’t think I could take orders from any one else.”

45 of 2010’s Red Hot Entrepreneurs

Davone Madison—or “Bosslady,” as she’s affectionately been named by her peers—is the founder and CEO of Dollhouse Enterprises, Inc., a chain of networking groups in New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Toronto for professional lesbians and bisexual women. She also hosts Dollhouse Kids, a monthly mixer for gay families. This year Madison launched the Dollhouse Media Group, overseeing the Dollhouse Life Chat online radio show and other media projects, including a reality show about her busy life. Recently Madison garnered several nominations in the forthcoming Urban Nightlyfe Awards, a reflection on her innate talent for networking among and nurturing the lesbian community. “I believe the key to success is—no matter how many obstacles and walls stand in your way—keep doing what you believe in,” Madison says. “Your dedication, passion, and love for what you do will knock down all obstacles.”