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

Life partners for 21 years and business partners for 16, Gina A. Razete (right) and Cathy Groene bring individual talents to their real estate business, CGR Development Corporation. A real estate broker and general contractor for more than 30 years, Razete is dedicated to creating sustainable, environmentally friendly communities and has been involved with organizations like the Green Building Initiative. Groene brings her design experience, gained over the course of 20 years as the owner of a commercial photography studio, to CGR’s exclusive gay and lesbian communities—Carefree Cove near Boone, N.C., and the Resort on Carefree Boulevard in North Ft. Myers, Fla. “Know your project or product very well and be the best at what you do,” Groene advises aspiring entrepreneurs. “Don’t let labels or naysayers get in the way of making your dream come true.”