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

Jacq Jones is the owner of Baltimore’s women- and trans-operated sex toy store Sugar. “I’ve been out as queer my entire career,” Jones says. “I’ve very intentionally chosen to work in environments in which it was safe to be out.” With a degree in women’s studies and working experience in reproductive healthcare, Jones has brought her advocacy for sexual health to venues ranging from college campuses to The Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival. She’s turned her knack for teaching about sex and relationships into a popular for-profit business. “Sugar has been blessed with amazing staff, a supportive community and fabulous customers,” Jones says, crediting her many colleagues with the store’s success. “Without the people who trust us with their purchases, we wouldn’t be here. And, my wife has been amazing and provided me with the space and emotional and financial support to get the business off the ground.”