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

A longtime executive in the airline and travel industry, Veronica Jimenez parlayed her senior management experience at a large New York City travel agency into her own biz, New Concepts Travel, Inc. Since 1995, Jimenez’ agency has offered corporate travel booking services, vacation planning, and private or group tours to far-flung world destinations. “After working for others for many years, I decided to trust in my own abilities and strike out on my own,” Jimenez says. “I knew all it took was a little confidence and a strong belief in myself. I wanted to take control of my own livelihood and not be dependent on others.” It’s clear Jimenez built her business with a personal passion for travel, but the question remains—does she ever get a well-deserved vacation?