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 classically trained violinist and violist, Johnell Nicole Lawrence knew early on that music was going to be an essential part of her life. She began violin lessons at just three years old, and has since toured the world with several orchestras and bands. By her mid-twenties, she realized that music programs were dying in many school systems, and launched the Lawrence String Organization to share the gift with as many young people as possible. LSO began as a modest violin studio and has expanded into a full music academy offering violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, piano, drums and voice lessons, with chamber orchestra coming soon. In her capacity as a booking agent, Lawrence also arranges musicians for special occasions, especially civil unions and commitment ceremonies in the Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. “While living your dream, you must enjoy the moment and surround yourself with tons of love,” Lawrence says. “Hang with positive, ambitious people who inspire you to live up to your full potential and be your best self.”