We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Venezia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Stephanie, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
Just as a coin has two sides, as does every feeling or opinion. For every hater out there who has found something to dislike about my cafe or me personally, there is someone who feels the opposite about those same things. On days when those negative voices get loud or seem overwhelming, I do my best to focus on the positive ones instead. Like the family who is just so grateful to us for doing what we do because their youngest daughter has so many food allergies that she has never had a birthday cake, and now she can. Or the kids who can’t decide what treat they want because, for once, there are TOO MANY choices. Or the customers who love my creative cookie combinations and come in to try every one. THOSE are the voices and the faces I hold on to when the haters are too loud. They help me remember why I do this and take on another day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Aurora’s Cafe and Gifts specializes in Vegan baked goods, breakfast and lunch items, specialty coffees and smoothies, and handcrafted gemstone jewelry. The business was founded in 2022 by husband and wife team Mike and Stephanie Venezia. The vision began in 2007 when Stephanie started Aurora’s Treasures gemstone jewelry, a hobby turned passion and business that went on the road to various craft and vendor events. Baking came into play a little later when Stephanie discovered, while struggling with being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, that dairy was no longer an option. At that time, very few decent dairy free options were available. So, Stephanie began experimenting with Vegan desserts at home and often shared them with friends and family. Through the years, people often encouraged Stephanie to open a bakery to share her delicious baked goods with the world, but it wasn’t until late 2021 that the couple decided the time was right to dive in and make it a reality. Using his knowledge and experience from the US Air Force and his degree in business, Mike got Aurora’s Cafe and Gifts remodeled and up and running, and opened the doors to the public on October 1, 2022.
Aurora’s Treasures still exists as the gift line of Aurora’s Cafe and Gifts, and can be found on display around the cafe lobby. In addition, you can also find a selection of gifts and wares from other local vendors and locally roasted coffee! Available pastries and soups vary from day to day, but typically include cookies, cupcakes, donuts, muffins, and freshly baked bread. While Vegan food is our specialty, we understand food allergies and sensitivities and cater to as many requests as possible. Aurora’s Cafe and Gifts firmly believes that everyone should be able to enjoy going out to eat and a sweet treat!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey so far, I think the most impactful skills have been to EXPERIMENT, to LISTEN, and to TRY AGAIN.
Learning to bake Vegan, before it was cool, was all about experimentation and seeing what worked. Even now, to be successful and stay current, we are always trying new things and new combinations.
After experimentation, learning to listen to feedback and criticism, and not take it personally, is a major skill to learn. Listening to others and inviting collaboration have gifted me some of my best recipes and products!
Lastly, always remember that not everything works out the first time. Sometimes it takes more skill and bravery to pick up the pieces, figure out what went wrong, and make a new strategy, than to just give up. If you do this, your final product may just end up even better than you imagined when you first began!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Aurora’s is always looking for other local artisans and Vegan businesses to collaborate with! Whether it be through product consignment, event collaboration or cross promotion, we are all about supporting our fellow small businesses and Vegan organizations! If you are local to North Syracuse, NY feel free to stop in any time or email us at aurorascafeandgifts@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aurorascafeandgifts.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aurorascafecny/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AurorasCafe
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
