Biz X Magazine January 2011 : Page 28
Profiling Local Women In Business Story & Photo By Lisa Rene-de-Cotret Meet Virginia Bray, she likes to make you smile while she fills your stomach with food and a hot cup-o-java. In 2008 she opened Evolve Many thought that Bray had gone mad Café, 8061 Wyandotte Street East, in Olde when she decided venture into a business in Riverside. the middle of an economic meltdown. “We serve specialty coffee, tea, soups, salads, and signature sandwiches along with our all day breakfast,” explains Bray. Pastries and ice cream (in the warm months) are also offered. Evolve Café (www.evolvecafe.ca) is unique because of its customers, and the atmosphere. “Evolve is a comfy little place off the beaten path, where you can come and enjoy sitting quietly alone,” says the owner. “However, you won't be alone for long because everyone says hello and somewhere along the line strikes up a conversation.” Bray chose to start this business in her home town with assistance from several professionals. “I invested $250,000 into the business and that includes all of the equipment,” divulges Bray. “I had a vision of what I wanted the cafe to be.” The next step after meeting with her bankers was the location. “I knew I wanted it to be in a house,” remembers Bray. “A friend at the time who was also an agent saw my vision and he worked Owner of Evolve Café, Virginia Bray enjoys a hard to find me the right place – when this creamy cup of coffee in her unique establishment. house became available, we put an offer in.” Brewing Up A Pot Of Success At Evolve Cafe “I started my business in an economic crisis – some people thought I was crazy – however, I believe if you have a dream, there is no time like the present,” says Bray. “I only have one life and I didn’t want to have any regrets.” And now, over two years later, Bray and her team of five welcome customers to the café from Monday to Saturday. “I am very grateful to have such a loyal team that works so well together,” expresses the owner, “I have a wonderful support system.” Bray’s entire family pitches in to make the business successful. Her son takes care of all of the technical issues and her daughter advises and helps out when she can. Her mother dishes out sound advice and also recipe ideas, and her father is as regular as clockwork for lunch. Bray’s friends also give her the encouragement she needs, and a helping hand if necessary. The only experience she had in the kitchen was to entertain her family and friends – it was her love of people that drove her to open the business. “I like to bring them together and make them feel important,” says Bray. “I didn’t have a business plan but I had a dream and a passion to fulfill it.” X 28 BIZ X MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011