Today we’d like to introduce you to Irene Avramidis.
Irene, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I would like to start off by thanking you for giving me the opportunity to tell my story. I am going to try being as short as possible because my story is long. I was born and grew up in South Africa, Johannesburg. I immigrated to Greece in 1998, and in 1999 I met my husband. We got married in Greece in October 2002. In March 2003 we left Greece and we started over in South Africa. I had my son and my daughter there, and then in February 2012 we immigrated to the US and live in Fort Worth. I have been trying to start my own business since I arrived in the US. Life and things just seemed to get in the way. I eventually decided the only way to do what I am passionate about is to stop working. I am so grateful that my husband is so supportive of me. I started a bakery and I am very excited about it. My company’s name is The Golden Crumb Bakery. I bake Organic and Gluten Free. I had a catering company back home. I also have a specialty product that nobody else is making at the moment. I have loved cooking and baking for many years, and my hope and aspirations are to build a successful business. I come with allot of experience and many products that I am excited to introduce. I am so blessed that the US has allowed my family and I to make a life for ourselves here. I do not take the fact that I live here for granted. I thank God every day. It really is exciting to start afresh. My passion growing up has also been Health and Wellness, so the fact that I can bring the best ingredients and make products that are healthy is important.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing worth something and important is a smooth road. There are way too many rules and regulations here. I have had to get so many permits for just a small business. I am very happy to say that I have managed to get everything that I need. Just to outline what I have had to do is register my company. Get a tax number, get a Food Manager’s License, get a manufacturer’s license, liability insurance and also had to find a commercial kitchen that I am renting by the hour. Oh let me not forget that I had to register the commercial kitchen that I am going to work out of with the FDA. I am really proud of the fact that I don’t give up and I just keep going until.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Golden Crumb Bakery – what should we know?
The Golden Crumb Bakery is family owned and we specialize in Greek Short Bread Cookies which we make Organic and Gluten Free. What I am most proud of is that after 6 years in the US, and with allot of determination we are finally trading. What sets us apart is the products we make. The many years’ experience living in South Africa and Greece we have been exposed to so many foods and cultures. Everything we make is from scratch and with only the best quality ingredients. Quality is what is missing today in our foods. Health and Wellness has been very important to me for many years so the fact that I can give people products that are healthy and delicious is exciting.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Well the fact that I don’t give up. No matter the challenge that I am experiencing I always know that it is temporary and that nothing that is worth anything is easy. I have faith that God will always guide me in the right direction and nothing is by chance or coincidence. I am a very positive person and I don’t see something as a negative but as a challenge. Giving up is so easy. I am a very determined person and it is important for me to show my children to never give up.
Pricing:
- Organic and Gluten Free cookies all flavors – $7,50 – 1/2 dozen
- Coconut Macaroons – $8.50 – 1/2 dozen
- Meringues – all colors – $3.50 – 1 dozen
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ireneavr46.wixsite.com/thegoldencrumbbakery
- Phone: 682 234-0021
- Email: ireneavr46@gmail.com
- Facebook: The Golden Crumb Bakery
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