Welcome to The Empowered Oven

A Gluten-Free Bakery with a Purpose — Where Disability Means Possibility

My name is Scerena, and I’ve spent 27 years pouring my heart and soul into the culinary world. I’m a qualified Culinary Chef, Pastry Chef, former café owner, cookbook author, menu consultant, and business advisor. But despite my experience, passion, and talent, my journey has been anything but easy.

I live with multiple disabilities, and I know firsthand the painful reality so many others face — being capable, qualified, and dedicated, yet constantly overlooked and undervalued. I've been let go from positions despite doing everything right. I’ve seen employers give up on me — and I know I’m not alone.

Supported employment pays just $10 per hour. That’s not a wage — that’s survival. It's not enough to raise a family, pay the bills, or build a future. And worst of all? My own son is afraid to seek work because he sees the struggle I’ve faced.

That’s why I’m building something better. I’m creating The Empowered Oven — the first 100% Gluten-Free Bakery in Western Sydney. But this will be much more than a bakery. This will be a movement.

What Makes Us Different?

• All Employees Will Be People With Disabilities — Paid a full, fair wage.

• Every Item Is 100% Gluten-Free — Because I'm a Coeliac, and I know how hard it is to find gluten-free options that actually taste good.

• Original Recipes, Years in the Making — I’ve done the research, the test bakes, the trials — and now, I’m ready to serve joy on a plate.

• A Safe, Empowering Space — This will be more than a workplace. It will be a family. A community. A place to shine.

Why We Need Your Help

To bring The Empowered Oven to life, I need to raise $100,000. These funds will go toward:

• Securing a storefront location

• Purchasing commercial kitchen equipment

• Licenses, insurance, and startup overheads

• Branding, marketing, and packaging

• Hiring and training the first team of empowered staff

This isn’t just a donation. It’s an investment in the future — for me, for my son, for countless others who deserve a real chance.

Imagine walking into a bakery where every smiling face behind the counter is someone who was once told “you’re not good enough” — and now, they’re thriving. That’s the future I’m baking up.

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Support The Empowered Oven. Help Us Rise.

Let’s show the world that disability is not a limitation — it’s a different kind of strength. Help us build a future where everyone is given the opportunity to shine, to work, and to belong.