Help The Baklava Lady Find A Home

  • A
  • E
45 donors
0% complete

$3,499 raised of $20K

Help The Baklava Lady Find A Home

Donation protected
Hi all!

I’m reaching out for support because I'm about to embark on my biggest adventure yet as The Baklava Lady!

Many of you already know that I started my small business out of something that has always been my greatest passion- baking! Since my kids were very little, I’ve made baklava for birthdays, celebrations, and sometimes just for fun. It’s always been my specialty, and has always been in high demand by those that know me. ;-)



Somewhat recently, I decided to make it my livelihood! As The Baklava Lady, I’ve been delivering my vegan Turkish treats to restaurants, selling them at markets, catering them to events, delivering them locally to people who have ordered direct, and even managed to host a few pop-up restaurants of my own. And it's all been a blast. I love being busy! But- all this booming business has meant a LOT of running around! In my spare time, I have also been baking all the vegan treats at my local bakery each week. However, I've just gotten the news that my friends at the bakery have decided to close their doors. You may have heard that when one door closes, another opens...



With my business steadily growing, I think it's time for me to seize this opportunity to open up my own storefront- The Baklava Lady Cafe!

It’s always been my dream to have my own cafe: selling my homemade sweet treats, breads, and much more! My unique take on traditional Turkish desserts and cuisine is something that you won’t find anywhere else. But food is only one spoke in the wheel. I want a place where I can display Turkish culture, art, and literature of all kinds. I want it to be a place where people can gather; a safe space for people of all backgrounds. "Community" is what I want The Baklava Lady Cafe to be about. A local place for events, a meeting place for clubs, and even cooking classes!

Of course, I'll be sticking to my vegan roots in this new venture, because I believe no other living being needs to be harmed for our consumption. It's also the most ecologically responsible decision I could make, as the health of our earth is very important to me. I don’t use any animal products in the making of my food. As my vegan and non-vegan customers alike will tell you, they don't miss it! Ask them if my desserts are delicious!



As a single mother of three, I understand what it's like to build yourself up, build your family up, and even build your own community up. I want to do more for our community. But I can't do it without the help of my existing community. That’s why I’m asking for your help now. You guys are my community. Let's make something great together.

Why am I raising money?
The bakery closing was completely unexpected, and I thought I would have more time to save up for this. I need about $40,000 to cover equipment and my first 6 month's expenses. I only have some funds saved and not enough to get this started safely, but the location is great, the rent is great, and I have a once in a lifetime opportunity to get a great deal on all of the equipment I need. If I don't do this now, the next time is going to likely cost me double. That's why I'm asking for your help. You have the chance to make a dream come true, and help me build this community together.

Who is The Baklava Lady?
The Baklava Lady's Instagram 

What kind of food might The Baklava Lady Cafe serve?
Check out my Plantlovinturk Instagram account  for ideas! :-)

A Rewarding GoFundMe Donation
In addition to feeling good about supporting the local community, all donations of $100 or more will receive a full tray (at least 50 pieces!!) of baklava, fresh from the The Baklava Lady Cafe's oven!! *Pick up will be available after the cafe opens.

And that's not all! Everyone that donates will personally be invited to our Grand Pre-Opening celebration!! This is all possible because of you guys! :-)

Organizer

Naciye Emren
Organizer
Manalapan, NJ
  • Business
  • Donation protected

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee