February 11, 2018
BBW Member interview with: Amelia Childs, Owner CrepeBerry Vegetarian Cafe
What is your name and occupation?
Amelia Childs, Owner CrepeBerry Vegetarian Cafe
What is your instagram handle?
@crepeberrywellesley
How long have you been a Boston Business Women’s Member?
Less than a year
Were you born and raised in Boston? If not, what brought you here?
I grew up in Norwell, MA and moved to the city for college.
Tell us more about your job or company and what led you to your career?
CrepeBerry is a vegetarian cafe. We specialize in crepes, acai bowls, salads, wraps, smoothies, and organic coffee. I have been a vegan since I was 14 years old, there weren't a lot of options for vegans so I had to figure out how to cook and make it work. In college I would find myself compulsively cooking and baking in the kitchen. When I graduated with a BFA in Photography I was hired as a marketing sales rep. for Fujifilm Cameras and was making my own schedule, I was nervous talking to people so I got a job as a part time barista to force myself to have to talk with a lot of strangers everyday. I absolutely fell in love. I quit my job in marketing and became a full time barista, my friends and family thought I had completely lost my mind. I worked my way up pretty quickly in the cafe world from barista, to manager, to general manager, to multi-unit general manager, and three days after my 26th birthday an opportunity to open my own shop in Newton Highlands fell into my lap. A year and a half later I opened CrepeBerry in Wellesley Hills. My goal has always been to make vegetarian food accessible to people. I don't like using fake meats or ``weird`` ingredients. Most of my customers over the years haven't even realized that my cafes didn't serve meat!! They just saw things on the menu that they knew they would enjoy so continued coming back!
What would your clients say about you and your company?
My customers love us because all of the food at CrepeBerry is made with love and fresh ingredients.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
When I opened my first café, The Broken Grounds Vegetarian Café & Juice Bar, the man, Joe, who owned the Highlands Service Station next door to me told me ``There are going to be days, especially when you start, where almost no one will come in. And you'll start driving yourself crazy wondering what you did wrong, wondering if your customers are ever going to come back in or if it's all going to be over. When that happens just breathe and know some days that's just how it is, the following day could be your best day ever``.
What’s your favorite book?
How to Win Friends & Influence People- Dale Carnegie
What’s your secret weapon?
I do reiki and meditate frequently. It keeps me grounded and helps energize me when work starts to feel overwhelming.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Relax and trust the process, where you are is not who you are, starting at the bottom and putting in those countless hours while not making a lot of money as a barista WILL pay off.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I go skydiving before making any big career decisions. It puts everything into perspective for me.
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Thank you so much Amelia for sharing with us!
Wish to become a member? We’d LOVE to officially invite you to join the inner circle of the Boston Business Women organization! Whether you are starting a new business or looking to advance your career, Boston Business Women (BBW) is the place to be for working women and women business owners who want to connect, learn and grow personally and professionally.Check out all the BBW Member Perks and invest in yourself today!
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