Daily Inspiration: Meet Vasiliki Kizis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vasiliki Kizis.

Hi Vasiliki, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Certainly! As a first-generation Greek-American, I wanted to bring a taste of my culture to the growing city of Charlotte. My mother was an excellent cook and baker, and I wanted to honor her by naming my business after her. I started Gellenis Bakery from my home about five years ago, as I didn’t have the funds for a storefront at the time. While I have since expanded my operations to include online ordering through Google, I rely mainly on word of mouth and customer reviews to promote my business.

At Gellenis Bakery, we use only the freshest, organic, and locally sourced ingredients in our products. Our recipes are true to traditional Greek baking techniques, with some inspiration from pastry chefs in Greece. We take pride in offering unique and authentic flavors to our customers, and we hope to eventually expand our offerings to include a coffee shop as well.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Certainly. When I reflect on my journey with Gellenis Bakery, I can confidently say that it has not been easy or smooth sailing. The biggest challenge I faced was the lack of advertising, which made it difficult to get the word out and attract new customers. Additionally, the cost of ingredients has been a significant hurdle to overcome as I strive to maintain high-quality standards. This has led to price increases, which can be a turnoff for some customers. However, I remain committed to using only organic and natural ingredients sourced from local farmers, even if it means higher costs.

Despite the challenges, I have learned some valuable lessons along the way. One of the most important is the importance of pricing products correctly. I’ve also learned the significance of understanding what my customers want in terms of quantity and packaging, as this can make all the difference in terms of their satisfaction and loyalty. Ultimately, I believe that these lessons have helped me to grow and develop Gellenis Bakery into the successful home-based business it is today.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In terms of my work, I am always focused on improving and perfecting my baked goods and expanding my offerings. I am constantly experimenting with new recipes and incorporating feedback from my customers to create the best possible products. In addition, I am working on finding ways to increase my visibility and reach more customers, such as exploring new advertising and marketing strategies.

As for my dream of owning a coffee shop, I am actively researching and planning for the next steps to make it a reality. This includes finding the right location, developing a business plan, and building a team of skilled and dedicated staff members. I am excited for the future and all the possibilities it holds, and I am grateful for the support of my loyal customers and community along the way.

What are your plans for the future?
In the future, I plan to expand my business and take it to the next level by owning a coffee shop. This includes finding the right location, developing a business plan, and building a team of skilled and dedicated staff members. While I continue to bake and sell my products, I’ve also noticed that my customers appreciate my cooking skills, which has led me to consider the possibility of becoming a personal chef. Starting next week, I’ll be offering customized, in-home meal preparation services through my website. Whether it’s a Greek feast or any other cuisine, I’m excited to bring my passion for cooking to more people and help create memorable dining experiences for them. I am excited for the future and all the possibilities it holds, and I am grateful for the support of my loyal customers and community along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: Gellenis.com