Super(ette) Woman
Although the food and beverage industry has been historically male dominated, women have been involved in restauranteur-ing for as long as there have been restaurants. However, it is only now becoming more and more diverse due to the tenacity and determination these women have in a demanding and challenging industry.
Meet Maya Velesko of Superette Wine + Provisions
Maya Velesko is making waves in the Greater Gainesville food and beverage industry as the owner of Superette Wine + Provisions. As a woman in a traditionally male dominated field, she is using her unique perspective to bring a sustainable concept to both her staff and patrons.
“I’ve been working in hospitality my whole life. My first job was serving in restaurants at 14, and my experience then was very different than it is now,” Velesko said. “It was highly toxic, male-dominated and chauvinistic. The timely changes for equality caused the landscape of the hospitality industry, and countless others, to be completely transformed since those days. In many ways, it is unrecognizable. More recently, impacts from the pandemic–not all of which were negative–caused changes to our industry as well.”
Velesko is a social activist and entrepreneur specializing in business operations, founding several successful hospitality businesses in GG. From early farm-to-table restaurants to the establishment of a culinary incubator, her experience in sustainability and community has underpinned her 33 years in service.
“I want my team to feel safe, valued and appreciated. I personally know how hard it is to feel those things in the service industry. If I can impart that onto my staff — leading them to feel more fulfillment and happiness –– directly translates to the positive experience of our guests.”
Velesko feels that being a female in the industry gives her a unique advantage. She believes that women are naturally detail oriented.
“I have mostly women on my staff, and they are excellent at helping to create a warm atmosphere and welcoming space. Also, it’s my experience that women tend to be more adept with their intuition and anticipation of guest needs and expectations, a great asset to executing our goal of enlightened hospitality.”
Velesko’s passion and dedication to her craft inspire other women to join the industry, helping to break down the barriers of a male-dominated field. With her unique perspective and expertise, she is revolutionizing GG’s food and wine scene.
“Despite the ongoing challenges of our industry, my joy of service and creating bonds with my guests has kept me doing what I love. It’s where my heart is,” said Velesko. “The pandemic permanently transformed how we do business in the hospitality industry, and the conditions are prime for more women to take the lead.”
By Deborah Holmén, M.Ed., NBCT.