Empanada Lady Cafe, Verona

After being let go from her corporate job during the 2009 recession, the Empanada Lady decided to go down a new career path—which began with culinary school. During her years at school, she made empanadas for the local merchants and her friends and family. She even landed an account with a local bar, and though it gave her a taste of the business-ownership world, it didn’t last very long. After she got her degree, she gained some experience under other owner, but a hunger top be her own boss lingered in her gut. She became the Empanada Lady at local farmers markets, crafting her own creations, whether it be savory beef and potatoes or sweet banana Nutella. Today, she continues to be the Empanada Lady in her own cafe that also serves a selection of sandwiches, salads, and daily specials.