Australian of the Year Local Heroes urge consumers to support social enterprises

Cafe Stepping Stone: Empowering Refugee and Migrant Women Through Hospitality

For Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, the drive to make a real difference began with a simple yet powerful belief: positive change starts from within. This conviction led them on a journey to empower others through the transformative power of hospitality. A decade ago, they embarked on this mission in colombia, where they, along with a friend, established a cafe that provided training and support to over 40 young people living in poverty over three years.

But their journey took an unexpected turn in 2020 when their Colombian venture was forced to close due to unforeseen circumstances. Undeterred,Brettell and Costello channeled their passion and expertise into a new endeavor: Cafe stepping Stone,a social enterprise dedicated to empowering refugee and migrant women in the UK.

“We want to create a space where women can blossom,” says Brettell. “We offer more then just a job; we provide a supportive community, training, and opportunities for growth.”

Redefining Success: Social Enterprise and Empowering Women

Cafe Stepping Stone operates as a social enterprise, using its profits to fund its mission of empowering women.This unique model allows the cafe to both provide vital services and create a enduring future for itself. By blending social impact with commercial viability, Cafe Stepping stone goes beyond traditional business models, proving that success can be measured in both financial and societal terms.

“We believe in a holistic approach,” explains Brettell. “By providing training and support, we aim to equip these women with the skills and confidence they need to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.”

A Beacon of Empowerment: Vanessa Brettell

Vanessa Brettell’s unwavering commitment to empowering women is evident in everything Cafe Stepping Stone does. As co-founder, she is deeply involved in every aspect of the institution, from developing training programs to building relationships with community partners. Brettell’s passion and expertise have been instrumental in creating the supportive and nurturing habitat that is at the heart of Cafe Stepping Stone’s success.

Brettell shares her vision for the future of Cafe Stepping Stone:

“We aspire to be a leading example of social impact, inspiring others to embrace inclusive business models and create a more equitable world. We envision a future where every refugee and migrant woman has the opportunity to thrive and reach her full potential.”

Cafe Stepping Stone provides a powerful example of how businesses can make a real difference in the lives of others.By integrating social impact into their core operations, Cafe Stepping Stone is not only changing the lives of refugee and migrant women but also demonstrating the transformative power of compassion and entrepreneurship.

For those interested in supporting Cafe stepping Stone’s mission, Brettell extends an invitation:

“We welcome everyone who believes in the power of social change. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, every contribution helps us create a brighter future for refugee and migrant women.”

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redefining success: Social Enterprise and empowering Women

Stepping Stone Cafe isn’t just brewing delicious coffee and serving tasty treats; it’s brewing social change. The cafe,born from a commitment to empower women facing barriers to employment, has become a beacon of opportunity and community spirit in its vibrant neighborhood.

“They’re lovely souls and they have everything within them,” says Sarah Costello, co-founder of Stepping Stone. “They just need the opportunity or the helping hand of someone so that they have the opportunity to unlock that.It’s amazing working with them every day.”

Stepping Stone’s story beautifully illustrates the power of second chances. Nan, a talented kitchen manager, began her journey without formal culinary training. Now, four years later, she radiates confidence, her dedication shining through in her delicious creations and her leadership skills.

“Seeing her development has been amazing,” says Vanessa Brettell, Stepping Stone’s co-founder. “The stability and steady income haven’t only provided Nan security, but allowed her to fully provide for her family,” Brettell explains.

The cafe’s impact extends beyond the kitchen. Stepping Stone is a hub for community engagement. Brettell and Costello carefully curate events addressing social justice concerns. Afternoon craft sessions,quiet reading groups,and even a monthly menopause cafe foster a sense of belonging and connection among participants.

“A lot of the ladies felt detached, seeing limited interaction beyond their immediate family. Being an active,contributing member within our community empowers them,” shares Costello. Witnessing these connections, she says, is deeply gratifying.

their dedication to fostering a supportive community and empowering women earned Brettell and Costello the prestigious title of “Australia’s Local Heroes” for 2025.Celebrating their remarkable achievements at the Australian of the Year Awards ceremony in Canberra, they remain committed to expanding Stepping Stone’s reach, mentoring more aspiring women and solidifying its position as a shining example of social enterprise principles in action.

A Beacon of Empowerment: Interview with Cafe Stepping Stone Co-Founder Vanessa Brettell

Stepping Stone Cafe isn’t just another Melbourne café; it’s a vibrant hub of hope and empowerment for women from diverse backgrounds. Vanessa Brettell, the co-founder of this remarkable social enterprise, shares Stepping Stone’s inspiring story, its impact on the community, and its vision for the future.

A Vision Born from Empathy

The genesis of Stepping Stone Cafe stemmed from a deep-seated desire to empower women and bridge the gap for those facing employment barriers. “We saw many talented women struggling to find their footing in the Australian job market,” Brettell explains. “We envisioned a space where they could acquire valuable skills,build confidence,and create a brighter future for themselves.”

stepping Stone Cafe operates differently from traditional businesses; it’s a social enterprise with a dual mission: to provide delicious coffee and meals while empowering women through training programs and job opportunities.

Challenging the Profit-Driven Paradigm

Brettell advocates for a basic shift in how businesses operate. “We believe that the for-profit model is outdated,” she states boldly. “It’s time to prioritize people and planet over profit.” She believes that businesses should leverage their profits to drive social development and positive change. “We really need to start putting people and planet before profit and just using the profits that businesses make to achieve social development and goals,” she emphasizes.

A Voice for the Marginalized

Stepping Stone Cafe is particularly dedicated to supporting migrant and refugee women navigating the complexities of settling into a new country.”We want to be a voice for migrant and refugee women who are having difficulties in their settlement process in Australia,” Brettell affirms, highlighting her commitment to social justice and inclusion.

Through its programs and initiatives, Stepping Stone Cafe empowers these women, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive in their new home.

Measuring Success: Beyond profits

Stepping Stone Cafe defines success not solely by financial gain but by the positive impact it has on the lives of the women it serves. “We measure our social impact by tracking things like the number of women who have completed our training programs, found employment, and built confidence,” Brettell explains. The cafe also collects feedback from participants to continuously improve its programs and ensure they are meeting the needs of the community.

Stepping Stone Cafe is more than just a café; it’s a testament to the power of entrepreneurship to create positive change. It’s a beacon of hope,a catalyst for empowerment,and a reminder that businesses can be a force for good.

Cafe Stepping Stone: Where Empowerment Meets delicious coffee

Stepping Stone isn’t just any cafe; it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity for women striving for a better life. More than just serving up aromatic coffee and delectable pastries, Stepping Stone is committed to a powerful mission: empowering women through job training, skill development, and holistic support.

“Our primary focus is on empowering women and creating social impact,” shares a spokesperson for Stepping Stone. “We believe profits should be reinvested into furthering our mission of supporting underserved communities and creating a more equitable society.”

This commitment to social good resonates deeply with the women who walk through Stepping Stone’s doors.Many arrive with limited work experience, eager to learn and grow. With Stepping Stone’s guidance, they blossom into skilled baristas, chefs, and even managers, transforming their lives in profound ways.

One inspiring example is Nan, a woman who joined Stepping Stone without any formal culinary training. Through the cafe’s supportive environment and mentorship, she has flourished, becoming a confident leader in the kitchen, a role model for other women.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to witness the transformations within our Stepping Stone family,” says the spokesperson. “Seeing her growth, both personally and professionally, is deeply fulfilling.”

Stepping Stone goes beyond simply providing job opportunities.They understand that true empowerment requires a multifaceted approach. The cafe offers a range of initiatives to support the women in their journey:

English Language Classes: helping women enhance their interaction skills.
Career Guidance: Providing personalized support to navigate career paths.
social Events: Fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Workshops: Covering essential topics like financial literacy, health, and well-being.Looking ahead, Stepping Stone dreams big. They aspire to expand their reach, becoming a catalyst for positive change in their community and beyond. “Our dream is to empower more women, create a network of supportive spaces, and ultimately demonstrate that businesses can be forces for good in the world,” shares the spokesperson.

For individuals and businesses who want to join this impactful mission, the message is clear:

“Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Whether it’s volunteering time, sharing our story, or simply choosing to patronize our cafe, you are directly supporting women’s empowerment and social change. Together, let’s build a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

How does The Bloom Project’s program help women gain financial independence?

Empowering Women: An Interview with Sarah Jones, Founder of The Bloom Project

The Bloom Project, a social enterprise coffee shop based in sydney, provides a platform for women overcoming adversity to rebuild their lives through skills training, mentorship, and a strong sense of community. Sarah Jones, the founder, shares insights into The Bloom Project’s journey, it’s impact on the community, and her vision for a more inclusive future.

A Passion For Second Chances

“My journey began with a deep-seated belief that everyone deserves a second chance,” shares Sarah Jones. “I saw countless talented women facing obstacles that prevented them from reaching their full potential. The Bloom Project was born out of a desire to create a safe and supportive space where they could blossom and thrive.”

More Than Just Coffee

The Bloom project is not your average cafe. Its mission goes beyond serving tasty coffee and pastries; it’s about empowering women through meaningful opportunities.

Q: How does The Bloom Project uniquely support women facing challenges?

“We offer a comprehensive program that combines practical job training in barista skills, kitchen operations, and customer service with mentorship, financial literacy workshops, and life coaching. We recognize that each woman’s journey is unique, so we tailor our support to their individual needs and aspirations.”

Breaking Down Barriers

“The Bloom Project creates a space where women can feel valued and empowered, irrespective of their past experiences,” Jones emphasizes. “Our aim is to break down societal barriers and provide a path towards financial independence and self-reliance.”

Q: What impact has The Bloom Project had on the lives of the women you’ve supported?

“The transformations we’ve witnessed are truly inspiring. We’ve seen women overcome personal challenges, gain confidence, and build triumphant careers. One woman, who was once a single mother struggling to make ends meet, is now a lead barista and a role model for other aspiring entrepreneurs,” shares Jones with pride.

A Brighter Future

The Bloom Project’s vision extends beyond individual empowerment. Sarah Jones dreams of a world where every woman has the chance to reach her full potential.

“we hope to be a catalyst for social change, inspiring others to embrace social enterprise and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all,” jones concludes. “Together, we can build a brighter future where everyone has the chance to bloom.”