A business woman from Blackwood who’s scooped two awards for her café and community efforts has said the real reward has been the praise from her customers.
Esther Apoussidis, owner of Coffee Continental in Blackwood town centre, was thrilled to receive the ‘Woman in Business’ award at Caerphilly Business Forum Awards last month.
This came on top of her win in the “Keeping up Appearances” category award from Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Pride in Your Place awards. It recognises what individuals, organisations, businesses and voluntary groups have achieved to make the environment cleaner, greener, aesthetically more pleasing and a better place to live.
Esther, who is an active member of Caerphilly Tourism Association, puts her success down to the fact that the business was initiated with a lot of thought and care into the location, aesthetics of the premises and the product quality.
She said “I was absolutely thrilled and delighted to receive this prestigious award. It just shows that a woman can succeed, despite all obstacles, in the world of business and get recognition for it.
“It was not an easy road to travel: there were times of immense fatigue, juggling so much, but the true reward is in receiving the ongoing praise and support of our customers.”
Coffee Continental attracts visitors from the local area and various networking groups including a German group.