Keep Rawnaissance going!

Hello, my name is Barbora. I am the “wizard behind the curtain”, the creative hands and tastebuds of Rawnaissance. About four and half years ago I decided to open a brick-and-mortar shop/bakery/cafe in a lovely neighborhood of Highlands, which offers an array of guilt free desserts. All of my creations are made with organic ingredients; they’re vegan, gluten-free, raw, free of most allergens, and simply put, made from scratch using wholesome ingredients. It’s something that I felt was missing locally. I realize now, how bold of a move that was, to open a shop with such a niche offering, in a southern city, that is still mostly skeptical about “alternative” diets and lifestyles. But you guys welcomed and embraced Rawnaissance with open arms, and kept it going strong for years!! Fast forward, the past couple of years have been rough, to say the least. The pandemic took its toll on us all, personally and businesses alike. There has been a change of pattern in buying, which we adapted to by launching an online ordering system, and continue adapting as we go. We had some difficulties with expensive refrigeration equipment, and prices of everything went up. With the after effects of pandemic, not only we are struggling to get some main ingredients, but the prices of some recipe staples as nuts and coconut cream, almost doubled over the past 2 years or so. We absorbed all those price increases, as I realize, that the prices of our desserts are already on the high side for lots of you. It’s not easy, and certainly not cheap to create a tasty product of substance that will be free of cheap fillers and artificial ingredients. I would LOVE TO continue doing that. But now, I need your help to keep creating beautiful, delicious and healthy treats for all of Louisville and beyond to enjoy. I’m creating this fundraiser literally from bed, sick and unable to open the shop for several days, after catching covid a day before participating in Bluegrass Vegfest. Yet another setback. Sigh. I’ve painstakingly prepared for this event for days straight, and I projected to sell a lot. This unlucky happenstance was the last straw, making me publicly ask for help here.

Those of you who know me a little know that I’m a fiercely independent being and rarely ask for help. But I’m single and all alone in business, don’t have wealthy parents, and I’ve already sold everything of value I’ve owned to inject Rawnaissance with more and more funds it needs to keep afloat. We have a massive stack of bills and need inventory to keep going. Any amount of money you could kindly contribute would help! If you can’t help financially, please come to the store, buy something, or tell your friends and loved ones to come enjoy a guilt-free dessert. Sharing this fundraiser on your social media or otherwise, would also be very helpful and appreciated!!! I’m not very good with words and it’s hard for me to sum this all up, but honestly, I feel like Rawnaissance is my baby; I’ve dedicated so much time, money and even sacrificed relationships for it to keep it going. Please help if you can. If we raise funds for the initial goal, we will be able to catch up with all the bills and expenses and buy ingredients for inventory, and thus keep the doors opened. Raising money above the initial goal would enable us to hire a kitchen help, thus expanding our menu beyond our current niche offerings (something I’ve personally have been hoping to do for a while now). THANK YOU SO MUCH for your consideration, and ongoing support! Love you guys, truly.

Barbora