A NEW family-run and independent café has opened on Wye Avenue in Bridgwater.
Chloe Rowlinson, the owner of Dodos, decided a career change was in order after she was made redundant from her job as an accountant - an industry which she had 'fallen out of love with'.
Her new venture will provide locals with freshly ground coffee, a selection of homemade cakes and bakes, all day breakfasts, and much more.
Dodos will be open from Tuesday to Saturday each week, and officially first opened its doors for business with a launch event on Tuesday, April 16.
Goodie bags were given to kids, and vouchers were given to the first 100 customers, along with free cupcakes.
Chloe said that already, meeting new people and interacting with the public has brought her great joy and a sense of purpose.
"Being made redundant gave me the push I needed to do something totally different, something out of my comfort zone," she said.
"This new venture, a family run business, is located in a perfect position for a first-time small business owner.
"There isn’t any business like this located nearby."
She also explained how working at a popular café in Taunton is what inspired her to open her own coffee shop.
"Following my redundancy, I started working in The Tea Room at Bath Place, Taunton," Chloe said.
"Working alongside the owner, Jayne Fulcher, has given me the skills I need to embark on this new chapter.
"She has taught me everything I know and this couldn’t have been possible without her support, encouragement and friendship.
"I look forward to welcoming you to Dodos and thank you for your continued support."
Diogo Rodrigues, Bridgwater Town Councillor for the Fairfax East ward, added: "I’m delighted that we have a new café on the estate which will no doubt become the hub of the community.
"It takes a lot of courage and effort to start your own business and I know that the estate will support Chloe’s new venture."
The ‘Dodos’ name came about almost 20 years ago when Chloe's eldest niece, Darci, started talking and couldn’t pronounce her name.
Ever since, Chloe has had a new nickname and the Dodos coffee shop was born.
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