Meet the mothers who followed dream to launch cafe and didn’t return to work following maternity leave
Meet the mothers who followed their dream to launch a cafe in Northampton, and did not return to work following their maternity leave when their now-premises became available.
Anna Bajda and Anita Kaminsa are the founders and owners of Amica Cafe, which they run as a team of two on Latchet Lane.
They opened the venue at the end of November last year, which they described as “a very special time”. They were both due to return to work after maternity leave but when they found out the unit was available, they knew it was their chance.
“We had always dreamed of having our own cafe, so we decided to go for it,” Anna told the Chronicle & Echo.
Anita is a professional pastry chef and has worked with desserts for years, including artistic celebration cakes. Anna has worked in hospitality for most of her life, with a constant connection to food and customer service.
Together, they have created a warm and welcoming place where people visit for quality coffee, food and desserts and to relax in a friendly atmosphere.
Their menu spans breakfasts, lunches, desserts and specialty coffees. Their current bestsellers are crushed avocado and the classic English breakfast.
Comforting roast dinners are now available on Sundays and the team also host and organise children’s birthday parties, private celebrations, business meetings and offer catering services.
“We believe Northampton needs places that are built with heart, where people feel comfortable, welcomed and looked after,” said Anna. “That is why Amica was created.
“We often say we serve everything the way we would want to receive it ourselves, and that is our biggest difference. It’s about honesty, warmth and quality.”
The duo has received incredible support from the Foxfields management team and the residents living on Latchet Lane.
The “amazing” feedback has uplifted Anna and Anita, and every week they see more new faces visiting and regulars returning for more.
Their proudest achievement is seeing how warmly they have been received, not only by Foxfields residents but visitors from across the town. Customers have shown trust by returning and recommending the venue to others.
On the other hand, their biggest challenge has been balancing motherhood with running a new business and stepping into a new daily routine as cafe owners.
“It has taught us organisation, patience and the importance of support from the people around us, especially our partners and families,” said Anna.
“Community support means everything. Every visit, recommendation and kind review makes a real difference. This is more than a job, it is a dream we have made real and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who is part of that journey.”
Although they had worries as the former Valentine’s Bistro with a similar concept closed down, they stand by their decision to add something to the town with their “own energy and full commitment”.
Looking to the future, Anna and Anita plan to introduce seasonal menus, host more birthday parties, celebrations and business meetings, and possibly launch catering for delivery.