Woman Owned Business Spotlight:  Village and Venue

Taylor Rettano stands in Village and Venue with two other female business owners, Madula Kalesis and Angie Robles

One of Milford’s newest business owners, Taylor Rettano, feels that owning a business as a women can be difficult, but does not feel the difficulty is solely related to being female. The owner of Village and Venue on South Walnut Street in Milford, sees the challenges differently.

“I believe there are many people, mainly women, who support my business because they want to support other women in the community,” Rettano said. “We have also created a safe space for kids to be kids and for parents or caregivers to be comfortable in that space as well.”

Village and Venue is a café specializing in Acai bowls, fresh fruit smoothies, waffles and more with a venue space available to rent for parties, celebrations or other events. Located in the historic Keir building, the café specializes in fresh, cooked to order menu items.

“Being a woman owned business has not brought me any specific benefits other than the ability to apply for some grants,” Rettano said. “I also have not faced disadvantages as a female owner, thankfully. At least not that I have noticed or been affected by. If anything, being a female, I have gained an advantage when it comes to grants and such.”

Rettano was born and raised in Delaware and, although her father was in the military, he spent his entire career in Dover. She graduated from Caesar Rodney High school in 2012, joining the Air Force Reserves after high school where she met her husband, Anthony. She has a son, Avery, who was born in 2021 and calls her husband and parents her “rocks.” Rettano is also the team leader of a real estate team, Diamond Coast Group at Northrop Realty.

“My advice to anyone looking to open a business is that there is no reward without risk,” Rettano said. “It’s okay to be scared as long as you are willing to work and put in the hours.”

Rettano also had advice specifically for women who are considering opening their own business.

“Don’t ever stop yourself from doing something in business that you want to do because you are worried about how you will be viewed in the community,” Rettano said. “Stay true to yourself, don’t compare, focus on you and hustle. Surround yourself with educated and resourceful people who truly want to see you win and never stop learning. Clap for those around you even if they do not clap for you.”

Village and Venue is located at 27 South Walnut Street in Milford. They are open Tuesday through Thursday from 8 AM to 4 PM, Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM until 3 PM.