Nikkie Burns opens Inspired Cafe in the heart of Wodonga

Nikkie Burns will officially open Inspired Cafe on High Street.

It is the culmination of six months of vision, planning, blood, sweat and tears, all done within the embrace of a tight-knit family and a community willing her to get this project off the ground.

Border businesses have rallied for her in a fundraiser, Waffle for Inspired Cafe.

Wodonga-raised Ms Burns has battled benign brain tumours since the first one was detected during 2014.

Together with her husband Spencer, Ms Burns wanted to launch their first business to honour their community and leave something for their children.

They hope the Inspired Cafe brand will be rolled out to other cities over time.

Kaleb, 12, Alana, 10, Blake, 9, Chaise, 8, Jyden, 6, Ellyarnah, 4 months, stand to gain the most from this inspirational journey.

"I've worked in online businesses and Spencer works as a furniture removalist," Ms Burns said.

"We've always wanted to have an actual, physical business together.

"After the first time I was diagnosed with a brain tumour, I really needed to focus on having something to leave to the kids."

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Ms Burns had surgery for a benign brain tumour in late 2016.

She said 12 months ago they found another one, which was deemed inoperable this time.

"I've had constant headaches for many, many years," she said.

"For now, it's a case of watch and act at the moment."

Having previously run Transformational Success Coaching online, Ms Burns said her cafe business name came easily to her.

She said motivational quotes would adorn the cafe servery and tables.

"With COVID-19 we saw how much people were struggling," Ms Burns said.

"We wanted to offer something to support other local businesses and to support our own kids. When they're old enough they'll be involved; they love food especially sweets."

Ms Burns has stayed true to her own mantra: "Give yourself permission to have it all, stand out, be badass and live your dreams fearlessly."

Inspired Cafe will offer grab and go lunches, coffee and extreme milkshakes with an emphasis on supporting local producers; it will stock Howlong Bakery, Corner Cafe Co and Love For Cakes products.

It will use Amanti Coffee beans for its brews.

Waffle for Inspired Cafe raffle will be drawn on Monday. Inspired Cafe, 79 High Street, will operate Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, and on Saturday, 8am to 2pm.

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