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And while their individual success was wonderful, both Bobby and Vanessa have soared to new heights together, collaborating both professionally and personally and cementing their status as New Jersey's premier power couple. e Brownstone Pancake Factory, Bobby's wildly successful and innovative restaurants, were just a dream in his eye during Bobby and Vanessa's dating years. But, according to Bobby, "Vanessa was my greatest fan, biggest supporter, and gave me the courage and push to go out on my own," leaving his family's restaurant business in order to open the first Brownstone Pancake Factory in Edgewater in 2014. With Vanessa's design acumen and Bobby's creative vision, their collaboration on decor and branding created a completely unique and whimsical environment, propelling the Brownstone Pancake Factory's success into what currently sits at four locations throughout the state. Now, ten years later, the duo are looking at opening up more restaurants and potentially taking the brand to other states. Both Bobby and Vanessa are quick to share it was their work ethic and drive that landed them here. With modest backgrounds from hard-working families, their success accompanied the dedication they put into their careers. For Vanessa, it was "making it a part of your DNA" and a mindset that "this is part of what I do, so it becomes second nature." When reflecting on how she balances the different demands of career and family life, she shares that "you have to put your plan in place, not thinking it's a chore. When you look at it from that lens, it's what I do every day[...]it doesn't become a nuisance." Whether it's quality one-on-one time with their son, Telly, preparing a delicious meal for her family, or planning upcoming projects with her team, this mindset shi is accompanied by her dedication to "always following my intuition." Bobby Bournias and Vanessa DeLeon each knew the taste of success long before meeting one another. Bobby, a corporate lawyer-turned-restaurateur, and Vanessa, a celebrity interior designer and reality TV star, were both already accomplished in their respective fields when their paths crossed thirteen years ago. "It was almost like fate to meet," Vanessa shares. VUENJ.COM 55

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