Buffalo Home September//October 2021 by Featured Media

SEPT // OCT 2021

FALL FAMILY | HEY, GIRL! WOMEN-OWNED

AMISH KITCHEN GALLERY Award-winning company that is making fantasy a reality! page 6

Improve your floors with

APOLLO CONCRETE SOLUTIONS Back Cover

autumn fun with little herd adventures PG. 14

Special Spaces Buffalo is TRANSFORMING Children’s LIVES Confident women come from confident girls! Ask the Expert: How to have a successful school year THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 1

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PRODUCED BY GENESEE VALLEY PUBLICATIONS

on the cover 6 • Amish Kitchen Gallery

The Founder and Company Manager share their latest kitchen remodel

features 9 • From the Artists’ Desk 23 • Staff Poll: Favorite Fall Activities

Fall + Family

42 • Transforming Children’s Lives

fall & family 14 • Hello Autumn!

Activities with Little Herd Adventures

19 • Ask the Expert with Dr. Karcher

hey, girl! 28 • Meet the Owners 32 • Where Do Confident Girls

Hey Girl! Women-Owned

Come From?

CO VE R PHO TO G R A PH Y Sarah Christ, Rejoice Designs Genesee Valley Publications, Inc. will make every effort to see that all advertising copy, which is neatly presented, is correctly printed. We will not be responsible for print quality of any advertising not created by Genesee Valley Publications, Inc. personnel. We take no responsibility for statements or claims made in any advertisement. We reserve the right to refuse any and/or all advertising.

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Handcrafted. Local. Quality. What if you could combine renowned Amish builders with one of interior design’s most innova�ve teams? Reimagine a kitchen that is completely, eﬀortlessly you: a dream kitchen handcra�ed using high quality wood from local lumber mills.

Amish Kitchen Gallery has made this fantasy a reality. For 13 years, Amish Kitchen Gallery (AKG) founder Ryan McKeever has united custom hand-built Amish cabinetry, award-winning designers, and beau�ful kiln-dried wood varie�es to cra� unique furniture pieces for the room at the heart of any home: the kitchen. “You are only as good as the team around you. We have the best designers and installers in the business who work with our exclusive Amish builders to infuse our furniture with that old world cra�smanship and quality.” From cra�sman and lumber sources to customers to its excep�onal installa�on team and designers, local families are at the center of everything AKG does. Company Manager & Lead Designer Bri�any Lips agrees. “A�er I came to work for Amish Kitchen Gallery almost 8 years ago, I had my first daughter. They made it possible for me to work on a flexible schedule. Now, with two daughters, I appreciate how family-oriented we are even more.” AKG is proud to support area families—which also results in a low environmental impact—throughout its en�re process. Completely customer-oriented, AKG provides a full-service experience, including remodel inspira�on, concept development and design, space solu�ons, photorealis�c renderings, material sourcing, and expert installa�on. Customers browse a wide variety of finishes and styles, customizing details to suit space, func�on, and taste. The result is a breathtaking balance of func�on and beauty. A recent kitchen remodel has truly captured this vision, featuring several different angles, exquisitely curved cabinets, brass details, molding, and custom builds reminiscent of found pieces. The unusual kitchen space—which included a removed wall and evolu�on from formal dining room to eat-in kitchen—made the project uniquely challenging. “This was a great project that definitely pushed the clients’ vision outside of the box!” The husband had grown up in this home, so the couple wanted to hold true to some of its tradi�onal elements such as brickwork. At the same �me, they wanted to modernize the look and make it their own. The flooring we selected was for the en�re first floor, so it was important to make sure our design worked well with it. Our approach, as always, was holis�c, considering and coordina�ng everything: �lework, backsplash, fixtures, and cabinets, the founda�on from which everything is built.

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Founder Ryan McKeever and Company Manager Brittany Lips share some of the standout features in their latest kitchen remodel!

before

One of my favorite pieces just has to be the tall side-by-side pantry cabinets! The pantry rollouts close behind elegantly curved doors with the curved face frames, accented with an�que style cremone bolts. ... The sink base is made out of wood to look like a found furniture piece! Using an apron front farm sink on a base with curved legs, we chose a stained hickory cabinet with a ma�e black finish for the sink and hardware, because black will always be �meless. ... The bar area was quite the highlight with its island and many cabinets! We created an en�re bar space, complete with custom pullouts, a drink prepara�on area, bar sink, beverage fridge, liquor bo�le pullouts, tongue and groove upper cabinets with back detailing, a bookcase, and coffee bar area. We ques�oned everything, always pushing a step further. ... We did not want to use solid door panels near the stove, so we incorporated brass mesh. This instantly li�ed the cabinets. Features like cabinets and countertops will last for years, so it is important to add visual interest. ... Contractors unexpectedly found a wall that needed to remain, so we customized around it. You cannot even tell it is there! Our installers, Ma� and Corey, are fantas�c problem solvers, and much would not be possible without them. We highly recommend allowing us to install our custom pieces to ensure they are handled with the necessary finesse and a�en�on to detail.

WWW. AMISHKITCHENGALLERY.COM THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 7

We Build It Right. Anything from home & garage additions to kitchen & bath remodeling.

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- from the artists’ desk -

The days are getting shorter, and there’s a nip in the air that can only mean one thing. Fall is back! As the leaves change and we prepare to go back to school, your Home team took a moment to reflect on the importance of families, our communities, and the strong women who help make them what they are. We’ve always stood behind local businesses, and women are definitely making waves—for all of the right reasons. Each of the women featured has helped us find that drive and inspiration we’re looking for. (Keep an eye out for those mood-boosting quotes!) Know where confident women stem from? Confident Girls, of course! Tiffany Lewis walks us through her mentoring program, raising the morale and self-esteem of girls in the Buffalo area. Looking to tap into your creative culinary gene? Fall is the perfect time to do so. Nothing beats the lingering scent of fresh baked goods—just look to Amish Kitchen Gallery for some inspiration! Beyond the kitchen, Lynn Wall of Special Spaces is all about transforming children’s lives, one bedroom at a time. Ready to get outdoors with your kids? Little Herd is here to help you find your next great autumn adventure at some local Buffalo spots. While we’ll miss summer, at Home we always have something new and exciting for you just around the corner. So, grab a hot coffee—or cocoa or anything pumpkin spice—get cozy with the kiddos, and get ready to fall in love with Home all over again!

585.226.8111 | sales@gvpublications.com

www.thehomepublications.com

THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 9

That September nip in the air means it’s almost time for Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market’s Holiday Sip & Shop! This extraordinary, three-day holiday shopping extravaganza will take place at the Historic Palace Theatre from Friday to Sunday, November 12th-14th. Come enjoy the largest holiday shopping event in Niagara County at Lockport’s breathtaking Palace Theatre! Having recently undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation, the theatre can comfortably accommodate several hundred guests as they browse 110 of Rustic Buffalo’s 135 local artisans. Live Christmas music will add to the festive atmosphere. Children are welcome, and proceeds from the 50/50 raffle and basket auction will support this incredible, historic treasure. A $5 admission fee will be taken, and these proceeds will also be given directly to the Palace Theatre. In turn, guests will receive a $5 spending chip good for purchases with any of our artisans. This is just one more way in which Rustic Buffalo is honored to give back to its local communities. “Giving back is a huge part of our mission, whether by hosting vaccination clinics, pet adoptions, blood drives, or by giving back to local gems like the Palace. Our Sip & Shop is a great opportunity to complete your holiday shopping with unique and beautiful finds while supporting local artisans in the spirit of the season.”

. . . . . Still craving autumn leaves, pumpkins, scarecrows, and spice lattes? Fall has arrived at the Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market’s North Tonawanda campus, which will also remain open during its Sip & Shop event. Our artisans, itching for harvest décor, have beautifully restaged their displays for fall, transforming our now three buildings of summer sun into dazzling autumn splendor. With an ever-changing menagerie of thousands of products and items, there’s always something new! Don’t forget to stop by our outdoor market open every weekend through Oct. 31st, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hosting over 20 new artisans every weekend, our outdoor market’s selection of vendors is curated based on quality and diversity of goods from repurposed furniture and handcrafted décor to Buffalo-themed clothing and gifts.

6610 Shawnee Road, North Tonawanda • 716.907.9318 10 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

While you’re here, grab a gourmet bite at our Bake Shop and Café. We offer an array of cookies, scones and more to enjoy porch-side with a coffee or on the go as you browse the grounds. For a savory spread, try the made-fresh-daily sandwiches, such as chicken salad mixed with cranberries and walnuts. Inside, we’re taking it to another level with 45 new local artisans in total, plus a gourmet kitchen featuring Buffalo’s best makers of sauces, salsas, and spreads. Find everything Buffalo here at Rustic Buffalo! As a licensed NFL merchandiser, we are proud to offer licensed Bills products! Got kids? Children are invited to enjoy our outdoor Family Game Zone complete with Yahtzee, Cornhole, and Jenga thanks to Knotty Pines craftworks! Play every weekend through Oct. 31st, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market is more than a shopping experience; it is a destination. Thank you for voting us Best New Small Business in Western New York and Best Home Décor Store in Western New York!

www.rusticbuffalodecor.com open year-round, 7 days a week!

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fall & family

Hello Autumn with Little Herd Adventures // Ask the Expert 12 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

spruce 5

- fall is  the air a modern yet classic collection of home décor, accessories + gifts. Spruce on Main offers a mindful collection of modern yet classic home décor, accessories, and gifts. Popular brands carried include Katie Loxton, Barefoot Dreams, Pura Vida, LaCott Fine Art, Tiny Buffalo Designs, and Peg’s Hardware.

- shop little spruce – It’s the cutest corner in the shop! Everything for the little ones from bracelets, onesies, toys, headbands, apparel, books and more.

- let’s go buffalo Things we love in Buffalo…supporting our football team and shopping local. So we’re stocking the shop with all the local goodies for football season.

4446 main street, amherst // 716.217.4230 // spruceonmain.com shop hours: sun 11-3, closed mon, tues + wed 10-5, thu + fri 10-7, sat 10-4

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FIND YOUR NEXT AUTUMN ADVENTURE WITH LITTLE HERD!

Ask photographer and Little Herd Family Adventures founder Erica Eichelkraut about her passion for travel, and she’ll take you back to childhood years spent moving from city to city, something she surprisingly enjoyed. “Growing up, my mom’s job transferred us to all different cities. We got to know new people, new cultures, new foods, and new places all around America. I always felt nomadic, and I loved it,” she said. It is little surprise that Erica wanted to share her family’s adventures with others. It all started with Erica’s desire to pass her passion for adventure on to her children. “My husband and I have always been travel lovers,” she explained. “It was important to us to still enjoy it by traveling with our kids from a young age. Travel can teach values like curiosity and empathy, and we are hoping to instill those values in our children.” Erica and her family were having so much fun adventuring that Erica felt the need for an outlet. Thus, Little Herd Family Adventures was born, proudly centered in Buffalo. “I have been a champion for Buffalo for a while now, and we are really lucky to live here. It is awesome!” she said, noting that there are many nearby family activities that won’t break the bank. Erica encourages families to get out and explore together, whether following in the footsteps of Little Herd or blazing new trails elsewhere!

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FALL & FAMILY

Our family loves nature, so we do eco-friendly things like composting and growing our own food. COVID made us want to be outside more than ever. We have always felt a connection with the earth, and it grew even stronger. Every day, we were going to a park, and we never walked and hiked so much in our lives!

GET OUT AND PLAY!

Our top 5 favorite local hiking spots 1. LOCKPORT NATURE TRAIL This trail is a very easy trail to navigate with kids. It features a beautiful creek with waterfalls and at sunset, you can enjoy vibrant hues of neon yellow and orange. It is magical! 2. GRIFFIS SCULPTURE PARK A donation is requested upon entering this unique park. Its lovely trail runs by an amazing huge field filled with giant sculptures of everything from a praying mantis to the abstract to the human form. Our children love getting to see everything as they explore! (A note from the Home team: Some of these sculptures show the human form in ways not all families may find comfortable. Please review the sculptures before visiting.)

3. CHESTNUT RIDGE What an amazing place to go for an autumn hike! The fall foliage here is incredible. It is also so much fun to explore! 4. BEAVER MEADOW AUDUBON CENTER Miles and miles of trails! See all kinds of animals through here on a beautiful, easy walk with the kids in the middle of nowhere. 5. DELAWARE PARK Designed by famous architect Frederick Law Olmsted, this local gem is nestled in the heart of Buffalo. It has a picturesque lake you can walk around or paddleboat on, lots of colorful foliage, and is just minutes from the city!

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FALL FUN activities!

ECO-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN

Thrift or swap your costumes! We have really changed our views regarding the things we consume for our children. Now, we hold a costume swap with several families, or we head to our favorite little thrift stores to pick something up.

LIKE THEM APPLES?

We go apple-picking at Blackman Homestead Farm in Lockport. They have several varieties of apples, fresh-pressed apple cider, and we enjoy learning about the apple trees and products, too! 16 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

READY FOR SOME SPOOKY FUN? Halloween Sensory Boxes are just the thing! Collect empty tissue boxes or shoe boxes & cut slits on top (big enough for little hands to fit inside!) Fill with creepy-feeling household items & label. Let the kids guess what’s in there! Some ideas: zombie tongues (dried apricots or similar treats, vampire teeth (candy corn), snake skin + spider legs (textured rope + pipe cleaners), brains + eyes (cold spaghetti + peeled grapes)

HOME MOVIES, ANYONE?

We hold outdoor movie nights in the backyard with a sheet and projector. In the fall, it starts to get dark a little earlier so the kids aren’t up as late, and we savor those outdoor moments with hot cider and ‘smores!

CATCH THOSE LEAVES!

Enjoy a hike or a neighborhood walk together to find a colorful collection of leaves for your leaf light catchers! Press between book pages to dry for about a week, and then tape to your windows for a beautiful fall glow!

ALL GOOD THINGS. That first bit of cold weather can be

shocking, so we try to welcome it with first frost luminaries! These glowing sculptures will add some light to those early dark nights. You’ll need bowls/cups of any size, full of water. Place smaller shapes on the inside, with water to weigh them down. Add sticks, pine cuttings, leaves, etc! Leave out all night & check in the morning.

For more great adventures, Buffalo fun and family-friendly activities check out Little Herd Adventures at littleherd.com FB + IG: @littleherdadventures

Whether they are a princess, an astronaut, or a firefighter, they were born to stand out, and their party should, too! Take all of your celebrations to the next level with personalized touches from party invitations and announcement cards to birthday banners and everything else. All uniquely designed just for their happy day! Order online at printingbypennylane.com or email ginad@pennylaneprinting.com for custom designs by our award-winning creative team.

PRINTING BY

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Ask the

Expert “How can my Children have a Successful School Year after 2020?” by Jody Lynn Greer

Educators are just beginning to unravel the toll COVID-19 has taken on students, schools, and communities. “What impact has remote learning and social distancing had on students, and how will it affect them moving forward?” Educators and parents alike continue to plan for the unexpected, as another lockdown may be on the horizon. Shannon Karcher Ed. D with Restorative Solutions is a certified education consultant who seeks to empower local communities, restore relationships, and close the communication gap between students, teachers, and parents. Once a struggling student herself, Dr. Karcher offers timely advice on supporting students as they go back to school.

Restore damaged relationships. So many times, a family is already angry by the time they come to me. One source of contention: remote learning. In March 2020, parents were asked to be patient, and many of them were patient. However, now, many of them want to see some change, and many of them want their children back in school. If they have to use hybrid or virtual learning, they want it to be meaningful and impactful. They want to make sure their children are learning and kept engaged. We first have to rebuild the relationships between parents, students, schools, and teachers before we can move forward. Otherwise, it will be a constant cycle. Build open lines of communication. Educators: Parents need more direction; they need a plan, transparency, and communication. Parents will be more flexible when they can be a part of the solution rather than feeling that COVID contingency plans are being done to them. Parents: Many kids feel anxiety about the school year. Some kids might need a social story to work through their concerns. Others need reassurance that sometimes a runny nose is just a runny nose. Talk to them and help them verbalize their feelings and questions even if you don’t have all the answers.

Target those gaps. I have seen several skill and learning gaps resulting from the 2020-2021 school year. Many parents are being told that their children are struggling. First, understand exactly how your child is struggling. For example, you may have been told that your child struggles with reading, but which reading skills are lacking: awareness, decoding, comprehension, fluency, or something else? Perhaps your child has difficulty writing, but which part of writing: the action or knowing what to say? Is your child typing or

handwriting? Keep notes both of your conversations with teachers and your observations of your child working on these activities. With frequent educational disruptions, sometimes, the child simply hasn’t been exposed to the materials. Ask questions. Seek support. Request testing and get answers.

“Focus on what is best for the child and what will lead them to success. Talk to other people and find out what they are going through. Do not worry about being judged.” Know the signs. There are early signs that a child might need more support. Look for lack of engagement in school and/or behavioral changes. Does your child say they hate school, struggle to get up in the morning, or receive feedback from their teacher that they are struggling? If you have tried several solutions, but things still aren’t right, consider a Special Education (SPED) evaluation. Even if your child does not require SPED, testing sometimes picks up things that can be addressed for a better educational experience. Trust your gut and keep looking for answers.

Speak up. Families need to be empowered. There are people, including paid education consultants and parent advocates, to help you through every situation. Find out what others are going through. Talk about your concerns; don’t worry about being judged. Focus on what is best for your child and will lead them to success. Dr. Shannon Karcher has over 19 years of experience within special education in urban, suburban and rural education. Shannon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Psychology from St. John Fisher College (Rochester, NY), Master’s of Education in Special Education from Roberts Wesleyan College (Rochester, NY) and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Edgewood College (Madison, WI). THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 19

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A sunroom is a home addition that is affordable and lasts a lifetime! “Everyone from start to finish at Cortese Construction Services was amazing. Throughout the process of our addition they were responsive, helpful, and a pleasure to work with. The workers were there on time daily, always cleaned up at the end of the day, and communicated what was next in the process. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a contractor in WNY!” -Jill Wind Cortese Construction Services Customer At Cortese Construction Service Corp. we are proud to offer a wide selection of home addition solutions that will help to provide greater functionality, space, and aesthetic appeal to your Western New York property. The project featured is a year-round sunroom and an affordable way to add extra living space to your home. These vinyl sunrooms have insulated windows and can be heated and cooled for comfortable year-round living in most weather conditions. If you’re looking for ways to boost the look and feel of your space with Betterliving sunrooms, get in touch with our team today!

Call 716.683.2100 today to speak with us about your next project! THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo

LEADING THE WAY IN

CABINETRY & DESIGNS Our exclusive partnership with only the best Amish artisans showcases the quality of craftsmanship that is reminiscent of the “old way” of building with modern day design.

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WHAT

ARE YOUR FAVORITE

fall activities? - staff poll -

SARAH CHRIST GRAPHIC DESIGNER “I’m a fall kinda girl! I love decorating my house, sipping my pumpkin iced coffee while wearing my favorite cozy sweater, snuggling with the kids, watching football under the lights and all the colors that the trees bring.”

KAITLIN DONNAN WRITER + PROOFREADER “We watch Hocus Pocus (almost) every time it’s on TV. It’s a great way to top off a day of baking cookies and apple crisp!”

KARA IVISON GRAPHIC + WEB DESIGNER “Fall means football! Getting together with friends and family to watch the Bill’s games makes my heart happy (especially when we win).”

LAURIE ABBOTT LEAD SALES CONSULTANT “Our favorite season is autumn! My kids and I do fall scavenger hunts and come home to decorate white pumpkins with wildflowers, leaves and greenery and hold it together with mod podge.”

CRISTIE LEONE CREATIVE DIRECTOR “Spending the day at the Genesee Valley Hunt Races in Geneseo, NY. We enjoy tailgating, watching the races and enjoying the outdoors with good friends.”

MANUEL KARAM SALES MANAGER “Day trips around the Finger Lakes are a fall family favorite. It’s the best time to sightsee in the region!”

COLLEEN MANN SALES MANAGER “Every autumn, we look forward to apple picking with the kids and then making a ton of applesauce, enough to last the year! ”

AMANDA DUDEK SENIOR CONTENT WRITER “I love taking my two boys on train rides to see the fall foliage across Western New York and the Finger Lakes Region. The hills and valleys are so vibrant and colorful!”

MORE THAN JUST A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD CUSTOM HOMES • ADDITIONS • MULTI-FAMILY PREFAB / MODULAR • REMODELS / RENOVATIONS At Haven Architecture, we devote all our knowledge and efforts into making your home a perfect fit for you. To you, we can make a difference. After all, a home is much more than simply a roof over your head. It’s your haven.

PH: 716.646.8251 HAVENARCHITECTURE.COM THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 23

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women-owned Businesses

Meet the Owners // Confident Girls Mentoring Program

THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 27

ﬆrong, awesome ﬆrong,successful, successful, ++ dang awesome

MEET MEET THE OWNERS OWNERS

Body and Mind Body and Mind Massage Therapy Massage Therapy

Homestone Gallery Homestone Gallery

What’s your secret to get What’s your secret to get you you through a workday? through a workday? Depending mood of the Depending on on thethe mood of the day, you’ll a mug day, you’ll findfind me me withwith a mug of of teatea andand a mystery bookbook or or a mystery watching videos full full of drama watching videos of drama or or anan interesting documentary. interesting documentary. Sometimes I even havehave Sometimes I even headphones in, listening to to headphones in, listening anyany other music besides my my other music besides massage music. massage music.

is your favorite WhatWhat is your favorite quote?quote? “Behind successful “Behind everyevery successful woman is - Herself!” woman is - Herself!”

KAYLACLARK CLARK KAYLA

Lupine & Lead

KAYLEE Lupine & Lead CHOATE KAYLEE

CHOATE

What’s your secret to get you through a workday? What’s your “I would lovesecret to say to it’sget you through a workday? stretching, classical music “I would exercises, love to saybut it’s and breathing stretching, classical music the secret to getting through a workday for me is exercises, a gallon of but and breathing iced light glasses thecoffee, secretblue to getting through a and True Crime workday for mePodcasts. is a gallon of Youiced are more than welcome to coffee, blue light glasses joinTrue me anytime!” and Crime Podcasts.

You are more than welcome to join me anytime!” 28 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

KAREN KAREN MATTOON MATTOON

Genesee Valley Publications Genesee Valley

KIM DOUGHERTY Publications

KIM DOUGHERTY

What is your favorite quote? “The pessimist complains about What your favorite the wind; theisoptimist expectsquote? it “The pessimist to change; the realist complains adjusts the about the wind; the optimist sails.” -William Ward expects it

to change; the realist adjusts the Haven’t we all had to adjust sails.” -William Ward our sails this past year?

Haven’t we all had to adjust our sails this past year?

WOMEN-OWNED

Diane Garey Interiors

DIANE GAREY

Black Willow Winery

CYNTHIA WESTCHAMBERLAIN

Buffalo Organics Inc

Organize Your Life LLC

KASIA CUMMINGS

SHERRI PAPICH CPO, CVPO, CEO

What is your favorite quote? “I slept and dreamt that life was joy, I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” -Rabindranath Tagore

Do you have any inspiration for women entrepreneurs? “If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything. Don’t ever give up on your dreams. Even the tough times teach us to appreciate everything we have.”

What is your favorite quote? “Dream your dream and plan your plan. If you do this, everything will fall into place like magic.”

Do you have any inspiration for women entrepreneurs? Once you implement a system, it may take some time to test, reassess, recalibrate if necessary, then enjoy the system for the long term. PS. Reorganizing may be necessary during life transitions! #OrganizeYourLife

Fireplace Outlet, Inc

RuthAnn Boutique

START WITH SLEEP

BECKY FRIEDMAN

LYNETTE THOMPSON

Good for the Spirit Gifts

Do you have any inspiration for women entrepreneurs? “You limit yourself when you set limits on yourself.” Being a woman business owner has changed over the years. I’ve learned to wear many “hats” and hope I do each one justice. My customers are more than just that. Their vision and experience truly does mean something to me. I truly LOVE what I do. And, because of this, many of my customers have also become my friends

What is your favorite quote? “There is no royal flower-strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it, for if I have accomplished anything in life, it is because I have been willing to work hard.” – Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first female entrepreneur millionaire

SUZY WOO What is your favorite quote? Shine so bright it hurts to look at you!

SODA KUCZKOWSKI What is your favorite quote? I have a few I live by: “Identify your problems but give your power and energy to solutions.” -Tony Robbins “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” -Maya Angelou “Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you react to it.” - Charles R. Swindoll “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Gandhi THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 29

A TOUCH OF

Perfection

Window Décor stocks a great selection of Kirsch Drapery Hardware from basic curtain rods to ornate metal and wood collections. Custom Estate traverse rods and motorized Estate traverse rods can be special ordered. Various series of Architrac offer solutions for both residential and commercial applications. Please visit www.kirsch.com/drapery-hardware-home

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WOMEN-OWNED

Body & Mind Massage Therapy Restore your well-being and improve your health.

Kayla’s massage style incorporates a combination of techniques including Swedish massage and Deep-Tissue massage, with pressure depending on the needs of the client. As a local small business owner-operator, Kayla is able to build a relationship with you, understand your wellness needs, and personalize your experience… all elements often missing when receiving services from national chains and spas.

“Kayla is a total professional. She is deeply concerned about the client’s overall experience. She monitors one’s progress from one massage to the next. She records requests and trigger spots. Excellent attention to details. She instantly relieves tension and promotes great body health.”

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CONFIDENT GIRLS, OF COURSE! Tiffany Lewis knows the struggles that many children face, having faced those same struggles in her youth. Lewis, who was born in Memphis and moved to the Buffalo area at the age of four, didn’t have many opportuni�es to grow and to become strong, or to have her own voice. Now, as the chief financial officer for Confident Girl Mentoring, Lewis can give young women the strength and the voice that she had to find for herself.

BY DANNY LINSNER

“One of the most rewarding aspects of this job is helping to grow young women’s confidence,” Lewis said. “Usually when people start mentoring with us, their confidence levels are about ten percent or so. When they’re done with our programs, their confidence levels can be as high as 85 percent. It’s phenomenal to see how much of an impact our program can have on young women.” Even though her mentoring program has been successful, Lewis actually got her start in something completely unrelated. A�er gradua�ng from college, Lewis pursued a license in Clinical Oncology Esthe�cs, which deals with providing skincare for cancer pa�ents, and she became the first woman of color from Western New York to earn that license. “I was drawn to that kind of work because I wanted to help to find the beauty within people,” Lewis said. “That’s why I got involved with Clinical Oncology Esthe�cs, and it’s why I’m involved with mentoring now.” A�er a few years in the esthe�cs field, Lewis decided to pivot into mentoring, star�ng up the 501(c)(3) in 2016. Along with mentoring, Lewis has also been involved with local government, being named the chairperson of the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women last January. Helping young girls find strength and become be�er women is just one way Confident Girl Mentoring seeks to improve the status of women. Some of their other programs include virtual seminars dealing with topics like self-esteem, trauma, and da�ng violence, among other things. This summer, Confident Girl Mentoring also hosted a virtual journalism workshop featuring Buffalo news anchors Karys Belger and Fadia Pa�erson. Confident Girl also recently started the “Jump 4 Confidence” jump rope program. While Confident Girl Mentoring is primarily focused in Buffalo, the company has recently been expanding to other parts of the country like North Carolina, Niagara Falls, and the Memphis metro area. According to Lewis, the growth was primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the limits of what the company could do locally, specifically in terms of in-person programming. “This has been a great opportunity for us to expand our services,” Lewis said. “While our main focus will s�ll be in the Buffalo area, the emergence

32 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

of online conferencing in the era of COVID means that we are able to do the same things we’ve been doing in Buffalo in other places around the country.” Lewis pointed out that one of the main differences between Confident Girl and other similar mentoring groups is that Confident Girl offers more group mentoring programs, as opposed to one-onone style mentoring. “Our group programs are all about growing confidence,” Lewis said. “Let’s say you’re a young woman who has insecuri�es about your weight or something similar to that. In the group se�ng, you can look and see that you’re not the only one suffering from that problem and that many other people are struggling with the same issues as you. That kind of confidence boost is something you don’t find in one-on-one mentoring.” Confident Girl has mentored about 2,500 children who live either on or below the poverty line, making up about 85 percent of the total number of girls the organiza�on sees. Lewis brought up how bringing them into the mentoring program can provide a voice for the at-risk youth, telling them that they don’t have to stay in their current living situa�on and that they can aspire to be something be�er. The program has a high turnover rate, something Lewis interprets as the program achieving its goals, improving women’s lives, and ge�ng them to a be�er place. “It’s one of the great things about Confident Girl Mentoring,” Lewis said. “Another is being able to see some of the students grow as they go through school, from seventh grade all the way through college. It’s very rewarding to see.”

If anyone is looking to join the Confident Girl Mentoring program, they must fill out an intake form, which can be completed on physical copies and on the program’s website. Once the intake form is completed, the program will then match the prospec�ve mentee with the program that is the best fit for them.

CONFIDENT GIRL MENTORING PROGRAM w w w. co n f i d e nt g i r l m e nto r i n g . co m / / 7 1 6 . 2 4 1 . 8 1 1 4 F B : @ C o n f i d e nt G i r l M e nto r i n g + I G : @ c g m p i n c

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ELLI COT TVIL L E ’ S PRE M IE R H O LI STI C , MYSTI C A ND ME TA PHYSI CA L STO RE Bringing serenity to your soul and a lift to your spirit! Inspirational, spiritual, humorous, astrology, mystical, fantasy-themed gifts, home décor and sound healing tools. Several local and international artisans bring a magnificent variety of wares for your spiritual nourishment. Watch for our workshop offerings, special events and retreats!

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WOMEN-OWNED A good graphic design firm can help you tell the unique story of your brand in an original way. WHITE RABBIT DESIGN. I’m Katharine Smith, graphic designer + owner of the creative agency White Rabbit Design. We work with small business owners – discovering their roots, the “heart” of their business, how they got started, where they want to go – and dig down deep with a client to find their motivation. I’ve found that most small business owners are fulfilling a dream, and our role is to help them succeed. Our work with small businesses encompasses anything from logos and branding to trade show displays, signage, and brochures. As our clients needs have changed, we’ve turned to creating social media posts and designing graphics for use on websites. BUFFALO GALS. In 2015, I created Buffalo Gals, an online store with a product line of Buffalove-themed note cards, gifts, and prints celebrating the renaissance and rise of my rustbelt city of Buffalo, NY. The designs are a mashup of vivid pop art colors and funky typefaces with old Buffalo maps, vintage patterns and botanical charts, hearts, and whimsical flowers. I interpret what is real and original about Buffalo, combining the modern with the historic–like the city itself. Some of our newest products include “thinking of you” note cards based on the language of flowers, a “Buffalo Will See It Through” poster benefitting local food programs, and an exclusive “Best Place on Earth” pennant manufactured by Oxford Pennant.

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The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence. Grayhart Boutique is located in the quaint village of Hamburg. We encourage you to come spend a day in our Village and support local businesses. The number one goal when you become a Grayhart shopper is to feel beautiful and confident. To me, beauty is not an objective standard but rather a subjective experience. It should not be defined by one’s age, size, or budget. You can see the glow in a woman’s face when she tries on a new outfit that makes her feel beautiful and powerful. For one woman it could be a trendy, high-fashion jumpsuit that makes her feel invincible. For another, it’s a soft cotton lounge set that renews her spirits at the end of a stressful day. Grayhart Boutique carries clothing for every woman: the office executive and the stay-at-home mom; the free spirited twenty year old and the bold “fortysomething” beauty; The woman who wants to turn heads and the woman who wants to snuggle in. You will also find unique gifts and children’s items in store. We encourage you to follow us on social media and visit our website at www.GrayhartBoutique.com

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CUSTOM DRAPERIES, BLINDS & BEDDING / SPACE PLANNING / FURNITURE / FLOOR COVERINGS KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN / ACCESSORIES / HOME STAGING & REFRESHING 38 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

WOMEN-OWNED

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We will help you decide where to start and what to do to bring to life the vision of what your home or o�ﬁce should be.

We can help you organize your life!

Soda Kuczkowski is a Sleep Health Educator and Certified Sleep Coach who has passionately worked in the field of sleep medicine and sleep health for the past 15 years. She is the founder of START WITH SLEEP, an organization that serves as a community resource for sleep health advocacy by providing programming and trainings for healthcare professionals, school districts and corporate wellness initiatives, as well as hosts a resource center + retail boutique of curated services and sleep tools at 1211 Hertel Avenue. Soda provides global seminars and sleep consulting, along with sleep coaching services. She is recognized as a sleep authority with an array of clients that include employer groups, health insurance companies, government agencies and private businesses. She is certified in maternity, child and adult sleep health.

Whether it’s organizing your items to help with clutter, task planning, reorganizing, setting up your space or more, Organize Your Life provides full-service strategies for homes and workplaces. With affordable virtual and in-person options, specialized services for homes and families include dedicated help downsizing, decluttering, supporting transitions/ rehabilitation, and providing storage options to improve your daily life. Our commercial sites and offices include offerings such as space planning, paper retention policies, and recommending technologies and productivity tools to meet organizational goals. ... We use proven strategies and techniques to help you with Home Selling and Relocation Services, including pre/unpacking, new home set up, decluttering, depersonalization for selling, and designing and implementing a personalized plan to provide greater peace of mind and a path to positive change. ... Sherri Papich CPO-CD, CVPO is the Certified Professional Organizer, Owner & Productivity Strategist at Organize Your Life, LLC, Home and Office organizing. With Sherri’s compassionate support in facing your organizational, spatial and transitional challenges, you CAN organize your life!

We can help! Call today.

Energy-filled days start with restful nights. We provide education + tools for your BEST sleep naturally! Visit us to sleep better tonight!

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40 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

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SPECI AL SPACES BUFFALO:

Transforming Children’s Lives BY R I LEY SM ITH

ON E B EDRO OM AT A T I ME

Special Spaces of New York (SSNY) is just what its name suggests: special. Special Spaces is a national organization with a mission to create dream bedrooms for children living with cancer. There are 11 chapters around the country, and the Buffalo chapter is the only one in New York at this time. Special Spaces runs solely through volunteers and sponsorships. Lynn Wall founded the Buffalo chapter of Special Spaces in 2011 after watching the founder of Special Spaces, Jennifer Swain, on The Secret Millionaire. Jennifer and her team had transformed a bedroom into a princess paradise for a little girl in Knoxville, TN. When she saw how much the bedroom makeover impacted the young girl and her family, Lynn knew that she wanted to become part of the incredible organization. Three months later with the help of her friends, Special Spaces Buffalo was born! This November, the Buffalo chapter will celebrate its 10-year anniversary! The Special Spaces Buffalo (SSB) focuses primarily on bedroom transformations in the Western New York area. Homes in Buffalo, Rochester, and towns in between are most often impacted, with the most recent makeovers taking place in Ransomville, Depew, and Ashville, NY. SSB is currently planning two of their bedroom makeovers and have five total to complete by the end of 2021. There are eight rooms on the 2022 list so far!

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BUFFALO’S 100TH MAKEOVER! In late July 2021, SSB celebrated its 100th makeover. David and Kim Stromecki sponsored the makeover in memory of their son, Ben, who passed away of cancer. Ben had experienced his own room makeover a few years before, and the Stromecki family was extremely grateful for Special Spaces and its impact on their family. HOW DOES THE MAKEOVER PROCESS WORK? SSB has a team of six volunteer interior designers who take turns based on availability and location, and makeovers typically take place on the weekends. Hospitals throughout Western New York send referrals for children who are eligible for a bedroom makeover. To be eligible, the child must be between the ages of two and 19 and be within one year of cancer treatment. When a child is chosen for a bedroom makeover, a designer is assigned to them. They meet with the family and the child to get an idea of what they’d like their bedroom to look like. The child offers details such as their favorite colors and themes, and the designer takes pictures of the current bedroom as well as measurements. After this, the child and their family won’t know what it’ll look like until the makeover is complete, making each Special Space a complete surprise! It takes about six to eight weeks for a volunteer team to figure out the design of a bedroom and all of its moving parts. Length of time is dependent on donations for furniture and other items. Finally, the physical transformation process takes about 24 hours and 20 volunteers. SSB obtains donations so the child and their family can stay in a hotel and have a fun-filled day while the renovations take place. SSB averages one makeover per month.

FINDING VOLUNTEERS & SPONSORS Dependent on volunteers and sponsors, SSB has around 100 volunteers who help with designing, building, sewing, and creating murals. General volunteers help with fundraisers, cleaning, making beds, and more. SSB mainly finds volunteers through social media. Their Facebook page draws attention from its heartwarming videos of children seeing their transformed bedrooms for the first time. Social media also helps draw sponsors. Each room costs about $4,000 to complete. Generally, corporations, schools, and families make up the vast majority of the sponsorships SSB obtains. Lynn points out that a few sponsors help nearly every year. Berardi Immigration Law in Buffalo has been a sponsor the last five years. Ashley HomeStore has been very generous, donating the majority of the bedroom furniture used in makeovers for the past seven years. The Elmezzi Foundation out of New York City donates nearly every year, and the Jim Harszlak Foundation will be sponsoring an upcoming bedroom makeover in the fall. Jim Harszlak’s wife, Sue, started the foundation after Jim passed away from cancer about 10 years ago. INSPIRATION IN BUFFALO Lynn Wall has lived in Western NY throughout her life, and sadly, Buffalo has a need for the bedroom transformations that SSB provides. This is evidenced by the children treated by John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital and Roswell Cancer Center. Yet Buffalo rises to the occasion with no shortage of volunteers and help in support of SSB. Lynn truly believes that Buffalo deserves its nickname “city of good neighbors.”

SPE CI AL S PACES .ORG/OUR-CH A PTERS / N EW-YO RK/ THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM |Buffalo 43

HEARTH MAKEOVER SEASON IS COMING SOON! January-March Your hearth and fireplace are the focal point of your family’s living space in the winter weather! Maybe it just needs a touch up or perhaps some serious attention. Or how about letting yourself create a new look with a full hearth and mantle makeover or a new fireplace!

This year because of difficulty with shipping, materials and labor being tight, AAA Timberline is limiting hearth makeovers to 20 Projects!

Gather your pictures, designs & ideas so you’re not left in the cold! Contact us starting October 1st-31st to discuss your project for Winter 2022!

716.741.2400 • AAATIMBERLINE.COM 6670 HEISE ROAD, CLARENCE CENTER 44 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

Helping our neighbors thrive

We highlight local artisans and inspire the transformation of the places we live to the spaces we love. Home. Your business will get its own place to shine in our magazine to get the recognition you deserve. Contact me today!

LAURIE ABBOTT Advertising Consultant Home Publications laurieabbott@gvpublications.com thehomepublications.com

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