September//October 2022 Rochester Home Magazine by Featured Media

2022SEPT//OCT Meet the Women Meet the faces behind these amazing companies led by women The Hive Chelsey zawadzki & the inspiring coworking space for women She created Sip & Dine With Us! Three locals share their fall drink favES around rochester creating the space you love - page 6elevate your garage with Apollo Concrete Coatings! back cover

283 CENTRAL AVENUE | DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER 585.225.4663 | OPEN M-F 10-5:30 SAT HOMEWWW.DLHOMEGARDEN.COM10-4&GARDENINSPIRATIONFORYOURHOME /DL Home & Garden dlhome_garden UP TO 20% OFF FALL UPHOLSTERY

on the cover 6 • Kitchens by Countryside Creating the spaces you love features 10 • Endless Highways Supporting people of all abilities 36 • ROC the Autumn Bucket List hey girl! pg. 12 12 • Women-Run Businesses Meet the faces behind these amazing women-led companies 17 • Building A Community Chelsey Zawadzki created a coworking space that inspires women to share ideas & support each other 25 • Breast Cancer Confidence Project Michaela Raes and Jolana Hollister are creating a positive impact on survivors with meaningful photography sip + dine pg. 28 28 • Sip With Us! Three locals share their fall drink favorites around Rochester 32 • Mission Coffee Coffee finds a higher calling for the home pg. 38 PRODUCED BY GENESEE VALLEY PUBLICATIONS 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. Cover Photography: Sarah Christ photo by @feedmeroc

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Once a client contracts us for their kitchen project, we carefully note each detail of the project plan. It is not uncommon to have 30–40-page contract packets, depending on the complexity of your project. From the �me a client ﬁrst contacts us to the �me their project begins can be a few months. It is easy to forget details like the shade of �le you chose, so we create a complete project packet for you, including such pieces as images of the design and products, blueprints, speciﬁcally detailed project scope, and importantly, a What’s Next Form so you always know what to expect.

PASSIONATE ABOUT PROVIDING THE BEST RESULTS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS

At Kitchens by Countryside, Sierra Zaremba and her talented team guide clients through kitchen projects and remodels from start to ﬁnish. In close coopera�on with sister company, Oaks Construc�on, Kitchens by Countryside makes the en�re design and installa�on process seamless from beginning concepts and 3D rendering to project comple�on and the ﬁnal walk-through. Whether you are searching for a new sink or looking to en�rely remodel and expand your kitchen, our expert designers can help you reimagine your space, walking you through every detail from cabinet selec�on and ligh�ng to structural elements and addi�ons.

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where your family gathers, where time-tested family recipes are honored, and n ew favorites are born.

CREATING THE SPACES YOU LOVE

Lifestyle Design Price per foot, the kitchen is the most expensive room in the house to remodel, outpriced only by the bathroom. We respect your investment, so we create uniquely you designs in quality products that will last several years. Rather than simply using current trends, our designers take the �me to learn about your tastes, likes and dislikes, your family’s lifestyle, and the everyday use of the space. We also consider the longevity of style and product op�ons. For example, painted ﬁnishes on cabinetry are extremely popular right now, but there are a host of problems with those, especially in the Rochester market, because our weather causes expansion and contrac�on, which in turn causes lines in the paint. Design decisions aren’t always cut and dry, so we are here help you through them.

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Planned to Perfection Say goodbye to the overwhelm. Your Kitchens by Countryside design consultant will walk step-by-step with you through the design decision making process, ensuring that all the pieces �e nicely together for breathtaking results that are both beau�ful and func�onal.

“We had Kitchens by Countryside do a remodel on our kitchen and dining room. We worked with designer Heather Zapf. We are very happy with our results, and it looks just beautiful! We hear that over and over from our family and friends, too. Heather was a pleasure to work with, and really listened to what we wanted. She also gave us excellent advice and suggestions throughout the design process. Our project manager, Mike, was very professional and always considerate of us… We would use them again in the future for any additional renovations we might have.

Your home is the center of your family’s world, and we believe they deserve the same quality and a�en�on to detail in the Greater Rochester area as in larger metro areas spor�ng larger price tags.

Having the style you love in the space you need jus t makes sense.

– Rosanne & Charlie C. 415 S. UNION STREET, SPENCERPORT � 585.349.8100

Courtesy is more important than ever when we are guests in your home. Kitchens by Countryside and Oaks Construc�on only send people to your home who we trust to be kind, polite, clean up a�er themselves, care for a client’s space, be considerate of pets and small children, and more. That’s the kind of brand experience we believe in for our customers. Unlike the instant gra�fica�on of TV renova�on shows, remodels can be lengthy processes of up to 9 months to a year from first phone call to final walk-through. Two months of this �me can include construc�on personnel in your home. Our though�ul, efficient, and courteous staff will make the construc�on and installa�on processes as smooth and unobtrusive as possible.

KITCHENYOURANUPGRADE!

Uncommon Courtesy

We are doing big things here to set women in business apart at Kitchens by Countryside. All of our design and assistant design staﬀ are women. These designers are highly skilled in construc�on es�ma�on, taking loca�on photos, planning for such concerns as electrical access, ergonomic func�on, and use of space. While most of our produc�on crew are men, our purchasing department and receiving department are staﬀed by women, and our delivery coordina�on and work orders are all completed by women, as well. Our designers would be happy to assess your project needs and, if necessary, visit your space for measurements. Let us help you transform your unsa�sfying space into one that is a�rac�ve, welcoming, and prac�cal. Set up your FREE consulta�on online or call us today and men�on Promo Code: HOME2022 Before GIVE After

Rochester | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 7 KITCHENSBYCOUNTRYSIDE.COM

Women in Business

Sequels features stylish and unusual furniture & home accessories from quality brands like Stickley, Ethan Allen, Arhaus, MacKenzie-Childs and more. Find quality consignment home décor and gifts at surprisingly reasonable prices. Or, consign with us and we’ll sell your gently used furnishings for you! A SECOND LIFE FOR FINE FURNISHINGS MAIN SHOWROOM: 3450 WINTON PLACE, BRIGHTON | 585.935.7297 WAREHOUSE SHOWROOM: 100 RAWSON ROAD, VICTOR | 585.398.8456 SEQUELSHOMEFURNISHINGS.COM

- from the artists’ deskIt’s that time of year again: the air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and we’re preparing to welcome fall back once more. Here at Home we’re gearing up to celebrate the season and all it entails, whether that’s a cozy sweater or an extra cup of coffee! In Rochester we’re sipping on coffee, cocktails and kombucha with some locals and celebrating people of all abilities with the non-profit Endless Highway. Being a women-run magazine ourselves, we’re more than excited to spotlight some of the women-run businesses in our area! Local women are helping to put a pep in our step, whether that’s Chelsey Zawadzki of The Hive Coworking Studio or Brie Saskowski of Baked By Brie! October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and The Breast Cancer Confidence Project is empowering and uplifting with meaningful photography and the impact it has for survivors. Fall is also an excellent time to tackle that last minute project to make your home your dream home before the cold weather of winter sets in, and Kitchens by Countryside has you covered when it comes to the perfect place to prep all of your holiday meals. Looking to get out and about or maybe shake things up this season? We also have you covered with a bucket list full of fall-inspired and local-oriented ideas! Come and join us as we dive into autumn and all the beauty it has to offer. 585.226.8111 | sales@gvpublications.com www.thehomepublications.com

Endless Highway: Supporting People of All Abilities

Endless Highway, a Rochester nonproﬁt, works tirelessly to ensure that no matter the obstacles, there will be paths forward. One never knows when one’s ability may be altered. One moment in time can change everything. That moment can work for you or against you. It’s all about perspective, being open to new ideas, new ways, and endless highways. Thanks to teams that support people with various abilities, sports and art enthusiasts alike have many opportunities to travel, explore, create, and compete. One of the greatest teams, Endless Highway, makes adaptive equipment, creates inclusive experiences, provides funding, and creates partnerships to ensure such opportunities exist.

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Rob Tortorella and Caralie Fennessey are both athletes on a mission to make the world accessible and inclusive for everyone, in Monroe County and especially in Rochester, New York. After graduating college, Tortorella was injured, sustaining a cervical spinal cord injury causing permanent paralysis during a motor vehicle accident, resulting in the use of a manual wheelchair for all aspects of mobility. He credits his athletic background with helping him get through rehab and building the conﬁdence to live a full life. Endless Highway was born in 2018 as a tribute to Tortorella when his family, friends, and coworkers gave him a surprise birthday bash. They knew the only gift he wanted was donations for the foundation that was started in 2011. Tortorella crafted the organization’s vision statement: We empower individuals who use mobility devices to live connected and ambitious lives by cultivating inclusion in sports, recreation, arts, and communities. Endless Highway then held a golf event, which helped raise the necessary funds to put the mission in place.

The nonproﬁt soon attracted strong support. Operations Director Caralie Fennessey joined Endless Highway in 2019. In fact, she decided to stay in Rochester because the vision Tortorella had aligned with hers. Endless Highway empowered Fennessey to use her education and experience as a Recreation Therapist. Her Master’s in Integrative Design continues to give her the skills she needs to create solutions from the point of view of people who use wheelchairs, supporting their needs with functional activities.

BY LORI BRUTON

In life, there are many highways to travel. All roads lead to unique stories and experiences. Sometimes, there are detours and unexpected turns, and ﬁnding an alternative route will take you places you never expected.

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Nico Santiago, an intern at Endless Highway, is an Industrial Design major at RIT. He collaborated with The Strong Museum of Play’s design team to ensure the new displays and bathrooms are accessible to people with mobility impairments, creating a culture and environment that welcomes everyone. Endless Highway pays for entrance to the museum and the butterﬂy museum for individuals with mobility impairments and their families. Endless Highway helps ﬁll the funding gap by providing opportunities for children, adults, families, and friends to live full lives as able-bodied people. They travel the high road, creating a sense of belonging and providing ways people of all abilities can live a full life. From equipment and experiences to funding and partnerships, Endless Highway is continually working to support people of all abilities throughout Greater Rochester communities.

Places of accessibility and inclusion in Rochester for fun, sports, & recreation: Rochester Accessible Adventures, The Strong Museum of Play, Cobb’s Hill Park, George Eastman Museum, Memorial Art Gallery, Wegman’s, and Rochester Public Market. na

Together, Tortorella, Fennessey, and their staff built strong relationships with the community. Listening to participants’ needs and learning about their barriers, which include poverty, transportation, or equipment, helps them know what kinds of support and equipment are Endlessneeded.Highway is guided by those they serve, bridging the gap by providing equipment, experiences, funding, and partnerships. The programs, systems, and processes serve people with disabilities using a strength-based approach that focuses on what an individual can do, because everybody is an able body, and nobody is left behind. The organization’s mission has created a future where people of all abilities are embraced by a culture that is equitable and inclusive. Throughout Monroe County, they have grown their impact significantly by supplying customized bicycles and wheelchairs to those in need. This gives those individuals the ability to be independent in their recreation and other activities so they can participate with family members and friends. Endless Highway identifies and modifies custom-built bikes and chairs, working with the manufacturers to produce safe and functional equipment. Creating inclusive experiences for people of all ages who use mobility devices is a priority. This fosters friendships, mentorships, and community inroads where everyone can engage with each other. Partners are provided with training, education, building assessments, and design consultation to expand accessibility and inclusivity across the Onecommunity.waythat Endless Highway has supported our community members of various abilities is by supplying basketball racing chairs to the Rochester Rookies. Basketball racing chairs can be customized for those with athletic abilities who want to compete at regional and national levels in various sports (they actually funded the Rochester Rookies so they could compete in the nationals!). Xavier Major is a key player who is part of the Rochester Wheels basketball team. He also shoots baskets with the kids and shares his basketball skills. The team recently wrapped up its first year of a new inclusive wheelchair basketball program designed for integration in P.E. classes at school with a fleet of adaptive equipment donated by Endless Highway. In collaboration with the Town of Greece, they opened a new fully accessible playground at Basil Marella Park. Additionally, a hybrid virtual reality gaming program called Game On! Virtual Reality was launched in partnership with VeracityVRcade, bringing individuals with disabilities free monthly gaming sessions and at-home VR kits that connect youth and adults across the Greater Rochester region.

SIERRA ZAREMBA Kitchens by Countryside Favorite Local Food: Brunch at Trata Go-To Drink Order: Gin & Tonic with a lime wedge Fave Genre/Song When Working: Elton John - Benny and the Jets

Finger Lakes Food Tours

Favorite Local Food: Have to go with pizza! Go-To Drink Order: Mint Hot Chocolate Fave Genre/Song When Working: Chill songs with good vibes that I can sing along with STACY K ERCAN Stacy K Floral Favorite Local Food: Avvino Go-To Drink Order: Tequila and Ginger Ale Fave Genre/Song When Working: Meghan Trainor Women in Rochester bring a power and creativity to the business arena that is changing the landscape of both small and large businesses in our community today.

SUZANNE WRIGHT

Favorite Local Food: Not a fair question for me! Go-To Drink Order: Ice Cold Martini Fave Genre/Song When Working: Stronger (Kelly Clarkson) LISA SCHLONSKI LaLa’s (Laugh and Love Always, LLC) Go-To Drink Order: Lavender Latte from Village Bakery Fave Genre/Song When Working: Eclectic, love it all. KARA IVISON Printing by Penny Lane

JANIS REED Janis Reed Interiors, LLC Favorite Local Food: Anything Lactose-Free Go-To Drink Order: Starbucks Double Chocolate Chip Frappe with Almond Milk Fave Genre/Song When Working: Secret Garden because it’s calming AMANDA SALVAGGIO SalCo Design Favorite Local Food: Anything Italian Go-To Drink Order: Lemon Drop Martinis Fave Genre/Song When Working: Country, rock, pop, rap, oldiesanything usually does the trick

Favorite Local Food: Seafood Fra Diavolo at Rizzi’s Go-To Drink Order: Sangria Cocktail Fave Genre/Song When Working: Mama Mia! DANIELLE RAYMO Rochester Brainery

Favorite Local Food: Garbage Plate Go-To Drink Order: Pepsi Fave Genre/Song When Working: Country MELANYA JAMALKOWSKI Heart of Hilton Gift Shop

Favorite Local Food: Peanut Butter Sundaes from the Creamery Go-To Drink Order: French Vanilla Latte Fave Genre/Song When Working: Today’s Country

Favorite Local Food: Maria’s Mexican – The Flag Go-To Drink Order: House Margarita at Maria’s Mexican Fave Genre/Song When Working: No music for me - too easily distracted.

CHRISTINE MARINI Heart of Hilton Gift Shop

Simply Crepes, LLC

Favorite Local Food: A Chocolate Pistachio Croissant from Flour City Bread Co. Go-To Drink Order: A Cabernet Sauvignon Fave Genre/Song When Working: Usually a low-key indie playlist. My favorite tunes are show tunes, but I can’t listen to them while working or it becomes a sing-along!

NICOLE H. WILLIAMS

STEPHANIE MOGAVERO Sequel’s Home Furnishings

THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Rochester POMONA AT BLUE BARN Nov. 13 // 11am-5pm 918 Manitou Rd., Hilton, NY 14468 A CRAFTY CHRISTMAS SIP & SHOP Dec. 17 // 11am-4pm 1044 University Ave., Rochester, NY 14607 SALCO OFFICIALEVENTSLAUNCH Enjoy a family fun day with live music from Good Time Charlie, food trucks, kids activities, shopping and more. Donations and auction item proceeds will be donated back to Heritage Christian Services October 15, 2022 • 11-4pm Balcony Point, 700 Colby Street, Spencerport - upcoming eventswww.salcodesign.com FB: SalCo Design IG: @SalCo.Design TikTok: SalCoDesign HEY, GIRL! WOMEN-RUN HEART OF HILTON GIFT SHOP [we are expanding] We are a locally owned and operated, 100% handmade gift shop that is home to over 50 unique handcrafted vendors. Products available change weekly and we have a wide array of items from candles to furniture to home décor and so much more! 9 SOUTH AVENUE, HILTON FB @heartofhiltongiftshop • 585-366-4045 Mon. 2-6; Thurs. + Fri. 4-8; Sat. + Sun. 11-5 Pullano & Company can help individuals and small businesses navigate the health care marketplace! We can add disability and life insurance options to customize your family or small business insurance protection options. Facing the complexities of Medicare? We help you navigate the A, B, C & Ds of Medicare online, over the phone, or in person. We are happy to help you explore yourWeoptions.havein-house facilities to aid you in Medicare enrollment and plan navigation. You can designate us as your broker via the New York State of Health Marketplace so that we can aid you in your decision both now and in the future! 15 Schoen Place, 1st Fl East Pittsford, NY 14534 585-385-6010 | www.pullanoco.com Mon.-Fri.: 9am-4:30pm, Sat.-Sun.: Closed Celebrating 41 years in business! Certiﬁed Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) We make health insurance decisions SIMPLE. “Fran….you are some kind of wonderful! With the utmost respect and appreciation for what you do!” -JeanneC., A New to Medicare Enrollee “Thank you so very much for spending time with me and explaining my policy. Written words cannot express how grateful I am to you. Stay safe.” -LonnieS.,AMedicareBeneficiary

VISIT US:

SPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHTTEACHERTEACHER

Laura Cott, LaCott Fine Art

FineLaCottArt

A EventClassroomCommunityandSpaceToday’saGreatDaytoLearnSomethingNewVIEWALLCLASSESWITH

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FineLaCottArt BRAINERYROCHESTER

VISIT US: 176 ANDERSON AVE. STE F109, ROCHESTER, NEW YORK ROCHESTERBRAINERY.COM working in Western New York. Cott’s art is driven by natural surroundings and the visual storytelling of the interaction of light, line, and color. She works primarily with paint and non-traditional materials.

Rochester Brainery opened in 2013 to spotlight the talents and brains of folks in Rochester, NY. Since then, we’ve worked with more than 300 teachers and businesses (not to mention the thousands who attended classes). The RB Teacher Community teaches everything from improv comedy and fresh pasta making to acrylic painting and houseplant care. We offer classes online, off-site at partner venues, and at our Neighborhood of the Arts location. When classes aren’t being held in our sun-soaked space, it’s available to rent for your next business function or special event.

16 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Rochester Visit our Design Studio, Home & Gifts for a new shopping experience, with all the design resources you need to live beautifully at home. Luxury design services from blueprints to furnishings Curated furniture, décor and gifts from designer brands and local artisans The Piano Works 349 W Commercial St. #1500 East Rochester 585.737.7672 | IG @janisreedinteriors Tues. - Fri. 12-5PM Sat. 10AM-2PM home is a feeling

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On a mission to find a supportive group of women with whom to share ideas, Chelsey Zawadzki built a niche community that inspires others through coworking.

HEY, GIRL! WOMEN-RUN

BUILDING A COMMUNITY WITH CHELSEY ZAWADZKI, founder of The Hive Coworking Studio BY TRISH PINO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUE EGAN

Following the isolation of the pandemic, Fairport resident and founder of The Hive, Chelsey Zawadzki found herself craving a space free of distractions and full of creativity where she could collaborate with others while working. Zawadzki, who grew up on a farm in Wyoming County, relocated to Rochester seven years ago with her family and left her career as a vet technician behind to stay home with her then three-year-old daughter. She had a new city to explore, but admits she struggled to find a place to form strong bonds outside of the parents she met through her daughter’s school. “Aside from joining a mom’s group through social media or one of the local churches, there really wasn’t a great option in the community for what I was looking for,” she shared.

A Creative Outlet

“It really does take a village. For some reason, we’ve gotten to this place of having to be the busiest and do it all on our own, but we weren’t designed for that. We are supposed to lean on each other, share strengths and have a safe place where we can do that.”

This comes naturally for Zawadzki as she finds immense joy in diving deep into people and learning what makes them tick. She finds mentorship and knowledge in the way people do things, which may be totally different from how she would. She attributes this skill to her grandfather who was a great role model to her and always supported her ideas – no matter how crazy they were. Like him, Zawadzki loves meeting new people, learning new things and finding ways to use that wisdom in the future.

Coworking aside, she was really searching for a group of motivated, like-minded women with which to surround herself and wanted to build a community where they could learn from and complement one another.

Craving Connection

Community over competition is how we all get a step above.”

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After struggling to stay on task and balance everything that also comes with being a mom of two young kids, she knew that if she was struggling with these things, other people probably were, too. Through the launch of her business, she has learned a lot about herself and has found a place where she can let her creativity fly. It is a unique culmination of her past experiences, what she knows (and doesn’t), and where she is headed in the future.

Lifting Each Other Up Chelsey Zawadzki is a firm believer that if we all do this together, we all do better. She learned about the concept of “community over competition” through a favorite author and shares how it really resonated with her: “We don’t have to be gatekeepers of information; we can divulge that secret sauce recipe and know we will all do it differently because we have unique skills and perspectives to offer.

One of the things Zawadzki most appreciates about Rochester is the strong sense of community that exists, sharing how quickly the word spread about her new space. “It is amazing how everyone has such a great sense of pride in the community and really wanted to help and to spread the word.”

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CHELSEY ZAWADZKI HEY, GIRL! WOMEN-RUN

The Hive is a place where people can come to work, create, collaborate, lean on one another, and lift each other up – free of distractions and without competition. It is an inspiring group of people who you can bounce ideas off of, have great conversations with and get work done – all in a safe and comfortable environment free of judgement or distractions. To learn more, visit: WWW.THEHIVEROC.COM

On paper, The Hive is a shared work and event space that is geared toward professional women in the community, but to Zawadzki, it is so much more. She describes it, saying, “this unique space really has to be experienced in person to truly understand what it is and the type of community we have built here.” It is uniquely designed for women and promotes productivity, creativity, and inspiration through collaboration and connection – all the things that are near and dear to Chelsey Zawadzki’s heart and a combination of her strengths and the strengths of those who surround her.

“You are the sum of the 5 people you surround yourself with and you should be inspired by what those people do and say,”

Chelsey Zawadzki admits it can be difficult to start down a new path, but encourages others who feel stuck to “figure out the things that light you on fire and find a group of people who have similar interests as you. When you have a strong support system that gives you confidence in yourself, it translates into the work you do.”

As she was launching her business, she leaned on her circle of friends who had a variety of different skillsets to be her trusted advisers with whom to brainstorm. “You are the sum of the 5 people you surround yourself with and you should be inspired by what those people do and say,” she advises. She admits it was difficult at times to fully articulate her vision as she tried to build something unique and different, but she worked through the challenges by leaning on others who had different strengths than her own and by staying true to her dream. “I knew in my heart it was needed, especially with more of the workforce moving towards working remotely,” she shares.

Strong Support System

The Hive Coworking Studio

“Oneofthemostimportantistonever family.underestimateandundervalueyourtimeandeffort,”Briesaid.“Ipulledalotofsleeplessnightsthispastyeartryingtoaccommodateorders,andIrealizedIneededtosetalimitformyselfandmySincestarting,Ihaveanewfoundappreciationforallentrepreneursandothersinsimilarindustries!” HEY, GIRL! WOMEN-RUN

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The results speak for themselves. Before she knew it, she was doing multiple orders a week. “Most often I was doing at least eight dozen custom cut out cookies and two cakes,” Brie said. “I also just celebrated one year of being in business and wow, what a year it has been!”

By the time she was pregnant with her son, Covid hit, restaurants closed, and suddenly she found herself home more than she had ever been before with a toddler and a newborn. When regulations lifted and the world started to open again, Brie made her decision. “While I loved the restaurant industry, I decided to take a leap of faith and created Baked By Brie.”

“It started with baking a few cakes for family celebrations and really taking the time and effort to try new recipes, techniques, etc.,” Brie said. Having managed a local restaurant right out of college and working there for the first few major milestones of her life—including buying her first house, getting married, and having her first baby—Brie decided it was time for a change of pace.

Another recent order that never fails to make her smile is a cookie and cake set for a “fourever Golden” birthday. Full of pinks and flowers, each cookie was artfully crafted, all made to celebrate a four-year-old’s special day. Especially impressive is Brie’s ability to make each cookie appear uniform—not an easy feat when done by hand!

For Brianne “Brie” Saskowski, baking is more than just a hobby. Since an early age, the Victor mom of two has always loved being in the kitchen, whether that was baking “gourmet” cookies (“One giant cookie out of dough!”) with the neighbor or helping her own mother during the holidays and other special celebrations.

“Everything about the set was just whimsical and beautiful, and it made my heart happy to have a part in creating it,” Brie said. The delicate lettering on the cookies also speak to how much time and effort is spent on making each one by hand and with care. Every batch is unique and speaks to both the baker and her customer. By simply scrolling through her Instagram feed, it’s more than clear her talents and efforts have paid off.

Of course, Brie’s favorites will always be the creations she does for her family, especially her husband, Andy, and their two kids, Brekkin and Dawson. “They are the reason I push myself every day to be better and do better. They are my biggest supporters and always the best taste testers for new Starting,ideas.”

owning, and running a small business has not been an easy feat, but it is one Brie is immensely proud of. While experimenting with different recipes and techniques, she has also learned a number of valuable lessons over the lastBrieyear.andherhusband,Andy,currentlyresideinVictor withtheirchildren,Brekkin(4)andDawson(2),alongwiththeirfurbaby,Harley.YoucanfollowherbakingadventuresonbothInstagramandFacebook@BAKEDBYBRIE.ROC BY KAITLIN DONNAN

Baked By Brie BRINGINGPASSIONCHILDHOODTOLIFE

Now, she’s taken that passion and turned it into her own online baking enterprise at Baked By Brie, a local womanowned business which just celebrated its first birthday!

Operating through both her Instagram and Facebook pages, a great deal of correspondence is done online and through direct messages. Customers can reach out, share ideas, and place orders for special events, receiving prompt updates. When it comes to some of the cookies and cakes she’s created over the past year, each stand out in their own way.

“All of my orders bring something new to the table, but I have to say one of my favorites would be an animal safari birthday cake I made,” Brie reflected. The bold colors and playful decorations make this one a little difficult to want to eat—but not impossible! It’s something Brie is particularly proud of, as well. “The fondant animals were a reminder to myself that I can do more than I think I’m capable of.”

THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Rochester Lala’s - and - Whimsies! Gifts & Goodies Galore 32 & 38 EAST MAIN STREET IN THE VILLAGE OF WEBSTER VISIT US: MONDAY�SATURDAY 10AM�4PM, THURSDAY 10AM�7 PM WOMEN�OWNED BUSINESS 585.236.1604 // www.lalaofwebster.com585.236.1932 // whimsiesofwebster.com YOUR PLAYFULLY QUAINT VARIETY STORE WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS

Looking for something fun? Perhaps a “Real Housewives kitchen towel” would suit. Playing upon the reality television show, fans of the Real Housewives are now able to purchase kitchen towel collec�ons aptly �tled for their own Monroe County hometowns— such as Real Housewives of Webster and Real Housewives of Penfield. Whimsies! LaLa’s sister store next door is ge�ng ready for the season with unique and exci�ng Buffalo Bills merchandise. A whimsical, 21st Century style general store, Whimsies! carries a curated assortment of merchandise not found anywhere else. Vintage type penny candy, gourmet nuts, specialty pretzels, decadent foods, and a mouthwatering variety of goodies and treats will put a smile on your face and nostalgia in your heart. Need an unusual gi� for that quirky friend or hard-to-buy-for family member? Check out Whimsies! en�re wall of “crazy socks” in a myriad of fun—and funny—designs. With themes like sports, pizza, holidays, and more, there is sure to be a “fit” for the person in your life. Like LaLa’s, Whimsies! proudly supports several local ar�sans and vendors and is very involved in both the Webster and Penfield business communi�es. Locally owned, uniquely designed, and always affordable, woman-owned Lala’s and Whimsies! offer an engaging customer experience—with a charming bit of sass—like no other. Whether gi� shopping for a friend or trea�ng yourself, LaLa’s and Whimsies! are a shopping must-see! Follow LaLa’s and Whimsies! for all the latest updates and news about upcoming events!

LaLa’s Now celebra�ng four years, popular, award-winning LaLa’s, located on Main Street in Webster, oﬀers three ﬂoors full of an extensive variety of goods with which to pamper a friend—or yourself! Browse the phenomenal collec�on of everyday women’s clothing. Lala’s chic, curated fashions are designed to help every woman accent her true beauty. Peruse health, beauty, and aromatherapy products, over 100 essen�al oil fragrances, bath salts, soaps, lo�ons, and gi�s galore—including several seasonal items.

“I love oﬀering unique products to the customer, and I am always open to sugges�ons. If you are traveling and see something cool, send me an email or give me a call. My customers can par�cipate in this journey of oﬀering fun things to the community.”

Rochester | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 25

Raes shares that her confidence was never the best, and the cancer diagnosis only exacerbated her fear for her body: Will I feel alright with myself? Will I look bald? What will losing hair feel like? Now, Raes can say that these overwhelming fears were unnecessary. You’re still the same person when you’re diagnosed with cancer. You may look and feel different, but you’re still the same wonderful person, and Raes’ boudoir sessions helped her realize this.

PROJECTCANCER Confidence

BY RILEY SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOLANA HOLLISTER

In the spring of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t the only thing that flipped Michaela Raes’ world upside down. Her breast cancer diagnosis came around the same time, disrupting her treatment options.

Meaningful Photography & Its Positive Impact on Survivors

BREAST

In the midst of some of the scariest things happening at once, Raes found a way to see the strength that would guide her throughout her cancer journey. Before undergoing any surgeries, she hired her close friend Jolana Hollister, a Rochester-based photographer, to do her very first boudoir photoshoot.

A FULFILLING ORGANIZATIONCHARITABLE The Breast Cancer Confidence Project (BCCP) was launched by Raes and Hollister when they joined forces and decided to offer boudoir sessions to women with breast cancer in the Rochester area. The official name for the charitable organization was coined at the end of 2020, and over the past year and a half, Raes and Hollister have organized three events. BCCP is a charitable organization working on its nonprofit application, and it holds no profits from its efforts. Any revenue that has been generated was donated to breast cancer organizations that already have a nonprofit designation. Women who attend these events are encouraged to share their experiences, talk about their fears, have fun with one another, and gain confidence in their bodies with the help of a beautifully crafted photo session, which includes a complementary makeover! Comfort is the most important element when it comes to these boudoir sessions, so women are encouraged to wear clothing and undergarments they feel their best in.

A SHARED EXPERIENCE Raes’ first boudoir session with Hollister occurred prior to her first surgery, a lumpectomy. After she was photographed postsurgery, she decided to do another shoot after chemo, then after her double mastectomy, and again after her reconstructive surgery. By shooting after each surgery, Raes and Hollister were showing the experience of having cancer in one body. As Raes felt strengthened and more confident through the boudoir sessions, she thought that other women with breast cancer could benefit from the same experience. Raes decided that if she could help at least one other woman through this, then she could move forward. But Raes hasn’t just helped one woman in the past two years; to date, she has helped over ten women gain the confidence they need throughout their respective journeys with breast cancer. This number continues to rise as more boudoir sessions are offered through the Breast Cancer Confidence Project.

- C. Joybell C

“The strength of a woman is not measured by the impact that all her hardships in life have had on her; but the strength of a woman is measured by the extent of her refusal to allow those hardships to dictate her and who she becomes."

The boudoir sessions are a shared experience among breast cancer survivors. Women who attend the sessions can connect with one another, know that they’re not alone, and learn how to accept their ever-changing bodies. However, it’s not just a shared experience - it’s also about a changed perspective. You can talk about your shared experiences, but at the end of the day, every woman’s journey is different - and that’s okay. By talking about their struggles and accepting their changing bodies, survivors can feel less alone and instead garner the power, confidence, and beauty that they left behind when they were first diagnosed. Hollister shares that the focus is on capturing emotion and authentic feelings and making it more than a session of posing and smiling. It’s an entire experience, and Michaela Raes and Jolana Hollister want women who come to relax, put themselves first, and enjoy it to the fullest!

While Hollister runs the photography side of their charitable organization, Raes organizes their social media pages and does the bulk of the event planning. The sessions are hosted in Hollister’s studio in Rochester, and their fourth session will take place on October 30th, 2022. This event will be the biggest one they’ve ever offered, as they’re providing a variety of options for women with different comfort levels and for those who want to be more conservative with their bodies. This event will offer boudoir, headshots, and henna body art.

The organization’s plans for the future include social ventures for previous participants to reconnect, such as a dinner, a movie night, or a hiking trip, and to continue providing fundraisers for the organization and other breast cancer organizations in Rochester and the surrounding communities. They also plan to expand their body positivity events to a broader geographical area. With a board of directors, the BCCP is now a recognized charitable organization in the Rochester community that is helping breast cancer survivors find their confidence and strength, one photograph at a time.

@breastcancerboudoir

BCCP IN ACTIO N

A CHANGED EXPERIENCE Hollister dipped her toes into boudoir photography shortly before Raes reached out about her first session; in fact, Raes was Hollister’s first paid boudoir customer! While Hollister enjoyed photographing weddings and families, capturing the bodies of cancer survivors has had an indescribable impact. Raes shares that Hollister does an incredible job of showing breast cancer survivors how beautiful their bodies are, and she does a reveal for each woman after the session to go through the photos, highlight strengths, and show the women just how powerful their bodies are. Through this deeply personal way of demonstrating both beauty and strength, survivors are able to see themselves in a different light. Women are very used to judging themselves and picking apart their bodies and finding flaws, but these boudoir sessions provide a different perspective that a cancer patient simply won’t be exposed to in a medical setting.

@feedmeroc

SIP + DINE

A refreshing iced coconut green tea from Village Bakery at the Armory.

Mel Orioli of Feed Me Rochester has worked in the social media industry since 2014 and is now a content strategist full-time. Inspired by a presentation at work years ago, Mel decided to start her own Instagram page to showcase local businesses and restaurants in the Rochester community and Finger Lakes Region. Passionate about small business, Mel uses her platform to help them become known to a wider audience. Since her Instagram page has taken off, a growing number of businesses in the Rochester and Finger Lakes communities have partnered with Mel. She works with local home bakers, hosts giveaways for small businesses, and highlights new menu items. Mel also networks with other food influencers in the area.

SIP WITH

Mel recommends nibbling a chocolate croissant or a cheese Danish—any sweet pastry really—while sipping one of these!

MEL’S GO-TO DRINKS

MEL ORIOLI

Mel recognizes that Rochester is a tight-knit community, and she works to get businesses and restaurants the recognition they deserve! As a remote worker, Mel’s always trying out different places around Rochester to sit and work. This has led her to many coffee shops and cafés in the area!

A hot matcha latte topped with cinnamon from Cafe Sasso on Park Ave. . . .

A delicious iced matcha latte from Anyone’s Cafe in the South Wedge.

A New Orleans cold brew from Union Place Coffee Roasters. This drink is a delicious cold brew that is made with a dark roast blend, steeped with chicory and cinnamon sticks, and topped with a sweet maple foam.

@Caffeinated_Jazz Jasmine Flowers has been a barista in Rochester for a decade. After starting her career at Starbucks, Jasmine’s since moved to smaller coffee shops and cafés throughout the Rochester area. She’s worked at Towpath Café and FairPour in Fairport, Mellow Mug in Bushnell’s Basin, and Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters in Pittsford Plaza. She’s now a barista at Union Place Coffee Roasters!

A shot of expresso from Mamaste Café and Play’s Dallas Corte espresso machine. . . .

JASMINE FLOWERS

US!

Jasmine recommends pairing with a cranberry orange muffin or a pumpkin spice scone! BY RILEY SMITH

Learning more about coffee, Jasmine was trained by a professional latte artist. As she began to transform simple lattes into pieces of art, she posted more and more pictures of her work on her Instagram page. Jasmine’s eye-catching talents branched out when coffee shops and cafés asked her to take over their social media pages and host workshops for their employees. Thanks to many moving parts, jobs in the coffee community are plentiful. Jasmine hosts events that provide a dose of coffee education: introducing herself to new cafés, hosting classes for new baristas, and holding what are known as “latte She’sthrowdowns!”hosteda latte throwdown at Tree Town Café in Brighton and donated funds to the Uganda Water Project, another at Hollycake House in East Rochester (a wonderful vegan bakery!), and yet another at Mamaste Café and Play in Hilton, a new family-friendly café. Jasmine also hosts events for kids to learn about coffee and coffee art!

Rochester | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 29

A Sun Salutation from Ugly Duck. This is a delicious turmeric, ginger, maple, cinnamon drink with milk.

Stephanie’s biggest success has been her Chef Throwdown Series. She started running this event four years ago, and it involves several chefs competing both individually and in teams. Held at various venues, those in the Rochester community are invited to come, eat samples, make connections with chefs, and place votes. All proceeds are donated to charity.

Stephanie Hanna grew up in a large Greek and Macedonian family where food was always a big part of her life. Most of her memories growing up are associated with seeing her grandmother cook food and enjoying a meal with her family at the dinner table. Because of these fond memories, about seven years ago, Stephanie and a friend decided that starting an Instagram page would be a great way to highlight restaurants in the Rochester Afterarea. two years, Stephanie decided that she could really make a difference with her influence in Rochester’s restaurant industry. Stephanie’s most interested in showcasing chefs behind the scenes, making the connection to who is actually making the food in the restaurants we dine in. Stephanie also feels strongly about connecting with organizations and giving back!

Stephanie also organizes pairing events (like beer and donuts!) and will be hosting a mocktail competition on September 22, 2022. She is co-running this event with friend Casey Bowker, who is the founder of ROConnoisseur. Stephanie is passionate about shedding light on this decision many people make for their health.

Stephanie has also cowritten two cookbooks with Casey Bowker. After releasing A Seat at the Table, they decided to come out with a second volume. These books feature recipes from local restaurant chefs, bartenders, and baristas. Highlighting inclusivity, both books include recipes for vegetarians, vegans, those who are glutenfree, and more!

A Bait & Switch mocktail from Velvet Belly.

Stephanie suggests sampling an Amazing Grain or a Flower City Bread Croissant with your drink of choice!

STEPHANIE’S

A Dragon’s Nectar Kombucha from Happy Guy Sanctuary. . . .

SIP + DINE

30 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Rochester STEPHANIE HANNA

@sipandsavourroc

A “bartender’s choice” (mix a concoction - not sweet) from Nosh.

DRINKSFALLFAVE

SpiggleLaurabyPhotography

A cinnamon bun latte from Tree Town Café.

Real. Italian. Tradition. � W I N E , D I N E & G A T H E R � “ T H E F OO D I S A LWAYS P H E N O M E N A L , T H E P O RT I O N S A R E HU G E A N D YOU D E F I N I T E LY G E T YO U R M O N E Y'S WORTH.” To n y D ’s - 28 8 E x c h a n g e B l v d , R oc h es t e r - C or n H il l La n di n g Owner & Executive Chef, Jay Speranza | ww w . t o n y d s. n e t | 585.41 3.364 0

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While coffee is its main initiative, Mission Coffee serves military Vets in other ways, as well, playing many other critical roles across the Western NY community and nationwide. Veterans and their families have benefited from their support in recent years and continue to do so with programs like Clear Path for Veterans, V.P.A.C (Veterans Plus Assistance Corp.), and K9 Companions for Rochester. Programs like these are more specialized in their focus and are instrumental in guiding Veterans when returning home from war, learning a new occupation, and/or re-entering the workforce, as well as the value of caring for a special K9 companion.

SIP + DINE

A great responsibility like that comes with great rewards. Mission Coffee volunteers rescue abandoned, neglected, and mistreated cats over time and rehome them with military Veterans and their families. Frequently, the animals are lovingly cared for and maintained for years by Mission Coffee volunteers before ever being released to a Vet. When a cat does get adopted by a military Vet, it gains a new lease on life, and in many cases, so does the Vet.

Mission Coffee is a grassroots Veteran owned business that began in 2018 and aims at connecting military Veterans to one another in a relaxing and informal way. Even better still, Veterans are building bonds through their shared love of coffee.

Animals have always been known to boost mental health and longevity, but DiFranco believes four-legged companions have a lasting impact on Veterans that many underestimate. “Offering companionship to these older Veterans especially—they’re in their 60s, 70s and 80s—is amazing. We just donated a pet to a Korean Veteran. I can read their eyes. I hear them speaking to me with their eyes about those things that they just won’t say, and I know that I won’t ask questions that they just won’t answer. Once they realize the pain that they have held in for all these years, it’s almost like a slow blink of their eyes and a nod, and nothing else has to be said. I am accepted by those who have served, I think, because I understand. It’s a great responsibility.”

“The mission of Mission Coffee is just to sit down and have a cup of coffee and start the conversation,” says President Dave DiFranco. It’s no secret that American Veterans suffer from startling rates of PTSD, and while the suffering remains the same, all Veterans deal with post-traumatic stress differently. “According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 11-20 out of every 100 Veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder.” These statistics can vary across generations and wars; however, most Veterans have difficulties reaching out for help, and as time goes by this becomes increasingly detrimental to their mental health and well-being. That’s something that DiFranco understands all too well. “My dad was a WWII veteran, and I lost him to PTSD, to suicide,” says DiFranco soberly. And suddenly the goal of Mission Coffee becomes clear: communication and support must be coordinated for Veterans in need of assistance, and great tasting coffee is the focal point.

Mission Coffee is not simply about fundraising; it is a Veteran services organization that gives back to their local community. “We served our coffee at the Kiwanis country club dinner this year. People are really enjoying it. We use local roasters, and last year, we sent coffee to Afghanistan for our troops out there. The best blend everyone likes is our Bakery blend. 90% of people love it, and it has a good kick! When you open the coffee, it has an aroma. It’s all Arabica beans. We don’t do anything without Arabica beans. There are no fillers, no chemical enhancers. We don’t use the chemicals that aren’t good for you,” boasts DiFranco.

Mission Coffee sells high quality coffee to the public, and a portion of every bag sold supports local Veteran initiatives. “When you’re having a cup of coffee, it [is] nice to think that you’re sipping on something that actually helps Veterans,” adds DiFranco. If Veterans can gather and unwind over a cup of coffee in a relaxed setting, then Mission Coffee has served their purpose.

MISSION COFFEE: Coffee Finds a Higher Calling BY JODY GREER

Other programs under the Mission Coffee umbrella, like K9 Companions for Rochester, enable Vets to adopt dogs in need of a loving home, at no cost to them. However, for older Vets, a more suitable companion is often a cat. A Vet will never be charged for an adoption expense or for the cost of caring for their newly adopted pet: that’s the idea behind Mission Coffee. None of this would be possible without the long list of supporters, volunteers, and fundraising efforts that help make Mission Coffee a reality.

Rochester | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 33 thefarmhousebrewery.com607.972.7810237-3HighStExt,Victor Next to Fleet Feet 25 Taps We offer 25 Taps of NYS licensed farm beers, wines and ciders, most of which are our own small batch brews. Our commitment to fresh craft beer starts with fresh ingredients that are local to New York State. TIOGA COUNTY’S FARM BREWERY 18th Annual BEER | WINE CIDER | SPIRITS | NOVEMBERBANDS 12, 2022 HOLIDAY VALLEY LODGE It doesn’t get much better than this! Holiday Valley | Ellicottville, NY | 716-699-2345 SESSIONS2 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM EARLY PURCHASE PRICING LIMITED TICKETS! BUY TICKETS ONLINE

Another essential program under the Mission Coffee umbrella is Combat Comedians, spearheaded by the famed Ralph Tetta. Tetta himself formerly toured with the renowned George Carlin and knows all too well the profound healing power of comedy and the gift of laughter. Shows like Combat Comedians give Veterans a chance to talk about their military experiences and find humor in tragedy. Always leveraging community involvement, Mission Coffee’s goal is to keep growing to better serve their Veterans in need. Their reach knows no bounds, and recently they’ve partnered with Hanger Prosthetics, a prosthetic company that has been helping to fit Veterans with prosthetics since the Civil War. Veterans can have prosthetics designed for them to meet their individual needs, free of cost and obligation.

Mission Coffee believes in #OneTeam, #OneFight. Their driving force is a firm passion for community involvement through fundraising, volunteerism, and, most of all, coffee. The next time you buy coffee, consider buying coffee beans through Mission Coffee. You might just be starting a lifechanging conversation for a Veteran in need.

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YOUNGLIONBREWING.COM 24 LAKESHORE DRIVE, CANANDAIGUA | 585.412.6065 Women-owned & award-winning, community-focused brewery on the north shore of Canandaigua Lake. The brewery’s event space, The Loft, offers beautiful year-round lake views flooded with natural light, a private balcony patio, private bar, lounge area with leather sofas and separate restrooms. COME VISIT CANANDAIGUA LAKE, MAKE WAY TO THE NORTHERN SHORE, PULL UP A STOOL, AND ORDER A PINT... BECAUSE AT THE EDGE OF THE LAKE THERE MAY BE NO MORE WATER, BUT THERE’S ALWAYS MORE BEER!

Rochester | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 35 ENJOY COMFORT FOOD AROUND OUR OUTDOOR FIRE PITSTHE PLACE TO BE THIS FALL! Located on Braddock Bay, we pride ourselves on serving only the highest quality food and drinks. Woodﬁred Artisan Pizzas Daily Drink & Food Specials Outdoor Fire Pit & Seating Dog-Friendly Patio Check our FB page for Live Music & Events! SIP + DINE To inspire memories; by serving progressively traditional, handcrafted, craveable food, in a warm space shared with friends and family. CANANDAIGUA - PITTSFORD SIMPLYCREPES.COM

36 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Rochester East Rochester | Greece | Henrietta | Penﬁeld | Webster Whether you need to deposit a check, review your balance with a text message or manage your finances, we have all the technology for you to do so in a secure and efficient way! our free e-services MAKE IT HAPPEN WITH www.familyfirstny.com | 585.586.8225

doorstep.ROC the Autumn

Fall is a quintessential season in Western New York. This season means cooler weather, apple picking, pumpkin patches, crisp autumn leaves, sipping hot cider, and it’s the time of year when ghouls and goblins reign. This aut umn, take advantage of all that Rochester has to offer. Whether it’s family activities, romantic destinations, or just solo fun, there is an abundance of options when it comes to fall destinat ions and pursuits in the Finger Lakes Region. Here are our top picks for autumn activities and must-see places in Rochester. This guide will walk you through our fall favorites to get out and enjoy before the snow begins to fall! Quirky, innovative, and always outside the norm, Fr inge Festival is a fall festival that can be compared to no other. Fringe Fest was originally born in Scotland in 1947 and redesigned to be shown across the world. This indoor and outdoor festival features an assortment of artists and theatrical shows around Rochester’s artsy East End neighborhood. Sometimes thought-provoking and educational, other times funny and offbeat, Fringe Fest shows offer a break from the ordinary and will captivate your imagination like no other festival has before. fringe

This beloved state park is considered a gem by Rochesterians for good reason. Widely considered one of New York’s natural wonders to observe and explore, t his park is called the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Hikers can choose from sixty-six trails to discover, while observing the roaring Genesee River and lush forests. Every autumn, this park brings tours from all over the nation and is proof that the best of New York is sometimes right at your front BY JODY GREER

LETCHWORTHfestivalSTATEPARK

Located in Williamson, NY, Haunted Hayrides of Greater Rochester is Rochester’s longest running haunted hayride attraction and arguably the scariest as well. Inspired by the legend of William Fee and the “harvest night slaughter of 1859” folklore, this haunted hayride is not for the faint of heart. During the ride, visitors will be led through Deﬁsher Apple Orchards while coming into direct contact with spirts, demons, phantoms, and other frightful ghouls. Always a fan favorite with Halloween lovers, this event is also known for its “screamatorium, spinning tunnel, 3D Maze, and Mummy Theater.” Over the top in design, this hayride attraction does not play it safe with its fantastical themes, frightful scenery, and thrilling cast of characters and crew! BOO!

powers farm market

Raise your glass to fall by attending an Oktoberfest celebration! The sights and sounds of Munich, Germany come alive in Fairport during “Prost!” oktoberfest in fairport this annual festival. Festivities include live music, traditional German cuisine and the best of German beer. Put on your lederhosen and come enjoy this three-day festival in the Village of Fairport. Hit the Wine Trail Tour a wine trail or attend a wine tasting. The Finger Lakes Region is a wine lover’s paradise! A visit to Western NY would never be complete without at least one visit to one of our iconic wine trails or vineyards. Whether it’s touring the gorgeous Canandaigua Wine Trail or popping in at one of the Greater Rochester area’s many vineyards, the Finger Lakes Region is home to more than one hundred wineries, breweries and distilleries that will please your palate.

For more fall activities,

Nothing says autumn quite like pumpkins, apple cider and donuts, hayrides, and corn mazes. Powers Farm Market in Pittsford has all these and so much more! Large Tee-Pees overﬂow with pumpkins of all shapes and si zes and colors that children are welcome to explore free of charge. Powers is famous for their Halloween Hayride for all ages, or come back at night, if you dare, for their Spooky Hayride. Stroll through the pumpkin patch and don’t miss out on the petting zoo at no extra cost (or feed the animals for a few quarters!).

THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COMvisit:

bristol mountain Nature lovers rejoice! Bristol Mountain has always been a favorite among hikers and nature enthusiasts. Create new and lasting memories with the ones you love while riding the Comet Express chairlift overlooking Bristol Mount ain’s autumnal majesty. If a challenge is what you are look ing for, consider trying their Aerial Adventures Park. T his park will have you maneuvering through obstacle courses that include ziplines, a rope walk, rope ladders, and more.

Rochester | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 37

Haunted Hayrides of Greater Rochester

For the Home ELEVATE YOUR HOME THIS FALL // A CUSTOM DREAM HOME

Lori is currently focused on a spectacular farm sanctuary featuring an animal rescue barn, a winery, a B&B, a dining greenhouse and more. The ﬁrst organic winery in the United States, this endeavor is dear to both the client’s and Lori’s California wine country hearts. Barn-centered architecture is quickly taking root across agricultural New York regions rich in resources and natural beauty.

Rochester | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 39 3033 BRIGHTON HENRIETTA TOWNLINE ROAD, ROCHESTER GREATERLIVING.COM | 585.272.9170

Jump onboard with Barndominiums! GLA fresh talent Lori Jimenez brings a West Coast urban vibe to her work, including this fun architectural trend. The go-to for rustic design, Lori offers a new perspective across designs including barndominiums where clients want a barn/storage space below (or connected horizontally to) their living space. Driven by its structural shape and barn features, rustic barndominiums can help reduce one’s expenses and footprint while maximizing space. From classic white and black to stone and exposed beams, this trend adapts to a range of tastes and budgets.

“I love how we are handling the existing exposed, hand sawn beam work in the late 1800s barn, breathing new life into it without disrespecting what is there.”

Social, trendy, and fearless—she repelled off Kodak Tower—Lori is the right person to push these creative limits. Like GLA, she values uniqueness, incorporating each client’s tastes, lifestyle, and needs into their home or business design. a look at portfolio!our

Architectural Associate Lori Jimenez meet one of our architects with our talented design team today!

- OVER 100 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE -

Renderings shown here include a greenhouse that re-deﬁnes the farm to table food & wine experience. The winery design is complete with an outdoor private event space.

GLA architectural associates are jacks-of-all-trades, bringing safety and a new lease on life to restored structures and making the seemingly impossible—such as a garage without beams—possible. As the traditional commercial market evolves, GLA is leading the way in creative design.

Work

Daydreaming of sunshine and rustic beauty!

Take

40 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Rochester FOR THE HOME

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How would you describe the esthetic?

42 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Rochester collected pieces, vintage and new.

In May, local interior designer Justin Brown opened the doors to curated., a home goods store in the Village of Webster. The shop offers a wide variety of new and vintage goods, including decorative accents, furniture, kitchen & dining wares, lighting, personal accessories, and gifts. We sat down with him to learn more about the new space and his vision for the future.

Congratulations on the store! What led you here?

It’s been a natural evolution. I spent most of the 2010s working in New York City showrooms and relocated to Rochester in 2018, where I spent several years working at Windsor Cottage. I also had a space in a local co-op, and this shop is the next iteration of that journey and brand. I’ve always wanted to open a store, so it’s a dream come true.

Sophisticated, but warm and accessible. And it’s very eclectic, which is where the name curated. comes from. I love bringing together beautiful pieces from a wide variety of sources to help people create unique spaces.

It’s been wonderful. I’m learning names, people are introducing the space to friends—it feels like a real community. What’s ahead for autumn?

What do you mean when you say “unique spaces?”

Well, right now the home décor market is dominated by big box stores, national chains, and large online retailers. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but homes can start to look generic and lack personality. If you want something different, you have to go local. That’s where you get those beautiful one-of-a-kind ﬁnds that tell a story. Those are the pieces that your friends will admire and ask about when you’re hosting a dinner.

How has the reception been thus far?

I love fall because it’s a time when people get reacquainted with their homes after spending summer enjoying the weather. People are also really motivated to do home improvements and spruce things up, maybe because we associate the season with going back to school. We’ll be here as folks revisit their spaces and are looking for pieces to enhance their home. And, of course, I love fall decorations, and the shop will be fully outfitted for the season. What’s your ultimate goal for curated.? That’s a big question! At the end of the day, I want a space where homeowners and design enthusiasts can come to find beautiful pieces to surround themselves with. There is nothing better than seeing a smile on people’s faces as they walk out of the shop with something they love. Actually, the only thing that may be better is when they send a photo of that new piece in their home or post it on social media! I often say, “the first rule of design is to love what you own” because, when you do, chances are that things will organically look cohesive. And, obviously, you’ll love how the space makes you feel, which is as important as anything in design.

curatedbyjustin.com :: 44 east main street, webster :: IG: @curated.byjustinteriors

The shop offers new and vintage pieces –why did you decide to go that route?

Rochester | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 43

Layering all of it together helps create rich textures and adds warmth. I know that mixing and matching can feel daunting for some people, but it doesn’t have to.

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A DREAMCUSTOMHOME

Using the collaborative efforts of Kelly Homes of New York, The Rick Borrelli Team and Greater Living Architecture (GLA), homeowners Karen and Jim are overjoyed with their 2,795+ square foot home. It is a beautiful blend of neutrals, high ceilings, and an abundance of natural light pouring into the open concept.

While they first started their home building journey in March 2020, right at the height of the pandemic, Karen says working with the Kelly Homes Team was a breeze and they immediately had a sense of comfort & confidence. With frequent phone calls & virtual sessions, it was easy to stay connected and keep the project moving.

Doug, Lindsay, Gigi, and Miguel are names you will quickly become familiar with when working with them. The Kelly Homes Team works with their clients throughout the building process and well beyond closing. It’s no wonder they say “There’s no home like a Kelly home.” Karen shared a few of her favorite features and how she has made it feel like home.

“We found a plan we liked and Greater Living was able to make modifications to best suit our needs,” Karen said. “Some of the suggestions Chris B., our architectural designer, made were ones that we never would have thought of, but they made a huge Sincedifference.”moving into their new home, Karen and Jim have found that their floor plan reflects a lifestyle that is unique to them and full of character. At the end of the day, Karen says, “Our experience was full of quality people who are masters of what they do.” The Kelly Homes Team and their partners take pride in their work.

Rochester | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 57

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Wrap-around shelving and ample counter space allow for a more minimalist style, while also utilizing the space properly. Natural light spills in from the window overlooking the front garden, and a hidden pocket door saves space and allows the pantry to be closed off.

With custom shelving units perfectly designed and placed by Kelly Homes, organization is an absolute breeze! The main bathroom plays host to hidden storage next to a featured walk-in closet that’s exactly what dreams are made of. This closet system has floor-toceiling wood grain shelving & drawers, maximizing space while keeping the appearance sleek and polished. The home itself is full of hidden storage, making a clever use of household space, all without taking away the personality of its homeowners. Every inch has a purpose and something to showcase. The center of most homes (and one of Karen’s favorites) is the kitchen, complete with a deluxe walk-in pantry.

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58 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Rochester

HIDDEN STORAGE

Rochester | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 59

Rick was on-point in helping his clients find the right location. Their street is a perfect blend of community and privacy. “I feel connected with the nature here,” Karen says. In the past, other homes have felt too dark, too closed off to the natural world and surrounding elements. A covered porch overlooks their outdoor oasis and is perfectly secluded. This allows her and her husband to take full advantage of and extend the use of the space, even during those cooler Rochester nights. With the huge window in the great room “at every angle I am seeing sunrise, sunset, woods, & deer.”

NATURAL LIGHT ABOUNDS

enjoyingCooperthecatishisspacewiththenaturallightpouringin!

Karen’s love of nature ties into the flower garden sprawling across her backyard, and to bringing the outdoor elements in, whether that’s a vase of fresh sunflowers or integrating wood flowers for added pops of color. She also has a love for glass elements that reflect the sunlight in an array of warm colors that shift with the change of day. With the great room built-ins, there is so much fun to be had with the décor and change of seasons, and Karen most looks forward to highlighting her favorite addition: a timeless fireplace. A classy, yet simple staple that ties her living room together.

Neutral tones are certainly a popular pick, but Karen makes certain to add her own unique touch to them. “You can add in color with your décor, and it’s so easy to switch it out,” she says. “For instance, I wanted my foyer and formal dining rooms to pop with a mix of dark colors and whites.” Karen is also quick to admit she loves a formal dining room table—she has two, after all. Karen says her accent color is teal, which her exterior designer worked with for outdoor touches as well. The entire home itself is “cool and soothing, like the beach. It feels classic and relaxed with different variations of blues with dark blues, light blues, and teals.”

60 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Rochester

This beautiful home has signs and traces of personality throughout its floorprint. While working with the Kelly Homes Team, one of the biggest inspirations for Karen stemmed from visits to Kingston, Ontario. “I love the way their homes there are and their relaxed lifestyles, so I wanted to incorporate that into my own home. It’s amazing how close our cities are, and yet they are so remarkably different.”

To see a gallery of beautifully built homes by Kelly Homes of NY, visit their site: www.kellyhomesny.com

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BURSTS OF COLOR

FLAIRS OF PERSONALITY

CEILINGSCHARACTERADD

As she wanders her home, Karen’s fingers don’t even stand a chance of gracing the ceiling, even if she stands on her toes. While not only allowing for more breathing space, the coffered ceilings give way to the open concept she so loves. “This space can accommodate more than I have ever had here. I love it.” With the holidays quickly approaching, Karen & Jim are looking forward to entertaining! With a natural flow from room to room, the enlarged living space allows their guests to feel together even though they may be spread across the kitchen, living room, dining room, and even morning room.

Sometimes all anyone needs is a relaxing spot to soak away the worries of the day. Karen’s new spa-like bathroom is a perfect place for just that, with its soft grays and cozy rolled towels, and not to mention the dazzling chandelier hanging above the soaking tub. Lighter shades allow the room to reflect relaxation and tranquility, as opposed to the bolder shades that are featured in the common areas of the home. The window treatments allow her to soak up some sun as well, with the added advantage of ensured privacy.

BATHROOM RETREAT

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September//October 2022 Rochester Home Magazine

Articles inside

A Custom Dream Home

Curated. By Justinieriors

ROC the Autumn Bucket List

Mission Coffee: Coffee Finds a Higher Calling

Sip With Us!

Breast Cancer Confidence Project

Lala's and Whimsies! Gifts & Goodies Galore

Bringing Childhood Passion to Life with Baked By Brie

Building a Community with Chelsey Zawadzki, Founder of The Hive Coworking Studio

Endless Highway: Supporting People of All Abilities

From the Artists' Desk

On the Cover: Kitchens By Countryside