Winter 2024 Buffalo HOME Magazine

J U LY / / A U G U S T 2 0 2 3

buffalohome LOVING WHERE WE LIVE

Buffalo’s Best Luxury Staycation

EMBRACE YOUR TRUE COLORS pg. 20 ...

BUFFALO WINTER’S BEAUTY pg. 32 ...

HOUSE CRAFTERS IS BUILDING DREAMS back cover WINTER issue // THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM

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contents

buffalohome

Delaware Park Bridge

By Jennifer Moran

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13

32

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FROM THE HOME TEAM

NAGIVATING WELLNESS

BEAUTY OF BUFFALO

AITINA FAREED-COOKE

Candace shares her love for Buffalo’s winter and everything that comes with it

Jennifer Fedus specializes in helping women achieve their wellness goals

@IGersBuffalo showcase some of their stunning photos of winter

“The creative arts... photography, video, poetry, speaking, theater, it gave me a voice.”

ON THE COVER

4 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

The Curtiss Hotel: A Staycation to Remember

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from the home team

SNOW MUCH FUN!

I love to cook, and winter is the perfect time to let the scent of freshly baked bread or a simmering soup fill your home. While the ground may be frozen, fresh food still abounds at many local markets and farm stands. Some of my southtown favorites include Thorpes Organic Family Farm in East Aurora, The Farmstead on Olden in West Falls, and the East Aurora Winter Market, where you can find fresh citrus fruits, root vegetables, and delicious baked goods.

Winter in Buffalo is also a great time to tackle indoor house projects. February welcomes the start of the local home and garden shows—events I look forward to each year. Of course, no home design project is complete without the right décor, which means more of another of my favorite hobbies: antiquing and searching for unique vintage home finds.

Winte�

in Buffalo is a special time. Both feared and revered, Buffalo winters have earned a reputation.

Having spent my life in Buffalo and the surrounding suburbs, I’ve learned to love this frosty time of year. A winter visit to Delaware Park’s Hoyt Lake or a walk along Buffalo’s beautiful Olmsted designed parkways is a sight to behold. Similarly, a drive down the snowy WNY Southtowns Scenic Byway in Orchard Park will leave you in awe of the stunning natural landscape.

Though outdoor temps may be frigid, January and February are some of the best months to get outside in Western New York. Fresh air, clear skies, and the crunch of hard ground underfoot offer a peaceful backdrop for a winter hike. Afterward, heading indoors for a warm beverage or hearty meal nourishes the soul.

Some of my favorite local shops for home décor include Hertel Home Consignment (both the Buffalo and Williamsville locations), Tesori on Main Street in Williamsville, and Antique World & Flea Market in Clarence. I’ve also long been a fan of Buffalo’s Habitat for Humanity ReStore (both North and South locations).

The winter months are a wonderful time to visit local museums and art galleries— Explore & More at Canalside, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, and the Buffalo History Museum are personal favorites.

fre s h c i t r u s Winter is peak citrus season, and I love all things citrus this time of year—foods, fragrances, or even a fun pop of color in my home décor.

vintage lamps Lamps are one of the best ways to create a warm, cozy vibe in your home. Local secondhand shops and antique markets offer endless fun options that you won’t find anywhere else.

No matter what you do, I hope you find something to love about winter in Western New York.

Wishing you a warm and inspired winter!

-candac� C ONTENT W RITER

6 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

JU S T A F EW O F MY FAVORITE THI N G S

s n ow s h oe i n g Having a favorite winter activity is important when living in a climate like ours.

Snowshoeing is a fun, low impact way to explore Western New York in the winter.

W HAT IS YO UR GO -T O SN O W DAY AC TI VI TY ?

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Hot chocolate + movie day

EDITORS SARAH CHRIST Designer + Photographer

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Sitting around the fire

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on the cover

a Staycation to Remember Whether you are visiting from out of town or happen to live within the city of Buffalo, the Curtiss Hotel is the quintessence of comfort, luxury, and style. Located in the historic Harlow C. Curtiss building in the heart of a vibrant downtown only steps away from the famously renowned theater district, this hotel is the perfect place for a vacation or staycation.

The Curtiss currently offers special staycation packages for two that feature a one-night stay at a discounted rate, both during the week and on weekends. Guests from Rochester, Jamestown, and Toronto escape to the Curtiss for a night to rejuvenate, re-charge, and unwind.

During the chilly winter months, a staycation is perfect for warming up spirits. As Conor Hawkins, manager of the Curtiss shares, “The hotel is a nice getaway from everyday life.” Often a destination to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, the Curtiss elicits romance, ease, and effortless flair for guests.

ARTICLE BY HELANA SHUMWAY

Buffalo | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 9

DINE IN STYLE The staycation package is a fantastic way to experience the Curtiss Hotel and its many incredible amenities. Each package includes a gift certificate to the delectable Chez Ami restaurant that offers world-class dining and service. With over 200 seats, this casual upscale establishment features must-haves on their menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, if you are attending dinner before a show at Shea’s Theatre, receive 10% off your meal.

Upon walking into the restaurant, take in the modern elegance, beautiful chandeliers, and, of course, the infamous revolving bar. As one of the few revolving bars in the country, it completes a full rotation every hour.

At lunchtime, try the Chez burger with fig jam and garlic aioli or perhaps the pulled pork sandwich with a house-made barbeque sauce. Dinner favorites include crab cake sliders, calamari, and charcuterie boards. Diners with inquisitive palates will be in for a treat. For example, the lobster pizza – featuring a white sauce with claw meat, green onion, roasted tomato, and mozzarella – will be sure to make a lasting impression. Indulge in the 16 oz ribeye with red wine braised mushrooms. Or sample the ever-flavorful gumbo with chicken, andouille sausage, and shrimp. Beloved dessert options such as crème brûlée and cheesecake round out a perfect meal.

If your staycation lands on a Sunday, brunch at Chez Ami comes with high regard. From biscuits ‘n gravy and chicken ‘n waffles, to salmon avocado toast and lobster benedict, Chez Ami is the perfect brunch spot. With several mimosa flavors, Bloody Marys, and signature cocktails like the espresso martini, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

After your meal, take the elevator up to the VUE Rooftop Lounge to see the best views of Buffalo. Open yearround, visit the VUE to witness nature’s progression through the seasons. Experience beautiful views of downtown Buffalo, Lake Erie, and even glimpses of the shoreline of Canada. Be sure to rejoice in Wine Down Wednesday – a weekly special offering $15 bottles of wine and $15 pizzas. After all, is there anything better than pizza, wine, and a breathtaking view?

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A staycation isn’t complete without a spa day. A stay at the Curtiss will check all of your boxes thanks to the impressive, luxurious, and tranquil Harlow Spa. Open every day of the week by appointment, the Harlow Spa offers 60- or 90-minute Swedish and deep tissue massages with add-ons such as hot stones, aromatherapy, and CBD oil. The spa also offers the phenomenal HydraFacial treatment, a favorite for many.

This treatment hydrates and rejuvenates the skin with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants.

A NIGHT AWAY:

Nick + Tessa

Nick Groff, a renowned paranormal investigator and the TV star and producer of the Death Walker, along with his wife, Tessa Groff, a gifted medium involved in hundreds of paranormal cases and the interactive show LIVE! With The Other Side, cherish the perfect staycation at the Curtiss Hotel.

“Balancing the entertainment world and family life can be extremely challenging, so when we have the opportunity to stay at the Curtiss, it’s like a mini-vacation for us. Not only are their rooms immaculate along with their service, but the hot springs are our absolute favorite hide-away, even in the winter! The restaurant and revolving bar have some of the best food in Buffalo in our opinion and they have our favorite Espresso Martinis. We look forward to our next stay there after a long day of filming!”

Included in the staycation package is full access to the incredible indoor/outdoor urban hot springs. These mineral-infused hot springs are open year-round and are a main attraction for many. At 101 degrees yearround, a visit to the hot springs is a must during your staycation, especially this time of year. As Hawkins puts it, “There’s nothing better than being [in the hot springs] when the snow’s coming down lightly.” Talk about picturesque!

MEMORIES IN THE MAKING The Curtiss Hotel offers a convenient, lovely opportunity to indulge in a staycation.

Centrally located with unique amenities and incredible views, a stay at the Curtiss is sure to create memories that last for years to come. Call to book your staycation today!

210 FRANKLIN STREET, BUFFALO (716) 954-4900 CURTISSHOTEL.COM Buffalo | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 11

self-care

pg. 13 Navigating Wellness in the New Year With Jennifer Fedus pg. 20 Embrace Your True Colors With Melissa Crangle

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BY CANDACE ALNAJI

N AV I G A T I N G WELLNESS IN THE NEW YEAR The beginning of the new year is tough. When the excitement of the holidays wears off and the bright promise of a new year fades, the long, cold month of January can leave many feeling a little blue. With goals stacked high, developing a plan for winter wellness can feel like an uphill battle. If you live with chronic illness, striving toward wellness can be particularly challenging. Jennifer Fedus, wellness coach and founder of 123 Momsquad, knows that battle well.

Jennifer Fedus specializes in helping women achieve their wellness goals.

Jennifer’s journey toward wellness began when she contracted mononucleosis as a teenager.

A high school sophomore at the time, Jennifer was hit hard by the virus.

She says, “I could not function, and it was hard to fully come back from that.” Recovery, she said, took months. “I was forced to become homeschooled. I had to quit dancing—something I had done and loved since I was three years old.

I suffered major identity issues.”

It took over six months for Jennifer to heal from the virus, and that was only the start of the health challenges she faced.

Soon afterward, she was diagnosed with kidney stones, which led doctors to uncover a diagnosis of medullary sponge kidney disease. At just seventeen, Jennifer learned she would suffer from this condition forever.

Buffalo | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 13

The physical pain of the condition, challenges of navigating the healthcare system, and struggles to hide her ailments from friends and family became isolating for Jennifer who explained that “no one could understand what I was going through.”

For years, Jennifer navigated her health challenges with pain and grief, often alone and feeling like her problems were all in her head. But one day, that changed. She says,

“I had a light bulb moment and realized that nobody is going to fix me but me.”

One of Jennifer’s biggest motivators was her children. After years of bad days, she wanted to be her best and show her kids she could conquer anything, and by extension, they could, too.

Today, Jennifer continues to live with medullary sponge kidney disease and its challenges—to date, she has had six abdominal surgeries—and she continues to battle lupus, gastroparesis, fibromyalgia, and other autoimmune conditions. However, Jennifer has developed vital strategies for navigating her health challenges, and now helps others work toward wellness, too.

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J E N N I F E R ’ S T I P S A N D S T R AT E G I E S F O R W E L L N E S S Jennifer’s top tips for those working toward wellness include focusing on mindfulness, practicing resilience, and understanding that achieving your goals takes time. She says, “Listen to what your body is trying to tell you.

Setting unreachable goals will overwhelm you.” Instead, Jennifer recommends setting daily small, measurable goals. “Doing one little thing per day will fulfill you more than listing all the things you did not accomplish,” she says.

Mental health is a crucial part of reaching your goals.

Jennifer emphasizes the importance of reframing challenges in a positive way.

For example, instead of using the word “struggle” to define her health journey, she prefers the word “battle.”

Understanding you are worthy of health and wellness is crucial. Jennifer says, “Women and mothers often put themselves last when working toward wellness. You must remind yourself that you are worth it. You will quickly lose your identity if you don’t stay true to yourself, who you are, and what brings you joy.”

RECONNECT WITH YOUR BEST SELF • Find what brings you joy. Music and movement are great medicine.

Both get your endorphins going and put you in a good place.

• Find a supportive community online or in person that understands your specific challenges and where you can share openly without being judged.

• Give yourself grace, rest, go for a mall walk with a buddy on bad weather days, head to a coffee shop to visit with a friend, etc.

• Connect with nature (even in the winter) • And, more than anything, have fun!

J E N N I F E R ’ S FAV O R I T E T O O L S A N D R E S O U R C E S One of Jennifer’s favorite wellness tools is the inspirational quote app “Motivation” for a daily dose of encouragement.

As a podcast host, Jennifer also finds inspiration in hearing from the wisdom of other leaders in the wellness space. Her favorites include The Rachel Hollis Podcast (advice from a successful mom and entrepreneur), The Mel Robbins Podcast (life, personal development, goals, best self), and On Purpose with Jay Shetty (a former monk offering life insights and wisdom).

For women seeking a safe space and community while working toward wellness, Jennifer offers a private Facebook group. This month, she is also launching a membership for people who want extra support toward their goals.

Jennifer advises it is never too late to start working toward your goals. She says, “Live authentically and never let anyone dull your sparkle. You are never too old. The timing will be there when it’s right. Believe that you have the power.”

Visit Jennifer on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and at 123momsquad.com. Join her private community, 123 Momsquad: Secrets for Thriving with Chronic Illness, on Facebook. Catch new 123 Momsquad Podcast episodes every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, + Spotify

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Looking for a little fashion inspo this winter?

You’re not alone.

Buffalo winters can leave even the boldest fashionista feeling bland.

Luckily, Melissa Crangle is here to help!

BY CANDACE ALNAJI

20 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

MELISSA CRANGLE’S WINTER FASHION GUIDE

Embrace your True Colors Melissa opened House of Colour Buffalo Southtowns in October 2021 after having learned about the UK-based business through friends.

A lifelong shopper and fashion lover, Melissa immediately knew House of Colour would be the perfect combination of her two passions: fashion and helping people feel good about themselves.

- Finding Your Best Colors A color analysis with Melissa involves studying skin’s undertones. As Melissa explains, “We are all born with warm or cool undertones. Those undertones never change regardless of whether we age, change our hair color, or get a natural tan.”

Olivia - Spring

When working with a client, Melissa conducts a color analysis in person in natural daylight so she may accurately determine whether a client’s undertones are warm or cool.

She also decides whether a client is better suited to wear bright or blended colors. Melissa explains, “When we wear a color that is too bright for our undertones, our clothes become the focus—not us.”

Alternatively, when we wear uniquely flattering colors, “people see us for who we are.”

In addition to clothing colors, Melissa teaches a 90-second makeup routine using a line of seasonally specific makeup. She assesses what metals are right for a client’s skin tone—gold or silver, depending on their undertone.

Keeley - Summer

Buffalo | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 21

>>

Be confident in who you are and proud of who you are becoming.

- Vibrant Colors Can Bring Life to a Bland Winter Wardrobe. A former school counselor, Melissa knows firsthand the emotional toll Buffalo winters have on mental health and mood. She says, “It is very common in our area for people to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.”

This extends to clothing as well. “The immediate default in the winter months is to wear black from head to toe. We do this because it is easy and it ‘matches’ everything,” she says.

However, wearing all black not only limits your individuality, but it can also leave you feeling deflated and uninspired. Wearing the right colors can help you feel more motivated and accomplished throughout the day.

- Infusing Color into Your Closet If you’re looking to add a little life to your winter wardrobe, Melissa recommends choosing vibrant colors that complement your skin tone and bring you joy. For the color shy, Melissa emphasizes that incorporating bright colors doesn’t necessarily mean a closet full of neon.

“Bright can mean different things to different skin tones and different House of Colour Seasons,” she says. Start small and give yourself time. Melissa says that giving yourself two weeks to adjust to your new colors can go a long way toward happy long-term changes.

The clients pictured are wearing the same amount of makeup in both pictures, the pictures are taken minutes apart. The only difference is that in the after picture they are wearing lipstick and their best colors.

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- Mixing in Color to Your Wardrobe Isn’t Just Fun. For Many, it is Life Changing Recently, Melissa had a client receive a color analysis before her double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She says, “She texted me a picture hours after her surgery in her best colors saying how they helped her mood immediately post op, and later, in her healing journey.”

In another instance, Melissa helped an engaged couple select colors for their winter wedding. While the couple originally planned to do all black, they pivoted to gorgeous shades of green and burgundy.

In another case, Melissa helped a high school senior select her winter ball gown. While all her friends donned black, she confidently chose a bright blue.

Incredibly, one of Melissa’s clients received two promotions at work since having her colors done— success she attributes to looking and feeling her best.

- Color is for Everyone No matter the stage of your life or fashion journey, embracing vibrant, complementary colors will make you feel uniquely you. Whether with a bright sweater, bold lipstick, or a fun accessory, injecting life into your winter wardrobe is one of the best ways to invest in yourself and put your best foot forward.

Barb - Autumn

- Melissa’s Top Tips for Adding Color to Your Winter Wardrobe Start small with accessories such as bright earrings or a ring with a pretty stone.

Wear bold lipstick in a complementary shade.

If you have a black coat, add a hat or scarf in one of your “wow” colors.

Grab a couple affordable sweaters in your best colors.

Incorporate a vibrant purse or bag.

Wear a brightly colored blazer to work.

If you wear a black or dark navy suit, consider a colorful shirt instead of white.

Slip on a dazzling pair of pumps or booties.

Maxi skirts are also having a moment in fashion. Pick one in a bright color to add interest to your outfit.

To see more of Melissa’s work (including stunning before and after photos), follow @HouseofColourBuffaloSouthtowns on Instagram or find her on Facebook.

For more help learning your colors, email Melissa.Crangle@houseofcolour.com Buffalo | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 23

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Buffalo | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 25

local life

pg. 28 Sweet Buffalo Shares Orchard Park Boy’s Story pg. 33 @IGersBuffalo Show the Beauty of Winter

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DESMOND STRONG HELP ORCHARD PARK BOY BATTLING LEUKEMIA FOR THE SECOND TIME On Nov. 17, 2023, Meghan Benimoff received the news no mom ever wants to hear: Your child has relapsed.

After getting a call from the nurse’s office, Meghan picked up her 10-year-old son Desmond from school.

Figuring he was coming down with something, she had plans to take him to the pediatrician but ended up going to Oishei Children’s Hospital. She was scared because his symptoms were the same as when he was first diagnosed.

A short while later she received the devastating news.

Desmond’s heart was broken and he was scared. He barely had the chance to say goodbye to his best friend, his rescue dog, Louie.

For weeks Desmond had been staying at Oishei Children’s Hospital receiving treatment. Every single day he missed his dog the most. Desmond was elated when he finally got to go home to receive outpatient treatment. Louie could not be happier to be back with his boy!

When Making Memories That Last Forever heard about Desmond and his bond with Louie, they decided to come up with a special design to recognize his fight. Louie is now asking the community for their support in raising funds to keep their family together while Desmond fights to beat cancer! Desmond rescued Louie and now Louie wants the community to come to the rescue of his boy.

You can purchase a Desmond Strong T-shirt or crewneck from Herd Creations with proceeds benefiting Desmond!

You can get yours at theherdcreations.com/collections/ sweet-buffalo There is also a GoFundMe to donate directly here: www.gofundme.com/f/help-desmond-benimoff-fightcancer-again ....

Join Totally Buffalo & Sweet Buffalo for Winter Festivus at Buffalo RiverWorks on Saturday, March 2nd to enjoy shopping with 80 local vendors and artisans just in time for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter!

Bring the kids and go ice skating with characters, enjoy curling, food, drinks and more!

We can’t wait to see you there!

For more “Just Great Feels!” stories visit: SWEETBUFFALO716.COM 28 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

FB + IG @SweetBuffalo716 TikTok @SweetBuffaloToTheRescue

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top: Bills game last winter | Scott Balzer top right: Richardson Olmsted Campus taken with my drone last winter. | Jennifer Moran bottom right: On a winter stroll through picturesque Allentown, I saw these soft cushioned chairs awaiting a ‘party of five’ | John Witt

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BY SUZIE WELLS

@igersbuffalo show the beauty of winter

“It was me, the curious person who wanted to meet the people behind the @s and put faces with them. I saw city IGers groups worldwide and reached [for infomation] on how to join. Phil Gonzalez had created the international group, so I reached out to him and Javi for the US. I set up the Facebook, Instagram, Gmail, and Twitter (now X) accounts, and then off I went.

I followed Ron Slisz, @ilovewny, who has since passed, and started conversing with him to help get out the word that IGersBuffalo had been established and ready to meet people in person. Ron was all in. He had many followers and created the first ‘flyer’ to post and spread the word.

Ron and I contacted Kevin Rybczynski who also had a large following to help us spread the word. I contacted my friends Dwane and Denise Hall at Sportsmen’s Tavern on Amherst Street; we had our first meeting there and a walk exploring Riverside. I brought name tags and asked everyone to put their first name and their @ and we were off! That was in March 2015.”

-Michele Goldfarb, @michelesgoldfarb, IGersBuffalo founder Buffalo | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 33

“I love being part of the IGersBuffalo community. I’ve met some really great people, and they have taken me to places I never would have visited. Plus, going on a photo tour with others, you see what angles and different shots they have in mind, things I never would have thought of, and that helps me be a better photographer.”

- John Kleinmann, @john.kleinmann

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top left: “Dreams of Summer” Surveying a frozen Outer Harbor and Lake Erie | John Kleinmann bottom left: Glen Park in Williamsville looks like a Hallmark movie and the red building stands out so beautifully in the winter | Alicia Kwietniewski right: Mirror Lake Japanese Gardens at the Buffalo History Museum | Scott Balzer

“What inspires me is all the beauty in and around Buffalo available 365 days a year. There’s always something unique to capture and finding creative ways to showcase that is fun for me. My favorite places to photograph include Delaware Park, the History Museum, downtown and Buffalo Central

Terminal. A memorable moment from the IGersBuffalo group includes a tour of the Electric Tower building as well as going on the roof of Seneca One Tower. I feel the supportive & welcoming community of photogs in the IGersBuffalo group is meaningful to me.” -Scott Balzer, @scott_balzer

Buffalo | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 35

Rotary Rink on Main Street in downtown Buffalo | Scott Balzer

“Buffalo is filled with so many beautiful places to take pictures. I don’t focus on the fancy.

I just snap pictures of whatever catches my eye.” - Lorraine Woiccak, @ramoneschick “Photography is something I’ve always had a passion for but never pursued because I was busy being a mom and wife and then a single mom. But during COVID, when everything was so uncertain and scary, I picked up my camera again and ever since it has been my peace. When you’re focused on your subject, everything else around you disappears. It’s helped me to find more beauty everywhere, even places that are often overlooked.”

- Jennifer Moran, @4orty_1

“The beauty of nature and people are what inspire me in photography. I like to get out and explore in all of our seasons here in Buffalo. My favorite memory with the group is the tour of Seneca One a couple of years ago. They let us up on the roof to take pictures and it was incredible! Everyone was excited, helpful, and encouraging.”

- Alicia Kwietniewski, @aliciakwietniewskiphoto

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top: Intersection of Ellicott Street and East Chippewa Street | Lorraine Woiccak bottom: The Outer Harbor in Buffalo. I love the idea of ice fishing for the sheer adventure of it | Alicia Kwietniewski Buffalo | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 37

for the home

pg. 38 Home Services Guide

pg. 44 Aitina Fareed-Cooke: From Adversity to Empowerment Through Creative Arts

38 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

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BY ELIJAH ROBINSON

Aitin� Faree�-Cook�:

From Adversity to Empowerment Through Creative Arts A creative person unlike anyone else, the talented Aitina Fareed-Cooke wears many hats: she is a wife, a mother, a strategist, and a national recording artist. Her life experience inspires her art and youth every day. As a visual artist, performer, and musician, she inspires thought and broadens perspectives across the country by sharing her own journey from foster care to freedom through the arts.

Aitina faced adversity from a young age. Labeled with a “failure to thrive” and diagnosed as emotionally handicapped as a result of her biological mother abusing drugs and dying from an overdose, resulting in Aitina being placed in foster care.

Being in foster care and generally growing up in the 1990s on Buffalo’s east side carried a lot of stigma. Aitina attended multiple schools, and was kicked out of one due to behavioral issues.

In her early years, she heard about and saw drugs and violence around, but she also saw “the beauty of neighbors and people looking out for each other,” and she chose to focus on the positive.

44 THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM | Buffalo

Aitina says she found support in her adoptive mother, her faith in God, and her community mentors, despite the odds stacked against her. Her creative journey developed at her neighborhood church called Deliverance Temple Church of God in Christ. There, she explored different activities, playing piano and organ, singing in the choir, as well as understanding aural and oral sounds. She also gained leadership skills helping in Sunday School classes, leading the choir as a soloist from time to time, and participating in the church’s junior ushers program, guiding church members through various aspects of the day. Aitina also participated in the Easter and Christmas plays.

She also served as a student of the Langston Hughes Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. Aitina was involved in learning about African dance and ballet through the Center and she helped with communitybased projects. Langston Hughes revolutionized access to the arts as a tool for social change, a responsibility Aitina continued in adulthood.

All this early experience led Aitina to more and more creative opportunities, which is why she chose to attend the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. She says, “I knew at 15 or 16 how powerful this was. Internally, I felt I had a purpose, and I knew that if I latched onto this and kept at it, I could grow and develop.”

“The creative arts… photography, video, poetry, speaking, theater… it gave me a voice.” Aitina Fareed-Cooke is a Creative Arts Strategist, National Recording Artist, and founder of Get Fokus'd Productions, an award-winning media arts production company in Buffalo.

Driven by these personal experiences, Aitina founded Get Fokus’d Productions in 2012, creating a platform dedicated to capturing stories through media arts. With a social design approach, Get Fokus’d Productions collaborates with creative entrepreneurs, mentors emerging artists, and amplifies community voices, creating a ripple effect for good. Aitina’s journey propels the business’ mission, emphasizing artistic pursuits’ transformative power.

In the last decade, she has designed and implemented project-based educational programs, offered presentations and performances, apprenticeships, practical incomegenerating opportunities, and expanded access to a variety of platforms for career development in the creative arts sector for a collection of over 20,000 emerging artists, young creatives, entrepreneurs, and more. In just the past five years, Get Fokus’d has secured over $300k in funding opportunities to fund projects that incorporate emerging artists and young entrepreneurs.

Through her involvement with youth development organizations, Aitina shares her personal journey to inspire young people currently facing adversity. She pays forward the support she received through mentorship and community involvement.

She says, “There’s definitely a need to continue the arts, not only in school, but outside of school, and in everything that we do.”

As a creator and proprietor, Aitina’s creative instincts rub off on not just the surrounding community she works with daily, but also with her husband, Joshua Cooke, and her two children, Isaac, 16, and Ailena, 7. Her husband is a 4th grade teacher. Her son is an illustrator and musician who works for the business as well as on his own ventures, while Ailena currently shadows her mother when she does different projects, and provides hope for the future and joy with her innocence and purity.

Buffalo | THEHOMEPUBLICATIONS.COM 45

Ryan Gott & Jeff Kramer

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