




PRODUCED BY FEATURED MEDIATM
on the cover
6 • Buffawix Candle Co.
Kristine Bailey shares how her handcrafted candles give back to the city we love, Buffalo
features
9 • From the Artists’ Desk
28 • Sophia the Fierce
The story of one courageous warrior
33 • Black Girls Hike Buffalo
Embracing nature & breaking barriers
women-run businesses pg. 10
10 • Behind the Scenes with the Business Owners
14 • Cassandra Ott Finds Beauty & Joy in Art
21 • Fashion In & Out of the Office
Tips from Arrianna Hart
for the home pg. 36
40 • SABAH: Everyone Belongs
44 • Shining Behind the Lens with Sweet Buffalo & Emily Allen
Cover Photography: Sarah Christ, Featured Media ™
Featured MediaTM 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 Featured MediaTM personnel. We take no responsibility for statements or claims made in any advertisement. We reserve the right to refuse any and/or all advertising.
Even though Buffawix Candle Co. is a small business, each candle is hand-poured and handcrafted with the utmost care. Kristine wants all her customers to be 100% satisfied. Her business is growing every day thanks to the support of locals in Buffalo and other areas of WNY. She shares that Buffalo being the City of Good Neighbors remains in the back of her mind, and she wants to make a difference in her community as an entrepreneur. She plans to keep Buffawix Candle Co. local and would eventually like to rent a space in Buffalo so she can create even more unique candles.
While Kristine would like to continue growing her small business, she would also like to continue to help with different community fundraising events. Buffawix Candle Co. has helped raise funds for Damar Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation, Buddy’s Second Chance, Ten Lives Club, Hope Rises, PUNT Pediatric Cancer Collaborative, Buffalo Gives, Feedmore WNY, the Kevin Guest House, and Sweet Buffalo, along with many others so far. Kristine adores this side of her business because she can help people in need in her own community. Plus, she helps with fundraising for local schools and sports teams where every candle sold puts $5 toward the organization.
Since 2020, the majority of Buffawix Candle Co.’s candles have been sold at Rustic Buffalo Artisan Market at their North Tonawanda location, along with their new location in East Aurora. Rustic Buffalo also does a number of Sip and Shops where Buffawix Candle Co. and hundreds of other small businesses sell their products. Buffawix Candle Co. now has its own website – buffawixcandleco.com – as well as offering local pickup and shipping anywhere in the United States!
Buffawix Candle Co. offers private or white label candles as well with wholesale pricing. Candles make an excellent gift to celebrate closing on a new home so they’ve made exclusive labels for mortgage brokers and real estate agents as well as many other businesses.
Kristine Bailey is the face behind Buffawix Candle Co. It all started when her kids were having a craft show at school: her daughter made earrings and she made 300 candles, but the show was canceled last-minute due to the pandemic. This left Kristine with hundreds of candles, so she started to give them away, and her business blossomed. After having been in medical sales for over 15 years and losing her job due to COVID, she decided to turn Buffawix Candle Co. into an LLC. All of the candles are made right in her home!
Kristine recognized a need for a minimalistic style soy candle that is both modern and clean burning in Western New York. Most of her candles offer black and white labeling, and since there isn’t any coloring in the soy wax, they match every home. Buffawix Candle Co. prides itself on using 100% American grown soybean wax, which allows for a cleaner and stronger burn versus petroleum-based paraffin wax. The wicks themselves are ecofriendly and made from cotton with no lead or zinc. The fragrance oils used are carefully selected and are 100% phthalate free.
Kristine is not only an entrepreneur – she’s a mom entrepreneur. With two children, she shares that running her business out of her home while also being a parent is both interesting and not easy, but has definitely been worth every minute. Every day is long and it’s a seven-day-a-week job. While her two children always come first, they also understand sacrifice. Owning her own business means Kristine can be flexible but also means she has to work some strange hours. “I think to be a successful mom entrepreneur means learning to pivot at any given moment, learning to prioritize daily tasks, and incorporating our children as much as possible,” she shares.
With the help of her husband, Kristine realized that she was missing a major market: men love candles, too! Buffawix Candle Co. now has a men’s line of candles in matte black jars, including scents like Evening Sit, On the Rocks, Gunpowder, Tobacco Leather, and Gameday. Kristine shares that being the “candle lady” has taught her a lot, but one of the most important things was that men enjoy candles just as much as women.
It’s extremely important you make sure you always trim the wick every burn to about 1/8 - 1/4”. This is safer and allows the candle a stronger and longer burn. Never leave a candle unattended. Always keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Only burn a candle for a maximum of four hours. If you want to burn one longer, extinguish it for 30 minutes to cool and then relight it.
buffawixcandleco.com
Have you ever wondered why people love soy candles so much? While they smell wonderful and offer a cleaner burn, there are even more benefits to having them in your home.
Promotes relaxation: There is nothing better than lighting a candle at the end of a long day and then taking a bath, reading a book, or watching your favorite movie. Plus, choosing scents that have a calming effect will only increase your sense of relaxation. Scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and their Just Breathe scent (peppermint and eucalyptus) are all examples of excellent relaxing scents. Improves your mood: Think about your favorite fragrance. Why do you love it so much? Whatever the reason, it’s probably connected to a pleasant experience. Walking into a room, smelling a scent you like, and associating it with something positive is an instant mood booster that makes you feel happy and content. You may choose to have one scent while working from home and another during your evening relaxation.
Adds to your home décor: Candles are a perfectly neutral piece that can be added to kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms. All Buffawix Candle Co. candles are made in small, hand-poured batches. Due to fluctuating temperatures in Buffalo, some candles may have slight variations in color and scent as well as may contain “frosting,” which is a natural reaction to soy wax when temperature fluctuates.
Buffawix Candle Co. candles come in various vessels as well as tons of scents. Kristine has made over 100 scents since she started, including her very popular football season themed candles and a men’s line of candles. Any of them complement any home décor! Plus, what better way to celebrate the arrival of fall than with a great-smelling, cozy candle? The fall and football scents, like Cherry Pale Al-Len (beer and cherry), Saffron Diggs (ginger and saffron), and their Gameday candle (sweet grass and leather) are all great options.
Buffawix Candle Co. makes skull vessel candles that are so much fun to use as décor during the Halloween season. Kristine will also offer amber-colored vessels this autumn, giving her customers more variety for their fall candles this year, including a Halloween line with candles such as “Graveyard” and “Witching Hour.”
Buffawix Candle Co. creates custom candles for weddings, baby showers, bridal shower favors, and more. Contact Kristine with any questions or visit buffawixcandleco.com today to place an order.
IG & FB: @buffawixcandleco
YOUR HOME HAS NEVER SMELLED SO GOOD.
Fall is a time of change in Western New York: from the leaves turning to pulling out the sweaters we’ve tucked away all summer, fall is a period of transition where we need a reset just before the dreaded you-know-what arrives. With Home, join us for everything warm, cozy, and crisp this bountiful season! Welcome the season with new scents from Buffawix Candle Co., a local woman-owned company celebrating the City of Good Neighbors with fundraising efforts and seasonal eco-friendly candles. Cassandra (Cassi) Ott displays her multitude of art projects on a journey of joy and selfdiscovery in multiple media. Arrianna Hart of @ArriZaire shares insights on being fashion-forward this fall as Emily Allen of Tailor Mayde Photography showcases the Buffalo community with her pet photography.
Embracing nature and challenging stereotypes, Black Girls Hike Buffalo promotes sisterhood and diversity as participants form lasting connections while enjoying the benefits of nature and the outdoors. Since 1977, Skating Athletes Bold At Heart (SABAH) has supported the disabled community, offering physical activity and wellness programs to provide opportunities for socialization, independence, and increased self-esteem for its participants.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Sophia the Fierce, Inc. makes it their mission to support pediatric cancer research and relief, committed to funding initiatives that provide financial aid and support to kids receiving care.
However you choose to spend your fall—cozied up on the couch with a big blanket and a good book, outdoors exploring the local trails with the crisp air and changing leaves, or revamping your wardrobe as the seasons change—we’re so glad to have you with us here at Home.
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Your Guilty Pleasure: No guilt! Ever.
2 Things You Can’t Live Without: Good coffee(!) and great skincare.
Tip to Becoming Your Best Self: Trust your gut! She is always right.
Your Guilty Pleasure: My nail polish collection. I am never going to go through it all!
Fav. Fall Activity: Decorating for Halloween and handing out candy!
Tip to Becoming Your Best Self: Fear is what’s holding you backlet go of it.
Your Guilty Pleasure: Woodcock Brothers hot banana pepper pizza
Fav. Fall Activity: Watching Buffalo football of course!!!
Your Ideal Weekend in Buf: Morning Hike at Eternal Flame then enjoying one of our local breweries in the afternoon.
2 Things You Can’t Live Without: Chapstick and Babe Lash serum (obviously my family, too!).
Fav. Fall Activity: Apple picking and drinking cider slushies!
Tip to Becoming Your Best Self: Whether it’s for personal or professional growth, ask for help! Ask for advice from people who can understand your situation. I called other local shops before starting Spruce and those conversations and friendships that formed have been so incredibly helpful in giving me the knowledge to grow my business. And don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” or make a mistake. I do it every single day but I am constantly learning from those experiences.
2 Things You Can’t Live Without: Laughter and Family
Who Inspires You?
My mother, of course, but all the women who have come before me and have paved the way for women to become anything they wish!
Tip to Becoming Your Best Self: I have three I try to live by: there is no substitute for hard work, give yourself grace and in business, kindess is the most valuable virtue.
Your Guilty Pleasure: Eating ice cream in bed late at night.
Your Ideal Weekend in Buf: Stopping for a bite to eat at a locally owned restaurant and going for a long walk down at Canalside.
Who Inspires You?
My Mom; she is the inspiration behind my business and why I have always had a deep passion for home décor and being creative.
Your Guilty Pleasure: Watching an entire series on a cozy night
Fav. Fall Activity: Going for hikes during peak leaf season and picking up pumpkins from a small farm on the way home.
Your Ideal Weekend in Buf: Breakfast at Swan Street Diner, iced coffee from Overwinter, browsing a market, wings from Gene McCarthy’s & relaxing in my yard with some friends and a fire.
Fav. Fall Activity: Cruising local garden centers for discounted plants
Who Inspires You? My grandmother; she co-owned and operated a successful business.
Tip to Becoming Your Best Self: Put your phone down.
2 Things You Can’t Live Without: Tea and Guacamole
Fav. Fall Activity: Corn Mazes and Cider Doughnuts
Your Ideal Weekend in Buf: Hiking, Birding, and Rockhounding.
2 Things You Can’t Live Without: Family and my garden.
Fav. Fall Activity: Apple picking and visiting local wineries.
Your Ideal Weekend in Buf: Whether it’s in Orchard Park or on the TV... watching Buffalo (win, of course!).
Your Guilty Pleasure: Poolside in the tropical sunshine!
Your Ideal Weekend in Buf: Meeting new customers who are excited to have discovered our hidden treasure on the country roads of Genesee County.
Who Inspires You?
Two sisters, Sally Griswold and Josie Celio, who are the driving force behind The Iron Orchid Designs product line that we proudly represent in our shop. These two women are as passionate and privileged as I am to teach, build community and plant the seed of creativity. They’re motivators and strive to empower women to be caring, supportive and share the human touch that truly binds.
2 Things You Can’t Live Without: My grandson and kids.
Fav. Fall Activity: Pumpkin picking with my grandson at the great pumpkin farm.
Your Ideal Weekend: Relaxing at home or having my grandson over for an afternoon to play and get snuggles.
Fav. Fall Activity: Leaf Peeping - fall is my favorite season in Buffalo.
Your Ideal Weekend in Buf: I love checking out shops in all of our fun neighborhoods, Elmwood Farmers Market and a fun night out to dinner in Buffalo.
Tip to Becoming Your Best Self: Stay in your lane, stay focused and be authentic.
Art has the power to transcend words and touch the depths of the human soul, offering a unique perspective and stirring emotions within us. For one artist, this power is not only a source of inspiration but also a means of livelihood and self-discovery. Meet Cassandra (Cassi) Ott, a multi-passionate creative based in Buffalo, whose journey through various art forms and collaborations has led her to create work that spreads hope, joy, and optimism.
Cassi’s artistic background is deeply rooted in her upbringing in a creative and entrepreneurial household. Growing up surrounded by the artistic endeavors of her mom, who ran a weaving store and her dad, who worked as an architect, she was exposed to a multitude of art forms from an early age. This exposure fueled her passion for creativity and led her to explore various practices such as jewelry making, watercolor, photography, and glass bead making. In the late ‘80s, Cassi and her mother embarked on a jewelry-making business, crafting earrings and pins out of melted plastic, allowing them to share their art with friends and family.
Cassi’s artistic journey continued as she pursued a BFA with a concentration in Photography from the University of Cincinnati. After graduation, Cassi entered the world of art direction and graphic design, working for her family’s glass dinnerware design business, Riverside Design Group. Her 15-year tenure with the company, starting as a marketing coordinator and rising to creative director, taught her valuable lessons in entrepreneurship.
Throughout her career, Cassi has found inspiration in a diverse group of artists, including the likes of Helen Frankenthaler, Matisse, Gerhardt Richter, Duane Michals, and Firelei Baez. She admires artists who fearlessly embrace big, ambitious projects that resonate with wide audiences, such as Wendy MacNaughton, Bunnie Reiss, Cody Hudson, and Oliver Jeffers.
Cassi loves art’s expressive nature, both for herself and in observing how others use it to convey ideas and stories. Though she feels less at ease with words, she finds art offers her a unique way to communicate and connect with others.
Cassi says several significant moments stand out as personal achievements. Painting her first mural exposed her to the world of large-scale public art and instilled confidence that she could conquer daunting challenges. During the pandemic, Cassi embarked on a labor of love, a project to paint suitmarks (hearts, spades, clubs, and diamonds), becoming a deck of playing cards, each with different artwork. Additionally, having some of her pattern designs featured in the portfolio of the local company Red Disk, renowned for its artisan, handmade wallpapers, brought her immense joy and pride.
Cassi’s artistic endeavors span a wide range of media, and she derives joy from experimenting with different art supplies and combining them to achieve unique effects. Installing a playful flower-themed piece in the lobby of Fountain Plaza marked a new direction for her artistic practice, and she eagerly looks forward to exploring it further.
As a passionate artist, one of Cassi’s long-standing goals was to have her work included in a museum collection. She also set intentions for her art to add beauty to the world, improve the lives of others, contribute to her community, achieve financial stability, and enjoy a fulfilling retirement with her husband, Aaron.
Currently, Cassi has exciting plans in the pipeline. She is gearing up for holiday product launches and is also working on two interior mural proposals, both set to be installed in private office spaces. Additionally, she intends to spend time in her studio this fall to create new paintings and installation pieces that evoke happiness and delight.
Beyond art, Cassi finds solace and inspiration in spending time outdoors, be it hiking or tending to her garden. Traveling to different cities and towns also fuels her creativity, as she appreciates the unique characteristics and visual stimuli each place offers.
As a proud mother and self-proclaimed “crazy cat lady,” Cassi’s life revolves around art, her passion, her husband (who also works in the arts), and her family. She has a heart for her community and hosts a free virtual art-making and co-working session each week, providing a platform for fellow artists to create and connect.
Cassi offers valuable insights and advice to aspiring artists: She emphasizes the importance of self-belief and self-valuation, as these factors are crucial in allowing others to recognize the value of one’s creative gifts. She also encourages aspiring artists to engage with peers and support each other, to avoid comparing themselves to others, and to take care of their well-being and nurture their creativity.
With a journey shaped by her love for art, Cassi serves as an inspiring example of how passion, creativity, and entrepreneurship can be beautifully intertwined. As she continues to create work that radiates hope, joy, and optimism, Cassi reminds us all to embrace our artistic superpowers and pursue our dreams with courage and determination.
FOLLOW CASSI ON IG @CASSIOTT
OR VISIT HER WEBSITE AT WWW.CASSANDRAOTT.COM
“DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHER PEOPLE AND THEIR CAREER JOURNEY OR ARTWORK – COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY.”
- CASSI
Whether she’s wearing a pink, mid-thigh, belted wrap dress or a more office-friendly crisp white blouse, silk ankle-length skirt, and suede, heeled boots, Arrianna Hart (Arri) looks positively stunning.
An attorney and fashion blogger, Arri finds ample opportunity in both her professional and personal life to inspire with business and casual looks. Originally hailing from the Bronx, this NYC native was first drawn to Buffalo when she attended Canisius College. It was there her interest in fashion blossomed.
“Even though the warmer months are often limited in Buffalo, I began paying a lot more attention to things like my dresses and shoes, etc.,” Arri recalls, calling it her first move towards fashion and trends. “I was focused on getting good grades; however, I found I enjoyed the outlet of fashion and creating a look.”
Arri characterized her look at Canisius as “preppy,” a personal style she feels was influenced by the college’s atmosphere. Arri found her look shifted when she started law school at the University of Buffalo (UB).
“I began to style daily looks and document the outfits I would wear to class,” says Arri. “My style of dress at UB was a little more ‘toned down:’ more business casual but with a slight edge. It wasn’t as loud or bright–very different than when I went home for the summer and spent time with my two brothers downstate.”
It was during her first year at UB that Arri started her fashion blog. Featuring outfits she wore to class or work, playing tennis, attending barre, and more, her blog began to thrive.
Like many creatives, Arri finds inspiration for the looks she creates from people and places around her. She particularly credits her mother.
“My mother has a lot of great pieces from her college days, including pieces from designers like Apothecary and Tommy Hilfiger. They are really cute!” explains Arri. “When I think of timeless, I think about her closet. I would wear one of her vintage sweaters, for example, and people would ask me about it all day.”
ARTICLE BY AMANDA DUDEKArri also draws inspiration from the City of Buffalo itself. Aside from her love for the community, Arri reveals how drawn she is to the many beautiful spaces and places around the city. From gardens to murals to architecture, Buffalo overflows with locations that are more than Insta-worthy.
“Some of the architecture and the gardens around Buffalo are absolutely breathtaking,” Arri says. “Places like the Delaware Park Rose Garden and the Clement Mansion are beautiful places that people visiting the area really should check out. They are great places to take photos!”
Buffalo’s beauty has influenced Arri in an unexpected way. “Buffalo has encouraged me to slow down a little bit more,” she says. Arri feels she’s always on the go and can’t miss anything in her professional life, so Buffalo’s beautiful spaces and places inspire her to take a little more time to enjoy her surroundings. “For example,” Arri says, “I went on a tour of the Knox Mansion recently. I always thought the mansion was beautiful and an interesting piece of history, so I took the time to go and explore. I do that a lot more here.”
Always put on clothing you feel comfortable in. “We see others wearing a certain style or look, and maybe when we try it on, it doesn’t translate the same way,” Arri observes, “Yet, we still think we need to wear it or dress a certain way because it is a trend. No. Find a style that suits you and that is comfortable for you, because when you do, it translates as authentic to others and radiates confidence. Fashion should be fun!”
“Fall is beautiful in and around Buffalo. The area really lends itself to being creative!”
- ARRI
Everything from clutches to glasses
Deeper colors like rich browns, bright reds, and other warm tones . . .
My favorite are the ones with a strap in the back
Color
Try bright pink or saturated purple to add vibrancy to a look
“I love a heeled bootie that finishes at the ankle, maybe with a rounded toe, paired with a longer dress, a pair of slacks, or even jeans. It really draws attention,” exclaims Arri. “I also love riding boots. One of my typical fall looks for going to the office is a riding boot (or other knee-high boot) paired with a dress. It looks effortlessly polished.”
Follow Arri on Instagram @arrizairre for more fashion tips!
In July 2021, Sophia Benintende, a lively, healthy 7-year-old, was preparing for 3rd grade at Country Parkway in Williamsville when she began experiencing a pain in her side. Believing it to be just muscle strain from the monkey bars, her family discovered a lump on Sophia’s rib cage. A visit to her pediatrician led to a sonogram and CT scan, revealing tumors on her rib cage and lungs, and after a whirlwind few days, Sophia was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, an aggressive and rare cancer.
She immediately began a rigorous treatment, including 14 rounds of chemotherapy at Roswell and 31 rounds of radiation at Sloan Kettering Memorial in NYC. Despite numerous challenges, including ER visits, transfusions, and fevers, Sophia triumphed and became cancer-free in spring 2022.
Maintaining her strength despite daily trips to Roswell for maintenance chemo and home-administered treatments, Sophia’s courageous spirit inspired her to give back. Thus, Sophia the Fierce, Inc. (STF) was born, with a mission to bring joy to other cancer-battling children through activities like football, games, camping, and four-wheeling.
Tragically, just before completing her treatment, Sophia’s scans revealed a relapse with new tumors surrounding her heart and in her lungs. She immediately began trials at the Cleveland Clinic, but the treatments proved ineffective. Although her family pursued alternative options, Sophia’s condition worsened, and she gained her angel wings on May 9th, 2023 at the age of 9.
In honor of Sophia’s tenacious spirit, Sophia the Fierce, Inc. is dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer research for a brighter future for children fighting cancer. The mission encompasses three aspects: respite, research, and relief for cancer-stricken children and their families.
• Respite: Sophia believed nature brings life and freedom, aspiring to create private outdoor escapes for children and caregivers to connect with nature. The dream is a private STF getaway for pediatric cancer families. Meanwhile, they organize outdoor retreats for local warriors in need.
• Research: Only 4% of federal cancer research funds support pediatric cancers, leaving children like Sophia with outdated treatments (her regime included drugs made for adults in the 1970s) and limited options. Sophia deserved so much more. One-third of STF’s funds go directly to fund pediatric cancer research.
• Relief: During Sophia’s battle, she received emotional and financial aid, including cupcakes on chemo days, a Buffalo game outing, and helping her family with mortgage bills. STF collaborates with social workers to address the unique needs of local children with cancer, offering relief in various forms.
Sophia’s dream was to brighten the darkest days with lasting memories through private outdoor escapes, fostering connections, relaxation, and adventure. STF, Inc. is committed to funding research initiatives and providing financial aid to families in need, ensuring kids receive the treatments they deserve. To learn more, go to sophiathefierce.org.
Sophia loved watching Buffalo. Her mom, Kristina, says it was much more than football to Sophia. It was something to look forward to at the end of a long treatment week.
Kristina says Sophia had such a wonderful time wrapped in a blanket in a suite at a game, enjoying some of her favorite snacks, and meeting her idol, Kaiir Elam (#24). It was her hope that one day there could be a suite at Buffalo's games for cancer kids and their families to come and experience what she had.
Join Sophia the Fierce October 27th at StoLat in Williamsville for their Halloween Spectacular Silent Disco. nt Disco.
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In the heart of Buffalo, a movement has emerged that is challenging stereotypes, fostering empowerment, and uniting a diverse community of outdoor enthusiasts. Founded by LaTasha Bulluck, Black Girls Hike Buffalo is not just a hiking group; it’s a powerful symbol of inclusion, camaraderie, and the transformative impact of nature on the human spirit. What began as a solo journey through the trails of Buffalo has blossomed into a movement that brings together individuals from various backgrounds to experience the beauty of the outdoors and the joy of breaking down barriers.
“This group is all about hiking, smashing stereotypes, Empowerment, enjoying nature, getting and staying fit, and bonding with a few cool chicks! While we’re a group exposing black women, we are inclusive and pride ourselves on being an inclusive organization. Join us on our hikes!”
LaTasha, a proud Buffalo native and mother of four, embarked on her hiking journey as a solitary pursuit. Finding solace in the serenity of nature, she says, “I just loved the way it made me feel; it was very peaceful, it made me feel whole. It took away a lot of anxiety and stress, so I wanted to start the group to let other people experience that as well.” Friends often asked to join her hikes. Recognizing the absence of representation on the trails, particularly from the African American community, LaTasha decided to start a group to bridge this gap.
In September 2018, Black Girls Hike Buffalo was born. Initially catering to a predominantly female audience, the group now boasts membership and/or followers of around 2,500 from diverse racial, gender, and age backgrounds. Before the pandemic, the group gathered approximately 20 hikers; post-pandemic, their numbers have swelled to around 40 participants per hike.
While the name might suggest exclusivity, the group’s heart is inclusivity. Hikers of varying ages, races, and gender identities find a welcoming space to explore the wonders of nature and form lasting connections. LaTasha’s realization that the outdoors lacked representation resonated with many in her community. The average age of hikers is currently around 35, but the
group proudly hosts older individuals. “Through this group, we’re smashing stereotypes and empowering everyone to get out there,” LaTasha says. She’s right. By embracing their love for nature and countering preconceived notions, Black Girls Hike Buffalo changes the narrative around outdoor pursuits.
The transformative power of hiking is undeniable, and LaTasha’s journey exemplifies this truth. As the owner of a family-owned mobile wash and fold laundry business, LAST Call Laundry Services, LaTasha juggles her entrepreneurial responsibilities alongside her role as a mother of four. Despite her busy life, she found the time to embark on her hikes, discovering a sense of wholeness, tranquility, and stress relief in nature.
With planning help from Ta’Via BrooksVines, Milena Johnson, Salley Crews, Desiree Brown, and Jill Lapham, Black Girls Hike Buffalo explores trails and parks around Buffalo and the surrounding area, but also other states and even countries.
The group enjoys trying new outdoor adventures, including kayaking, snowshoeing, and even birdwatching. The group’s recent events include yoga sessions with mimosas and wine-fueled hikes at Spring Lake Winery. They even venture beyond Buffalo, exploring Las Vegas and Utah’s Zion National Park, and the Hoover Dam. Bulluck has her sights set on Black Girls Hike Buffalo traveling and hiking in as many of the 50 states as they can. The group will celebrate their fifth-year anniversary this September in Punta Cana.
Black Girls Hike Buffalo is on a mission to challenge perceptions and rewrite the narrative. They aim to shatter stereotypes and inspire more individuals to embrace the outdoors.
Black Girls Hike Buffalo is more than a hiking group; it’s a movement redefining what it means to be an outdoor enthusiast. Through their inclusive approach, LaTasha Bulluck and her trailblazing companions prove that the outdoors belong to everyone, regardless of their background. The trails they tread serve as both a journey of personal growth and a collective endeavor to break down barriers. So, as the sun rises and sets on their hikes, members of Black Girls Hike Buffalo continue to forge a path toward empowerment, unity, and the unyielding beauty of the natural world.
Who said black people don’t hike or bird watch?!
First Monday of the Month • 6PM
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The ice in the rink may be cold, but it’s no match for the warm hearts found at Skating Athletes Bold At Heart (SABAH). This program, founded in 1977, is dedicated to promoting inclusion as they enrich the quality of life for people with physical, cognitive, and/or emotional disabilities through education and therapeutic recreation, fitness, and social and communication skills development.
SABAH celebrates their 47th season serving the disabled in the Western New York community. Over 830 people participate in six year-round programs, and they have expanded their physical activity and wellness programs with the help of more than 500 volunteers from the region.
Through their programs, athletes develop skills for independent living and foster a healthy lifestyle by participating in physical education and therapeutic recreation weekly. With their specialized instruction and adaptive equipment, this is the only program of its kind in the United States.
Like many organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic forced SABAH to innovate and find ways to serve their athletes despite the extra challenges. Executive director Sheila O’Brien explains that they started a new program, the Outdoor Series, a partnership with the New York State Parks Department, that gives athletes the opportunity to explore their environment through activities such as birding, nature hikes, beach walks, and snowshoeing. “It’s just one more venue and one more way to create healthy lifestyles and inclusion to all,” O’Brien says.
SABAH also provides adaptive turf-based physical education over the summer months, with a curriculum specially designed for children with cognitive and/or physical disabilities as well as economic disadvantages in local schools.
With Fit and Fun, SABAH’s newest program, adults receive physical education. Physical problems caused by sedentary lifestyles are particularly prevalent in adults with disabilities. A lack of adaptive physical education and recreational activities in our society contributes to obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. During the summer months, they do activities such as volleyball, disc golf, t-ball, football, floor hockey, and other “family-style” backyard games. Ice skating is, of course, also available during the winter. The program provides opportunities for socialization, greater independence, and increased self-esteem, as well as the benefits of physical activity. SABAH collaborates with several group homes and adult day habilitation facilities in the region, where over 110 adults with disabilities have benefited after just two years.
In their Evening and Weekend program, individuals of any age can learn adaptive ice skating. The program works in conjunction with thirteen school districts in the area. The program is offered weekly from October through March at four locations, including the Bud Bakewell Riverside Rink, the Northtown Center at Amherst, the Hamburg Town Rink, and Niagara University’s Dwyer Arena. During each session, instructors teach basic skating skills, play games, provide free time, and everyone has a great time.
The School Day Adaptive Ice Skating program provides ice skating lessons and events to students who are economically challenged and physically, cognitively, or emotionally disabled. Each session includes basic skating skills, games, free time, and a lot of fun! Observing the importance of ice skating, O’Brien notes the skills gained and the sense of pride the athletes get once they succeed in the rink.
“[With] skating, you have to use everything. You have to use all parts of your body, your balance, and your mind. So, it’s really kind of allencompassing,” O’Brien says, “It is something I think is intimidating to a lot of people, and once they are able to conquer their fears and really start to progress, I think it’s something that’s really empowering for them in other facets of their lives.”
Buffalo, a city known for its resilience and heart, is home to remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of the community. One such individual is Emily Allen, owner of Tailor Mayde Photography. With her lens, she illuminates the often-overlooked tales and tails that make Buffalo shine brighter. Her collaboration with Sweet Buffalo, a platform dedicated to spreading positivity, has been instrumental in highlighting the city’s inspiring narratives.
Sweet Buffalo’s Kimberly LaRussa says Emily “has been a blessing since the moment I met her. What started off as a partnership in taking photos of shelter dogs to find them forever homes turned into so much more. Emily often asks what she can do to help those we write about on Sweet Buffalo. Most recently she took photos of a teen in foster care with rescue puppies at her studio. His smile was priceless when he saw the photos for the first time. She also photographed a kangaroo visit for a young girl who is battling cancer. Emily has the most beautiful heart and that shines through in her photography.”
Emily lends her expertise to the Resurgence to the Rescue annual beer can contest to raise awareness for rescue animals. During the winter holiday season, Emily offers heartwarming holiday photo sessions in which people who donate a large bag of dog food receive a $50 discount off the session. Emily also donates a portion of session proceeds to area rescue organizations. Emily donates her time, services, and gift certificates to many Buffalo area organizations, animal and human, including police and fire departments.
LaRussa adds, “Emily is no amateur photographer. She has a talent like nothing I’ve seen before so the fact that she takes the time to volunteer to help animals–and people–is incredibly selfless. Through her photography she has been able to help raise thousands of dollars for homeless cats and dogs right here in Western New York.”
Emily’s motivation comes from a deep desire to make a difference. She says she shares her passion for pet photography with the community “because I can. It’s a way to give back, and it makes me feel good, and it makes a lot of people happy, so that makes me happy.” Emily’s artistic creativity finds expression in these various opportunities to spread joy. Each project becomes a canvas for her to craft something beautiful that resonates with people’s hearts.
Emily’s journey into pet photography began with a single dog as her subject. From that moment, she knew she had discovered her passion. Over the past five years, she has honed her skills, delving deep into the world of pets and their personalities. Her dedication shines through her pursuit of knowledge–attending conferences, investing in workshops, and upgrading her equipment. She understands the nuances of dog behavior, body language, and temperaments, ensuring every photograph captures the essence of her canine subjects. Her connection to dogs goes beyond professional pursuits. As a mother of two humans, she also shares her home with three mastiff mix rescues, two of whom are parvo survivors.
She fosters dogs through Awesome Paws Rescue. She says, “Dogs are something special. They make me incredibly happy. They make you incredibly happy. Witnessing genuine happiness... that’s why dogs are my specialty.”
Emily Allen’s journey as a photographer is not just about capturing images; it’s about capturing emotions, stories, and the spirit of a community. Through her lens, she highlights the power of compassion, showcasing how a single person’s dedication can make a profound impact. With her dedication, kindness, and artistry, Emily Allen is a shining example of Buffalo’s enduring
For more information, check out Emily’s blog at www.tmpphotos.com/blog
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