Women Who Move Buffalo, Kristen from Meet + Eat Charcuterie
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photo from: Meet + Eat Charcuterie
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Women Who Move Buffalo - Kailey from Buffalo Charcuterie Creations
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photo from Buffalo Charcuterie Creations IG
A few weeks ago I came across Buffalo Charcuterie Creations on IG and was immediately impressed with the creative business, so ideally for a friends birthday I planned to celebrate with a picnic in the park that featured F&B from local establishments in the area. It was the perfect opportunity for me to order a charcuterie box.
the picnic not only included the charcuterie box, but wine from Winkler & Samuels & macarons from Fairy Cakes
I contacted Kailey on IG on a Tuesday I believe it was with hopes she would be able to put something together on short notice for that Friday and she was able to! She asked me if I had any requests for the box and we finalized the details on time and place. She dropped off directly to my door step that Friday morning and everything was so easy.
Kailey Dougherty, owner of Buffalo Charcuterie Creations
When I got the box the presentation was amazing, everything was organized, labeled and it was what every event planner dreams of (you understand if you’re a planner). Everything in our box was delicious, some items I’ve had before (hello, Brie!) and some were brand new, but everything was fresh and tasted so good.
my box of heaven
Here is what was in the box:
Brie
Eggplant Garlic Spread
White Cheddar
Red Pepper Spread
White Stitton Cheese with Lemon Peel
Manchego
Goat Cheese with Honey (this was so, so good!)
Smoked Gouda
Cucumber
Salami
Fig
Crackers
Baby grapes
Asst. Nuts
Our box was for 2 people, cost $40 and was more than enough food (we had leftovers!) and it was worth every penny.
I had such a good experience that I reached out to Kailey to ask if I could feature her on my site because I want everyone to know what an awesome person and business she has. Check out my Q&A with her below.
photo from Buffalo Charcuterie Creations IG account
AND give her a follow on IG: @bflocharcuteriecreations
When did Buffalo Charcuterie Creations begin?
Buffalo Charcuterie Creations began during Coronavirus quarantine, April 2020 to be exact.
How did it all get started? What made you want to start this business?
It started when my mom wanted to do a charcuterie board for a social distance hang out with her girlfriends but didn’t want one large board that everyone touches. We searched the internet for personal boxes and ended up making each lady a box to enjoy themselves without spreading germs!
Are you a Buffalo Native?
Buffalo native! Born and raised in Amherst, NY
What is your favorite part of creating the charcuterie boxes?
My favorite part of creating the boxes is the artistic and creative ability each one gives me. There is no right or wrong way to construct a charcuterie board/ box and while creating each one I always think of a new layout or item to add.
Do you have a favorite cheese?
My personal favorite cheese is Brie- especially with some honey drizzled on top!
Is there a spread or fruit that you must always put in the boxes?
My favorite spread that I love to put in every box is a whipped goat cheese and honey with red pepper flakes sprinkled on top. That has gotten great feedback from many so that’s a must for my boxes now! I also love to always try and add cucumbers to compliment the spreads that are added.
What is your go to for food items in the boxes?
My go to lately has been smoked Goudas, salami and artichokes. I’m sure those will change soon but for now those are always on my shopping list when grabbing ingredients. Another favorite go to during the summer season has been cheeses featuring lemon- they’re more of a dessert cheese and such a great touch in a summer box!
Where do you find your creativity?
As crazy as it sounds most of my creativity came from TikTok (I guess that’s 2020 in a nutshell for ya!) When I was furloughed in the beginning I had a lot of time on my hands and once I stumbled on some charcuterie videos I was fascinated and was motivated to start playing around and trying to construct some boards for friends and family.
Each box you create is different, how/what inspires you?
Each box is definitely different and the main thing that inspires me is the season! I swear every time I go to the grocery store there is a new fruit or vegetable in season. I love to mix it up to compliment the time of year and also to keep up with trends of what food people are loving that I see on social media’s.
What do you love most about Buffalo/WNY?
My favorite thing about Buffalo is that even though it is a large city it has a way of feeling small and welcoming at the same time. I love always going somewhere and probably running into someone you know.
What is your favorite & fun part of owning your own business?
My favorite part of starting my own business is definitely being able to make my own hours. Depending on the day I can get spurts of motivation at 8 am or some days not till 4 pm. Making my owns hours leaves me a lot of flexibility and allows me to still create time with family and friends during the fun (short) summer months!
What types of events, parties, etc. are the boxes best for? Each order is customizable, how big of a charcuterie box can you cater to for those interested in ordering from you?
The boxes are best for so many events- from girls night, date night, birthday parties, etc. I have made personal boxes for just one person to enjoy on a night for themselves. I have also gotten great feedback that the boxes are perfect for date night, picnics, anniversaries and girls nights. I have also expanded from just the boxes to the larger charcuterie boards. I think these boards would be perfect for larger parties. I have a wedding order coming up this September which includes 6 larger boards to be spread around the reception. Very excited for that opportunity!
What has been the most popular item your customers request?
The most popular items that people have requested multiple times has been the whipped goat cheese with honey. I have also had a great feedback on adding in a dessert style cheese so it is now something I always try to add.
What has been the most unique item your customers have requested?
The most unique item I have had so far for me was figs! I had never really used or eaten figs before someone requested some in a box. After that I loved them and now I enjoy adding them every chance I get! I am sad they have such a short season because they’re such a beautiful and delicious fruit.
If people want to order, what is the easiest way to do so?
The best way to order is through my Instagram @bflocharcuteriecreations. For those who don’t have an Instagram they are always welcome to email me at KED2696@gmail.com
What has been your most memorable client or part of running Buffalo Charcuterie Creations so far? and why?
The most memorable part of Buffalo Charcuterie Creations so far is meeting all the new people and being able to connect and network all over WNY. This business has given me the opportunity to travel to many places around that area that I normally wouldn’t before.
Women Who Move Buffalo - Carrie Rinehart
/“HERE’S TO STRONG WOMEN. MAY WE KNOW THEM.
MAY WE RAISE THEM. MAY WE BE THEM.”
On a Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago I met up with Carrie Rinehart, founder & director of Buffalo Boss Babes and owner of Rusterior. I met Carrie at the first Buffalo Boss Babes Speaker Series event - Growth last April at Buffalo Distilling Company and have since followed her and all the amazingly cool things she has been and continues to do in WNY. Carrie embodies a positive, can-do attitude, is an inspiration to me (and many more!) and is a kick ass business owner, mother, wife and friend (and did I mention she also has full-time job).
Since attending that first Boss Babes event last April it has truly left an impact on my life. It may be crazy to think attending one networking event can make all the difference, but for me it has. Like many of the women who have attended & spoke at the Boss Babes events, we all struggle with similar worries, ambitions, etc. Being able to have a networking group to turn to, to ask for help, to get advice or feedback, to vent to one another about bumps in the road, or to celebrate achievements, makes all the difference in the world because it reminds us that we aren’t alone. It helps us continue to keep going & pushing towards the goals we set for ourselves vs. giving up & throwing in the towel. We are all hard on ourselves, especially because we all want to succeed & play a role in making a positive influence in our community, but we need to remind ourselves that its OK to take breaks, to go at your own speed & to keep doing you & not worry about the “outside noise.” Its thanks to Carrie creating this blog & providing encouragement & inspiration to us that we have this strong network of women learning about one another & helping each other as we move toward the course we have set out for ourselves.
For those that may not know a lot about Rusterior and Buffalo Boss Babes, let me tell ya a little bit about both. Rusterior is a Goods and Wearable’s shop located in Fredonia, NY (you can find Carrie’s storefront inside Fredonia Farmhouse Finds) you can also shop online. Carrie hand prints cool clothes and goods to have in your everyday lives, so make sure you check her site out! Buffalo Boss Babes is a woman run blog and social media feed that features awesome women in and around Buffalo. The mission of Buffalo Boss Babes is to inspire and empower the creative woman who help build the resurgence in Buffalo.
Below is my Q&A with Carrie about both Rusterior & Buffalo Boss Babes (BBB).
HOW DID RUSTERIOR HAPPEN?
I KNEW I ALWAYS WANTED TO OPEN A BUSINESS SO I STARTED (7 YEARS AGO) BY CREATING ALL DIFFERENT THINGS - SCARVES, ACCESSORIES, THE SEWN BUFFALO ON A SHIRT & IT HAS EVOLVED INTO WHAT IT IS TODAY.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM YOU SELL?
THE BUFFALO HATS . THEY ARE A UNIVERSAL PIECE THAT EVERYONE LIKES AND THEY DON’T NEED A SIZE.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CUSTOMERS FAVORITE PIECE(S) & WHAT PIECE(S) DO YOU LIKE TO MAKE?
THE BUFFALO HATS & SWEATSHIRTS ARE FAVORITE CUSTOMER PIECES. MAKING T-SHIRTS IS SOMETHING I ENJOY DOING THE MOST- SCREEN PRINTING IS A FAVORITE OF MINE.
WHAT ARE SOME GOALS/CHANGES HAPPENING IN 2019? WHAT WILL BE EVOLVING WITH RUSTERIOR AS WE MOVE FORWARD?
A LOT OF CHANGES ARE HAPPENING AT RUSTERIOR. WE ARE MOVING IN THE READY TO SHIP DIRECTION SO CUSTOMERS HAVE A QUICKER SHIP TIME (5-7 DAYS). CUSTOMERS WILL BE ABLE TO ORDER CUSTOM SCREEN PRINTS STILL BUT MAY HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL PRINTING HAPPENS AGAIN.
*NOTE TO YOUR SELF - CARRIE HAS A BUNCH OF ITEMS UP ON HER SHOP LIKE THESE GOODIES:
SO MAKE SURE TO SNAG YOURS BEFORE THEY’RE GONE.
WHY DID YOU START BUFFALO BOSS BABES?
I WAS LOOKING TO NETWORK MORE AND THE NETWORKING EVENTS I WERE ATTENDING WERE THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR. I WANTED TO TALK TO PEOPLE ABOUT BUSINESS. I ATTENDED A ROC GIRL GANG EVENT AND LOVED THE VIBE AND THOUGHT BUFFALO NEEDED THIS AND THAT IS WHAT INSPIRED ME TO CREATE BUFFALO BOSS BABES, WHICH STARTED AS A BLOG AND THEN GREW INTO EVENTS THAT BOSS BABES WANTED TO ME TO START.
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF BUFFALO BOSS BABES? & WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO GET OUT OF IT?
BBB IS A TRUE COMMUNITY, IT’S RAW & IT’S REAL. IT’S A GROUP OF WOMEN COMING TOGETHER TO INSPIRE ONE ANOTHER, LEARN FROM ONE ANOTHER & SUPPORT EACH OTHER.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT FROM RUSTERIOR?
YOU’LL NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST STRANGER ONLINE SALE. IT’S A “HOLY COW” MOMENT.
HOW FAR IS YOUR FURTHEST CUSTOMER? & DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH OTHER BOUTIQUES OUTSIDE OF WNY?
MY FURTHEST CUSTOMER WAS IN AUSTRALIA AND I COLLABORATE WITH BOUTIQUES IN IDAHO AND OHIO. FOR ME COLLABORATING FOR RUSTERIOR IS ABOUT ALWAYS REACHING OUT AND FINDING EACH OTHER VIA SOCIAL MEDIA (INSTAGRAM).
WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT IN 2019 FOR BUFFALO BOSS BABES?
BBB WILL HAVE MORE EVENTS, COLLABORATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS. THERE WILL ALSO BE ONE BIG EVENT HAPPENING THIS YEAR SO STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS!
BEST THING YOU LOVE ABOUT BUFFALO?
THE PEOPLE! YOU CAN’T GO ANYWHERE AND FIND GENUINE PEOPLE THAT YOU CAN BE FRIENDS WITH. BUFFALO’S VIBE IS MORE RELAXED AND CHILL.
FAVORITE QUOTE?
“FEAR KILLS MORE DREAMS THAN FAILURE EVER WILL”
WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE THROWING IN THE TOWEL OR TIRED WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING?
MY SUPPORT SYSTEM. YOU’RE ALLOWED TO TAKE BREAKS AND SHUT DOWN, THE WORLD WILL CONTINUE TO GO ON & THAT’S OK.
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLET? FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM?
INSTAGRAM IS MY FAVORITE OUTLET, ALWAYS ON IT. FACEBOOK FOR THE BUSINESS TRAFFIC . SOCIAL MEDIA WHETHER YOU LOVE IT OR HATE IT, IT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER.
**Photo Credit shout outs go to: Seek Axiom, Lovern Photography, Alexis Mohr Photography
The Brains and Beauties Behind Alchemy Wine & Beer
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Nicole Casell & Anne McIntosh - owners of Alchemy Wine & Beer
(photo courtesy of Nicole and Anne at Alchemy)
Its Thanksgiving week and while I have many things to be thankful for I thought I would kick off the week by featuring two women who I was lucky to meet a couple weeks ago. Nicole Casell and Anne McIntosh are the beauty and the brains behind the AMAZING Alchemy Wine & Beer in Hamburg.
(photo courtesy of Nicole and Anne at Alchemy)
Having opened in June the two gals put everything they had into opening a one of a kind space where all are welcome. Learn more about these two powerhouse women below.
(photo Just a Blonde in Buffalo)
How did you two meet?
About a decade ago. Nicole’s best friend is Anne’s sister in law. Since then the two have traveled around the world together.
How did Alchemy start?
With their passion of wine. It was always an idea and passion project and as the both of them traveled together they continued to find great establishments. While they were in New Orleans they visited a wine bar and in the backyard of the establishment the inspiration came to them and from that inspiration snowballed Alchemy.
(photo Just a Blonde in Buffalo Instagram @bybuffalob)
Why Hamburg?
While looking at locations, they looked at the City of Buffalo, but having a couple wine bars already, they decided to plant roots in the southtowns. Why? because the southtowns didn’t have any wine bars and it just made sense. Anne was born and raised in Hamburg and Nicole recently made the move with her family to Hamburg from Buffalo.
What do you love best about Buffalo?
The size of Buffalo is the perfect size for a city. The amount of events and activities that take place, its condensed, but big enough to still explore and find new things.
While I was talking with Nicole and Anne, I learned a lot more about them. As you can imagine, opening a business is tough, a lot of time, money and dreams are put on the line and Nicole and Anne did it all on their own. People may have a preconceived notion that they own a business and have staff to do everything, but they are not absentee owners, they are involved and have been involved from the ground up. Alchemy is the outcome of hard work and passion from two normal women who are only in their 30’s.
Here are some other things I’d like you to know:
The wine at Alchemy is wine you will not find at your local stores. It’s limited, small batch, boutique wines, opening the customers to experience wine from many regions. It’s meant to show people that wine does not have to be over thought.
They also serve beer and cider (for those non wine drinkers).
Nicole and Anne are level one Sommelier’s.
They have a work life blend - never being unplugged, finding balance and structure is unique, but well worth it.
Don’t be afraid to pay for help. Nicole and Anne opened a business not really having a background in business, but pursuing a dream and they learned as they went. Ask questions and do research.
Alchemy is meant to be casual, it’s meant to be a gathering space
Alchemy is not a sit down, full service restaurant. It is a place that offers an array of appetizers/shared plates - easy and humble food (*check out their Charcuterie board next time you’re there).
Alchemy is a wine bar community space
(photo courtesy of Nicole and Anne at Alchemy)
Nicole and Anne continue to keep moving forward and growing and as they do so they are paying it forward. They have learned so much in a short amount of time and are willing to share their experiences with others.
In the short amount of time I spent with the both of them, I learned so much and am so thankful for the opportunity to share their story. As a woman in her 30’s these two ladies are very inspiring and meeting with them only motivates me to pursue those passions I have for myself.
Lastly, I’ll leave you with these takeaways that have stuck with me since I met with Nicole and Anne- level set your expectations, find balance, learn to delegate tasks, have a good team and don’t ever give up on something your passionate about. Thank you Nicole and Anne for being the kick ass gals that you are.
-B
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If you follow Alchemy on social media you know they host an array of events, from collaborating with crafters and artists, to hosting live music, tastings and wellness events, any event you attend gives off a feel good vibe. Alchemy is open to collaborating with more people so if you have an event you’d like to host, reach out!
