{ Women Who Move Buffalo } Kelly from Red Lantern Creative

{ "I love the people. For a large city we are as neighborly as a small town. There truly is no place like home. Plus I'm a huge Sabres fan."

- Kelly Conti, Red Lantern Creative}

This weeks woman who moves Buffalo is Kelly Conti, Owner and Designer from Red Lantern Creative. Red Lantern Creative was launched in January of 2011 and features everything from affordable wedding and bridal shower invitations, save the dates, to other custom cards.

After dabbling in all areas of print and web design Kelly knew her calling was in wedding stationery. Having the freedom to create art that is so meaningful and personal is what she loves. "It's the kind of job that makes me want to go to work everyday because I love what I do."

Red Lantern Services include}

• Created to order wedding invitation designs which are unique and customizable

• Custom Designs which include all celebratory cards

•  Logo/Email and Web Design services

Red Lantern specializes in hand drawn invitations so if the bride can dream it, Red Lantern Creative can create it. One thing Kelly does is, creates an invitation that is a true representation of the couple, because of this, there are no giant books of invitations to look through, which makes for a unique invitation showcasing who the couple is.

If you're planning a wedding, bridal shower or another special occasion and want a custom and creative invitation contact Kelly - she is truly a talented and creative woman who loves her hometown.

Red Lantern Creative on Facebook

or

kelly@redlanterncreative.com

xo

-B

Images below are courtesy of Tiff Photography, http://tiffphotography.com/

Elmwood Festival of the Arts

A few weeks ago I stopped by the Elmwood Festival of the Arts and while its set-up is similar to the Allentown Art Fest (except in a different location) I found this festival to be more "kid and family friendly." With a section specifically called Kidsfest, parents could take there children to see animal shows and participate in crafts suited to their age. As I was walking around the main strip of the festival it was a nice chance to stop not only at local Artisans booths, but into local shops and boutiques who mostly hosted sales for the big weekend. It was a great way to support local business. There were also musical performances taking place throughout the weekend, so while you walked, browsed and shopped you had some entertainment along the way.

-B

{ A crowd of people listening to a musical performance }

{ A specific area designated just for the little ones }

{ Fun festive décor }

{ Women Who Move Buffalo } Gabrielle from After 5 Events LLC

This week's Woman who moves Buffalo is the one and only Gabrielle Pagano from After 5 Events LLC. Gabby is a one of a kind, creative wedding and event planner in Western New York who began her career working as a Marketing Manager for a global beer brand. During her time there she did everything from maintaining the exciting and stylish image of the brand while creating and executing the brands large events.

Eventually, the time came when Gabby had to make a career decision and she decided to take a chance (and a good one at that) and created After 5 Events. During the beginning stages of her business she studied everything she could, from accounting and website creation to branding and search engine optimization. Learning all the in's and the out's in the event business that she could, she did some traveling and networking and came back to Buffalo and stumbled upon a storefront in her hometown of Williamsville. With A LOT of hard work, paint, blood, sweat and tears the store was ready.

After 5 Events offers an array of packages that are customizable to suite each and every clients needs. Packages range from month of coordination to a 'Red Carpet" Package that includes professional assistance throughout every step of the wedding and event planning process.

Gabby is an amazing woman who loves Buffalo because its her home. "I love the beauty of this city and the juxtaposition of new vs. old, cold vs. hot and grit vs. beauty. We truly have it all and I am so thankful for that. What other city can you spend the afternoon having cocktails on a rooftop, lunch at a museum, dinner and dancing in a ballroom hundreds of years old with original architecture and finish up the night in a perfect little dive bar til' 4am?"

Working on multiple weddings and private parties, some of Gabby's favorite places are private properties because she can really be creative and think out of the box. Incorporating things people in Buffalo don't know about is what she loves to do. She is constantly keeping her events fresh, new, exciting, fun and unique.

I was thrilled to be able to meet Gabby at her office a few weeks ago. She is truly a genuine and passionate woman who cares about each and every one of her clients. She takes the time out to really listen to them and their needs and you can see that in the outcomes of her events.

If you have a special event coming up I highly suggest calling Gabby at After 5 Events. You won't be disappointed.

xo

-B

After 5 Events LLC

5957 Main St.

Williamsville, NY 14221

{716} 908.9517

After 5 Events on Facebook

{Above Photos Via After 5 Events}

{ My visit to After 5 Events }

{ Gabby with a wall of pictures from some of her events }

{ The Buffalo Gal hard at work }

{ Custom made hangers she makes and sells }

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Em Jay Fit

 

Today's Woman who moves Buffalo is one of the toughest ladies I am lucky to know, Em Jay Fit. Em Jay (also know as Morgan McNerney) is a personal trainer who specializes in extreme weight loss. You may know Em Jay from the ever so popular BikeorBar where she teaches the popular CrosSpin.

Em Jay started her business because she herself was overweight as a teen. For her 15th birthday she asked her parents for a gym membership and a personal trainer and with her trainers help she was able to shed 90 lbs. Its then that she realized she wanted to show others that they could lose the weight to and turn their lives around.

" I love the hometown feel of Buffalo. All the Mom n' Pop stores and restaurants. I lived in Phoenix for a bit, which was great, but every single store and restaurant was a chain. Nothing like the feeling of a home cooked meal, even when you're out to eat."

-Em Jay

Em Jay is amazing! Every time I take a class she teaches I know I'm going to 1. be sore the next day, 2. get an amazing workout while cursing and maybe crying (no not really, just kidding) 3. learn new exercises that I can take with me to continue to do on my own time 4. SWEAT a lot and 5. Do Burpees. :)

Em Jay specializes in personal and group training so if you want to make a change in your life you can contact her through a variety of ways. You won't be sorry you did!

Email } Emjayfit@gmail.com

Facebook

-B

{via}

{ If you know Em Jay, you know you'll be doing burpees }

Saturday Mornings

On Saturday mornings throughout the Summer the Elmwood Bidwell Farmer's Market is packed with a variety of vendors selling salsa, vegetables, fruit, wine, craft-beers, flowers and more. It's by far one of my favorite farmer's markets in the area. The only thing I would like to see more of is a variety of different fruits. Every vendor who was selling fruit was only selling strawberries, I would have liked a few more options, but overall its still a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

-B

:: Fresh flowers from the market, so bright, so pretty ::

A Fashion Show for Local Designers

Crista Botticello, owner of Ooo La La Boutique and Ooo La La Fashion Truck puts on a handful of fashion shows throughout the year, one of the best ones is the Local Designer Show. This show features up and coming designers who live in or have studied fashion in the Western New York area. For the summer show that took place this past weekend, the designers included were: Danielle Nieder, Nancy Celeste, Rachel Hamerski, Emily Lyon, Holly Henderson and swimwear designer, Marina Pascale. To learn more about any one of these designers you can check out Ooo La La Boutique's Facebook page: Ooo La La Boutique

A big thank you goes out to all the designers, hair stylists, photographers, models, customers, volunteers, friends, family and guests in attendance.

-B

:: Pre-Show Set-Up ::

:: Cupcakes from Swirls ::

:: Ooo La La Models Backstage ::

:: Crista and myself after the show ::

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS CAPTURED FROM THE SHOW GO TO

RICK WARNE PHOTOGRAPHY

My Favorite Buffalo Links

One of my favorite bloggers (Emily Schuman from Cupcakes and Cashmere) recently started a series called Links I Love. It gave me an idea to share the links from local Western New York businesses that I like, this week I'm highlighting my favorite clothing/fashion boutiques. What are your favorite shops in town?

-B

FASHION/CLOTHING

Ooo La La Boutique

Anna Grace

Modern Nostalgia

Research and Design

In The Buff Shirts

Shoefly

Bella Belle Shoes

Ms. Eye Candy

Clementiny Clothing

Made by Anatomy

A_dot_tees

Live Music Action

The Hall's opened Sportmen's Tavern in 1985 and what was once just a local neighborhood tavern is now one of the best venues to see live music in, in town. I stopped by Sportmen's the other day to attend a "Friendraiser" hosted by The Good Neighborhood (the Good Neighborhood is located in Buffalo, NY and is about the community, providing you with information in Western New York that focuses on the greater good).

While I've driven past the Tavern many times before I was surprised to walk in and see how big the place was - a stage, big bar and bistro style tables line the downstairs and upstairs is an additional bar with tables and a balcony where you can watch the band(s) play. My time was cut short at the Sportmen's Tavern, but I enjoyed the atmosphere and am already looking forward to going back soon!

Located at 326 Amherst St. if you love live music check out a band here.

Sportsmen's Tavern on Facebook

-B

Day 5: Up & Coming Women in Buffalo: Ms. Shanna Montana

Day 5 of the up and coming women in Buffalo series takes us to an amazing entertainer and DJ who loves Buffalo and is one of the most caring, fun and hard-working gals I know. Kiss 98.5's On-Air Personality and Sales Promotion Coordinator, the wonderful, Shanna Montana.

Shanna originally attended Buffalo State College for Psychology and then after taking Psych 101 realized that wasn't the route for her. She realized she needed something where she could talk to people and entertain them. From there, she changed her major to Media Production and started interning with the Kiss Morning Show. It was during that time that she realized she wanted to do this for the rest of her life.

You can catch Shanna on the radio during the weekends and making public appearances at a variety of different places and different times, but to do that you have to keep up to date with her at:

• Kiss 98.5 & follow her on Twitter: @MsShannaMontana
• Facebook: Shanna Montana

"I love everything about Buffalo! The food is amazing, our sports teams have a special place in my heart, and the people here are always great! Where else can you find all of those things?!"

Shanna is a one-of-a-kind DJ. She loves her work and has a true passion for radio and music in general. If you're having a "blah" day and turn on the radio and Shanna's on, you'll instantly be in a better mood. She loves to make people happy. Do yourself a favor and listen to Kiss 98.5 and follow Ms. Montana on Twitter and Facebook. You'll be happy you did!

Like all the young women I wrote about this past week each one of them has a dream that they are pursuing, whether they stayed or left and came back to Buffalo, they believe in this City and all love something about this area. My hope for readers this past week is to inspire you to follow your dreams and to believe in this city, like the five ladies I wrote about do. Enjoy your weekend!

-B

Day 4: Up & Coming Women in Buffalo: Diamond Do Salon & Boutique & The Diamond Do Brand

Day four of the up and coming women in Buffalo series brings us to the spicy and sexy Mercedes Diamond, Owner and CEO of the Diamond Do Salon & Boutique as well as the Diamond Do Brand.

Since the age of 8, Mercedes has known she always wanted her own salon. After college and working in Corporate America she decided it was time to follow her dreams. She moved back to Buffalo and opened a private, upscale salon and boutique in Cheektowaga, NY.

Diamond Do Salon & Boutique specializes and provides services in:

• Healthy Hair & Healthy Hair Maintenance
• Sew in extensions
• Braidless extensions
• Color
• Cut
• Conditioning Treatments
• Scalp Treatments

The Salon & Boutique also sells jewelry, Diamond Dolls apparel, high quality virgin Brazilian hair and much more.

Mercedes has "always believed that Buffalo has so much potential of being an amazing city that could be the next Chicago, Atlanta, DMV (DC,MD, VA area). I have lived and visited several thriving cities and it always makes me think what Buffalo could be...we have so many natural resources and beautiful assets; such as our historic buildings, bodies of water, the fact that we can get to another country in minutes!..."

The goal of Diamond Do is to promote a "Diamond Do" lifestyle and mindset for people, meaning taking care of yourself, following your dreams, working on a better you. Its the belief that you are a rare and precious jewel that deserves to shine. Therefore, you treat yourself as a DIAMOND by DOING things to keep yourself shining!

The potential and the people are what Mercedes loves and its what keeps her in Buffalo. "The people make a way out of no way, the fact that we fight for our small businesses and we are passionate about our city even when things may look bad, that all takes heart. Gotta love people with heart!"

Diamond Do Salon & Boutique is an appointment only salon and boutique.

To make an appointment you can contact Mercedes Diamond at: (716) 390.9464

Email her at: info@thediamonddobrand.com and check out the website: http://www.thediamonddobrand.com/

And of course follow on the social media sites:

Facebook: Diamond Do Brand and Diamond Do Salon

Twitter: @thediamonddobrand and @mercedesdiamond

Instagram: Diamond Do Brand

Start taking care of yourself and bring out the diamond in you. You will be happy you did. Call Mercedes and book an appointment today!

-B

Day Three: Up & Coming Women in Buffalo: Jenny Lynn Photography

Today is day three of this mini-series and I'm writing about a friend who decided to take her passion of photography and make it a business.

Jenny Stauffer, from Jenny Lynn Photography is an, on-location photographer. She has always had a camera in her hand and after college she took her love for photos to the next level. After going on some photo shoots with a cousin who is also a photographer she new she had to pursue her dream. Jenny say's she "instantly fell in love with capturing moments in peoples lives. They will never get back these moments and I love knowing they will always have those images I took for them, for a lifetime. It's priceless."

Jenny Lynn Photography photographs

• Newborns
• Infants
• Children
• Families
• Engagements
• Special Events

Her specialty is definitely sessions that involve children, "I love candids." Included with her prices comes a Photo CD with all the edited, high resolution images and a copyright release to print photos for personal use.

To contact Jenny you can email her at: photographybyjennylynn@yahoo.com

Check out her website here: photographybyjennylynn.com

or "Like" her page on Facebook: Jenny Lynn Photography

Jenny has photographed some of my special events for work over the last couple of years and I'm always thrilled with the wonderful work she captures for me. Knowing she is taking the photos for my events is one less thing I have to worry about.

Jenny loves the variety of places to go in Buffalo and the surrounding areas for photo sessions. "I never have a hard time offering up outside locations with beautiful backdrops! It's truly a beautiful city!"

If you're looking for a photographer who loves capturing moments contact Jenny, she doesn't disappoint.

-B

For photo galleries from Jenny Lynn Photography click here or here

Day Two --> Up & Coming Women in Buffalo --> Just B Creative

Day Two of the up and coming women series in Buffalo takes us to Niagara Falls, NY where Creative Designer, Betsy Aquilar, owner of Just B Creative creates one-of-a-kind, handcrafted, personalized jewelry and fashion accessories.

Just B who is originally from NYC, moved to Buffalo and recently discovered the entire underground fashion movement here. Since being diagnosed with bi-polar six years ago she found that her creative craft became therapeutic and now self-fulfilling, especially when others are supportive and appreciative, it gives her the "hunger" to create more.

This past December I had the opportunity to invite Just B to be a vendor at Ooo La La Boutique's, Deck the Halls for Main St. Runway Fashion Show that Crista Botticello and I put together. It was the first vendor table opportunity at a fashion show for Betsy and she instantly became addicted to the positive, energetic and creative atmosphere. Her amazing designs and creative taste were a big draw and since then she has had the opportunity to share her gift with a handful of local fashion designers. Most recently, Just B Creative's handmade bracelets, necklaces and belts accessorized Steven Bales Runway Show- First Call.

Just B Creative offers the following services:

• Vendor Charity Events
• Provides her own Jewelry and Accessories for Photos Shoots & Fashion Shows
• Private Home Parties
• Personalized Gifts (invites, center pieces, favors) for all occasions
• Handcrafted Personalized Jewelry & Fashion Accessories

Just B is currently working on a REUSED line which is deconstructed, reused, recycled ties and converting them into neckties, neck scarves and necklace ties, making it a one-of-a-kind item. Just B is also branching out into belts and purses with ties and has recently became a designer for Steven Bales jewelry line. As she continues to move forward with her creative flow, she hopes to be a designer in a fashion show, having the role models wearing her reused necktie pieces.

To contact Just B you can call her at (716) 870.0743

Follow her on Instagram: Justbcreativebyjustb

Find her on Facebook: Justbcreative Byjustb

And to read more about Just B click here: Justbcreative

I was introduced to Betsy through my event this past December and her personal story stuck with me. Everyone goes through difficult times, its what you choose to do during those times that makes you either overcome the hard times or give in to them. Just B chose to use her creative niche and started something great. If you have the opportunity to meet this young lady, I'm confident in saying that she will be an inspiration to you.

-B

Day One --> Up & Coming Buffalo Women --> Love Chef DJ

This week kicks off a week of me showcasing some of the best up and coming young women in Buffalo who have chose to pursue their dreams in their hometown.

While starting your own business and following your dreams anywhere can be difficult, you read and hear about a lot of people from this particular area leaving because the area isn't thriving like it once did back in the early 1900's, but for these young women they believe in the area and are excited for the future.

Today I am talking about Danielle Jakubowski aka Love Chef DJ.

Danielle has always loved to help in the kitchen, from an early age she was preparing meals with her Mom and Grandma. As she got older she continued to spend her time in the kitchen and realized she wanted to pursue her career in the Culinary Arts. She began studying at Erie Community College and during that time she landed her first formal cooking position in town at Shango Bistro. From there she was encouraged by her professors to attend a more technical school in NYC. She attended the French Culinary Institute for four years. After that time she moved back to Buffalo and returned to Shango Bistro moving up, as a Sous Chef.

Cooking, for Danielle, is a sense of calm. She really enjoys cooking because "food warms people's souls. When people enjoy your food you get an instant return on the hard work time and love you put into it."

It is Danielle's mission to get more people in the kitchen and out of the fast food restaurants, making people more knowledgeable and conscious about the benefits of healthy eating and home cooked meals. "I love that Buffalo is a city in which people really take pride in living here. Buffalo, as a community, shows strong support for our local sports teams, businesses, entrepreneurs and restaurants. Investing in our local businesses is essential to make any community thrive. It builds interpersonal relationships that promote - and result in- upliftment and a pleasant place to live."

Chef DJ offers a wide array of services:

• Personal Chef Services
• Private Dinners
• Catering
• Cooking Classes
• Canning Classes
• Cheese Education Classes
• Personal Grocery Shopper Services
• Baking Classes

Danielle focuses on whole foods, making food that is approachable to the pickiest of eaters while leaving the processed foods behind. Danielle's meals are always fresh and made from scratch and based off of the seasonal produce and cuisine.

To contact Danielle you can email her at: lovechefdj@gmail.com OR call her by phone at (716) 279.7293

Follow her on Twitter: @lovechefdj

Follow her on Instagram: lovechefdj

If you're looking for healthy, delicious food Danielle is the Chef to call. You won't be disappointed!

-B