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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

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