Long Story Long

25: Courtney Howard of Catbird Consulting

On today's episode, I am delighted to share my conversation with Courtney Howard! You may now her as the mastermind behind Catbird Consulting - the small business-focused consulting space based right here in Buffalo! From strategic planning to business operations analysis and even general consulting, Courtney works with your business of any size to create tailor-made roadmaps for ultimate success in this crazy world of small business ownership. In today's episode, we're chatting with Courtney on how she got her start in NYC and how she eventually worked her way into Google. After 11 years in the city, she made the jump to move back home and create Bidwell, the restaurant she created with her husband. Those who had the chance to experience the magic knew Bidwell was a true, short-lived gem that the 716 was lucky enough to have. Today - Courtney is sharing her vast expertise on small business ownership, and how we can make 2024 the most successful year yet! catbird-consulting.com

24: Akasya Crosier

On this very special episode, I got the chance to chat with Buffalo-based artist and graphic designer - Akasya Crosier! As the creator of the infamous 'Juicy Josh,' Akaysa's work is the perfect blend of bold and colorful through a variety of mediums. From prints to t-shirts and even a few Buffalo statues, her work has grown to be a staple within the WNY arts community. In today's conversation, I had the opportunity to ask Akasya what it's really like being a full-time, self-employed artist. Working for yourself can appear to be perfect, but that is hardly the case when you are your own boss at the end of the day. But that's only the start of it. From overexposing herself to sun lamps to country boy thirst-traps, we get into it all!! www.akasyacrosier.com

23: Gretchen Meyers of Peg's Hardware

This week I had the chance to speak with a true inspiration and mastermind behind Peg's Hardware - Gretchen Meyers! Over the past decade, Peg's has become a household name in the WNY creative community and beyond. The work that Gretchen produces speaks for itself - quality everyday pieces that are the perfect mix of craftsmanship and elegance. In today's chat, we're talking about it all! Where the idea came from for Peg's and how Gretchen basically became a self-taught jewelry designer, how she's able to reach such a wide variety of customer markets, and how she's evolving within the world of permanent jewelry. This episode is a do not miss! www.pegshardware.com SPONSORS: An Extra Scoop www.anextrascoop.com Use code 'LONGPOD' at checkout for 20% off your first order!

22: Heather Thurman of Upstate Indie Weddings, Babybird Home Decor & Babybird Bridal

For this episode, I had the chance to sit down with such an incredible triple threat of the WNY small business community - Heather Thurman!  Not only is she the owner and creator of her art brands, Babybird Home Decor and Babybird Bridal, but just earlier this year she also acquired Upstate Indie Weddings!   And we are here to talk about it all.  After spending 15 years living in New York City, life was changing and Heather decided to move with the current and change with it. She had spent 8 of those years as a buyer for Macy’s, and was ready for a new path.  Heather threw it up to fate, and applied to two jobs - one in New York and one in Buffalo - whichever one she heard from first was where she would go.  And … as you can guess, was Buffalo!   Soon after relocating back to the 716 with her son, she discovered the ease and unpredictability of working with alcohol inks.  As time went on and she kept creating in the medium, her friends and family suggested she start as business out of it - and Babybird was born!   From vending at markets to teaching classes, Babybird came a way to show the creative community that art didn’t have to be so stuffy, and could be an easy, carefree outlet that creates beautiful results.  In 2022, Heather made the decision to expand into BabyBird Bridal for wedding decor, favors, and gifts.  Shortly after that, she made the decision to look into Upstate Indie Weddings as a way to join the community of the wedding space.  What started as a conversation with the previous owner, Ali Eagen, on how Heather could get involved with the behind-the-scenes work of UIW eventually evolved into Heather acquiring the whole brand!  And the rest is history.  Upstate Indie Weddings is an inclusive platform for all couples and local, indie vendors to come together and plan the wedding of your dreams.  From wedding shows and networking events to blog posts and styled photoshoots, Upstate Indie Weddings is the go-to destination for all things wedding for the WNY community! The Fall Upstate Indie Wedding show is taking place Friday November 3rd from 5pm - 8pm at 500 Pearl.  Whether you just got engaged or just looking to have a fun night, this is the place to be!  Drink and beverage samples, a fashion show, local vendors with GIVEAWAYS, music, a signature cocktails - for real though, it has it all.  AND - we have a discount code for your tickets! Head over to https://www.upstateindieweddings.com/event-details-registration/the-fall-wedding-show [https://www.upstateindieweddings.com/event-details-registration/the-fall-wedding-show] and enter code ‘LONGSTORYLONG’ at checkout to get 50% off your ticket prices!  www.babybirdhomedecor.com [https://www.babybirdhomedecor.com] SPONSORS: Upstate Indie Weddings https://www.upstateindieweddings.com/event-details-registration/the-fall-wedding-show [https://www.upstateindieweddings.com/event-details-registration/the-fall-wedding-show] Use code 'LONGSTORYLONG' at checkout for 50% your ticket prices for the Fall Wedding Show! An Extra Scoop www.anextrascoop.com [http://www.anextrascoop.com] Use code ‘LONGPOD’ at checkout for 20% your first order!

21: Julia Scott Papiernik and Cannon Flowers of Fig

In this very special episode, we're talking all about the upcoming fashion event taking place on September 30th at the Seneca One Tower - Fig! Fashion's Initial Garment is more than just a fashion show - it's a opportunity to celebrate Buffalo's creative space and the local fashion community that has been becoming a powerhouse in and of its self. With nine local WNY designers showing their collections, art installations, cocktails and more - it will easily be the 'do not miss' event of the season. As one of those nine designers myself, I was honored to sit down with Julia Scott Papiernik and Cannon Flowers to hear all about the story behind this new and exciting concept! We're talking about everything from what it's like to start something new to finding sponsorships to make this all possible. One of the main goals of this show is to solidify the fashion scene in Buffalo and create some sort of garment district of our own! Cannon, Julia and I dive into what it could look like, what should be included, and so much more! To learn more about fig and *buy your tickets,* head over to: www.figbuffalo.com [https://www.figbuffalo.com] SPONSORS: An Extra Scoop www.anextrascoop.com [https://www.anextrascoop.com] Use code 'LONGPOD' at checkout for 20% off your first order!