Whether you want to tap into your creative side, boost your energy or build your confidence, these local businesses have got you covered.
Finding inspiration
MUSEjar (17 Elm St., East Aurora) is more than just an art supply store; it’s a living, breathing art hub in the center of East Aurora. Along with beautiful supplies and a warm, arty vibe, owner/artist Vanessa Frost also hosts a wide range of classes like painting, figure drawing and watercolors – and you don’t have to be the next Monet to join in. Students of all skill levels are welcome.
Frost, who opened the shop in 2013 after moving back from New York City, describes her classes as “a way to inspire people and get them pumped up about learning new things.” She also teams up with local businesses to host workshops and classes, like the popular whiskey glass-etching workshop, held at her studio and also at a bar down the street. MUSEjar also offers kids’ art classes and birthday parties, and collaborates with Bricks 4 Kidz for some workshops and events.
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Yoga retreat
Scheff created a grassroots yoga retreat company called H.E.A.L. Bflo, which stands for healthy, energy, art and love. Their goal was to bring together the growing yoga community with musicians, artists and vendors, all while giving back to local charities.
“We’re watching the resurgence of Buffalo come alive, we’re on board, let’s do this together,” Scheff said of their initial idea. Their first yoga retreat was held last year at the Foundry Suites in Buffalo. They were shocked when nearly 500 people came out for a day of yoga, meditation, music and fun. After hosting a second event a few months later, H.E.A.L. Bflo donated proceeds to Roswell Park to build a meditation room. The next retreat, which takes place at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo on Feb. 28, will support The Wounded Warrior Project. World-renowned yoga teacher and veteran Dan Nevins has been invited to teach at the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Next up for H.E.A.L. Bflo is settling into a permanent space; Scheff and Kowalcyk are planning to open a yoga studio in Allentown this spring.
Find your fit
Tight bands, loose straps, and of course, the uncomfortable underwire. It’s not easy buying the right bra.
Fortunately, there’s help. Sisters and business partners Holly Ortman and Emily Doren quit their day jobs to focus on the niche lingerie market lacking in Buffalo, opening Lace & Day (445 Franklin St., Buffalo) in September 2015.
Doren and Ortman are determined to find you a bra that fits perfectly, and the products they offer are carefully curated – bra lines with high quality lace, comfortable underwires, bands that keep their stretch – in pieces that strike a balance between sexy and comfortable. (Hence the “lace” and “day.”) Sizes range from 32A to 44H, and owners educate buyers on how to wear and wash their purchase so they can get the most life out of their lingerie.
The process is private and comfortable – Doren or Ortman will bring pieces to you in your own fitting room. To make it fun, the store also offers private parties — you and your girlfriends can come after store hours, bring wine, try on lingerie and get personal fittings. The store also offers sleepwear and other undergarments, as well as a special line of boxer shorts for men.
