Sometimes women don’t get enough credit for all of the hard work they do. From wives, to moms, to community leaders, and business owners- women wear more than one hat on the daily. That’s why we are going to recognize some local hardworking women for all they do to make us proud.
(These are in no particular order. All of these ladies are number one in our eyes).
Gaitrie Devi
Bollywood Dancer/Owner of Devi Bollywood Dance
Gaitrie Devi is the founder of Devi Bollywood Dance. After moving from New York City in 2012, Devi began performing and teaching classes to the Buffalo community. Her background and passion for Indian dance has grown stronger throughout the years. While in NYC, Gaitrie was a troupe member for Bollywood Axion, NYC’s first Bollywood dance school, under the instruction of Pooja Narang. Gaitrie performed with Pooja at numerous events throughout the United States. In 2009, Gaitrie became a company member for The Sa Dance Company, under the artistic direction of Classpass CEO Payal Kadakia. The company performed at events and held showcases, including holding a three day showcase at Alvin Ailey Theater. Gaitrie continues to train in all forms of dance, including Bharatanatyam (Indian Classical Dance) and western style dance forms. In October 2015, she completed her 200-hour yoga certification through East Meets West Yoga studios. She is in her fourth year as a teaching artist for Young Audiences of Western New York, sharing Bollywood dance to children in the Buffalo public schools, something which she really enjoys! Gaitrie also has a new student in her life – she is a mom to her 11-month-old son. During her pregnancy she taught until her third trimester and has since gotten back into the studio to continue teaching and performing.
Katie Ambrose
Celebrity Makeup Artist & Photographer/Co-owner of Groom Service Beauty Bar
Katie and her sister were raised by a single mother and business owner in Hamburg. Their mom, owner of Joni’s Hair Design, encouraged them to be independent, loyal, and hardworking throughout their lives. After traveling the globe, and living in New York City and Los Angeles (among other cities), Katie came back to her hometown of Buffalo to start her business and to help others. Katie is a graduate of Ithaca College and has had a progressive career in the creative arts for the past 20 or so years. She is now known for her transformational, self-esteem boosting makeovers as a Pro Celebrity Hair & Makeup Artist and Photographer. And as co-owner of Groom Service’s flagship beauty bar, located in the lobby of Buffalo’s historic Hotel @ The Lafayette, she has built the business by being the brand ambassador for the company. Katie has a deep love for the city of Buffalo and designed the beauty bar as a way for the public to experience exclusive professional makeup, beauty & grooming services, giving women an intimate, luxurious beauty experience. Katie also has an appreciation for art, architecture, and animals. If you know Katie, you will know that she has a true spiritual, magnetic energy which naturally draws people to her and have, in turn, made her beauty boutique a huge success. One warm “Hi!” and giant smile from Katie as you walk through the doors of Groom Service… and you’ll be smitten. For more information on Katie and her business visit www.groomservicebeautybar.com.
Amanda Mason
Queen of Hair Extensions/Owner of Every Endeavor Extensions
Amanda was born and raised in Buffalo. Her life hangs on her faith in God, so she took a leap of faith and quit her job as a bus driver last January. She began doing hair full time, selling hair extensions as well. Amanda has been braiding hair since she was nine years old. She would come home from getting her hair done by the family hairstylist and she would always have to fix it. That’s when she knew she wanted to be a hairdresser. In high school she was discouraged and was told she wouldn’t make any real money because doing hair isn’t a real job. Her peers said she should just go to college like everyone else, but Amanda was very determined and did not budge. She finished her year of cosmetology school feeling accomplished. She believes that not everyone is a “school person” and that some learn better hands on. She watched and learned from other stylists and as time went by, her clientele grew and she was frequently asked if she sold hair. Her husband would encourage her to sell hair but the thought of opening a business overwhelmed her. But, her second job was taking a toll on her and she realized she could make more money working less hours. She decided to face her fears and see if she would be successful. Her family is proud to say that she is. How many 24 year olds accomplish their goals, despite people telling they’ll fail? She thanks God that she’s able to do something she loves for a living. For more information on Every Endeavor Hair Extensions, visit www.instagram.com/iamamandamason. You can also find Amanda on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Stacie Kowalski
Hair Genius/Owner of Salon in the City
Talk about a hard worker. Stacie is the owner of Salon in the City (which is is part of the resurgence of the Black Rock area) and she’s a single mom to a handsome 10 year old boy. Salon in the City focuses on putting out amazing hair. When she’s not hanging out and being totally awesome, Stacie trains hairstylists all over the nation with the hair color company PRAVANA. She strives to be a supporter of this city and other local entrepreneurs. Check her out on Instagram: @staciehairdo and Facebook www.facebook.com/SalonInTheCityAtHoukLofts.
Sue & Ciara Morreale
Unstoppable Mother Daughter Duo/Owners of Her Story Buffalo
Her Story Boutique is a family business started originally in Niagara Falls over 20 years ago, with the commitment to the spirit of women. The products that are carried across all categories have a story – stories that they hope will empower women and help them feel good about who they are. This lifestyle boutique is run by mother-daughter duo, Susan and Ciara Morreale. Susan began her journey on Pine Ave, in Niagara Falls, as Lotions & Potions. That was the location for 10 years, before they relocated to the Village of Williamsville. Williamsville was their home for nine years, before they relocated to the Elmwood Village. In 2013, they changed their name from Lotions & Potions, to Her Story Boutique, to more accurately reflect what their store is about. The two work closely to create a lifestyle boutique where women can feel good about themselves, and support other women as well. Visit www.herstorybuffalo.com to learn more.
Gabe Drake
Eyelash Genius/Studio Owner of iLash NY
Gabe is extremely passionate about all things iLashNY and she was thrilled to have been given the opportunity to use her gifts to educate and beautify women every day. She is a NYS Licensed Esthetician / and Master Lash Artist. Her obsessive personality ensures that she pays very close attention to detail and guarantees that the entire iLashNY team does the same. She looks forward to growing her studio’s place in Buffalo’s beauty industry. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her husband, Jon, and their beautiful little girl, Giovanna. Visit www.ilashny.com for more information.
Kelly Cultrara
Female Powerhouse/President and Partner of AP Professionals
Kelly has 18 years of experience in the recruitment and staffing industry. She is a dynamic sales and marketing professional with an extensive professional network. Niche markets include Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, Administrative and Healthcare. Furthermore, Kelly has made a lasting commitment to serve in the community and serves on several boards and committees. Consistent with AP’s motto, she strives to develop relationships that last a lifetime. Kelly believes it’s extremely important for females to support other females as it is a dream of hers to boost self esteem and mentor young girls, encouraging that mentality at a young age. Visit www.approfessionals.com for more information.
Diana Herbert
Boss Lady/Owner of Empower Boutique
I met Diana at a women empowerment event she threw for her clothing boutique’s one-year anniversary. While I was impressed with this alone, I didn’t realize Diana was also a mom and a full-time employee elsewhere. I don’t know how she does it because running an awesome boutique by herself must keep her busy enough. But as she told me, this is what keeps life exciting. I was just as impressed with her drive for success as I was with her amazing clothing items. You can find them all at www.empowerboutique.com.
Jenny Flynn and Nancy Painter
The Queens of Baby Headbands/Owners of Ella’s Lillies and Lace
Jenny Flynn and Nancy Painter wanted to start a business that made them happy and gave them the opportunity to spend time with each other. As Jenny had a little girl named Ella that her mom Nancy loved more than anything, they decided to start up Ella’s Lillies and Lace to share their passion of creating adorable headbands for adorable little girls. Their business, located on Etsy, www.etsy.com/shop/ellaslilliesandlace has been very successful. And how could it not be? Their headbands are absolutely adorable. Jenny is a mother to two babies now and she works full-time. Nancy is a full-time grandma to these babies and she loves every minute of it. How they juggle it all is beyond me, but they do it, and we couldn’t be prouder of them!
Amanda Rosenberg
Photography Genius/Co-owner of Seventh Arrow Studio
I can’t say enough about this lady right here. I first met Amanda when she was looking for models for photoshoots. Her business was up and coming and let me tell you, it’s not up and coming anymore – it’s surely out there. It only took a short while for people to realize what kind of photography talent this amazing woman has. She’s always on the go photographing amazing moments and editing them as soon as she gets home. And, if this wasn’t enough, she’s also a full-time event coordinator at Aspire of WNY, an amazing organization that helps folks of all ages with disabilities. To learn more about Amanda and her amazing business, visit www.seventharrowstudio.com.
Ashleigh Nicole
Pallet Expert/Owner of Buffalo’s Pallet Parties
Now I don’t know much about Ashleigh, but what I do know is that her idea to create a business that includes painting pallets with your girlfriends at your own home with wine in hand is absolutely amazing. I attended one of her parties recently and I had such a wonderful time. What I liked about the party was that I was able to enjoy what I took home and actually wanted to hang it on my wall. I’ve been to so many painting parties and I haven’t always liked what I created, but having the ability to paint over a sketch was awesome and I can’t wait to do it again. Anyhow, Ashleigh, all I know is that your idea to start a pallet painting business is pretty awesome and we wish you a very bright future in Buffalo! Visit her website at www.buffalopalletparties.com.
PS –
If you know someone that should be added to this list – please email us at sweetbuffalo716@aol.com!