Buffalovely
A few weeks ago at the BuffaLoveFest at the Buffalo Zoo, I met Amanda Valentine, owner of Buffalovely. I've actually known about her work for a long time, as I remember seeing her a few years back at the Elmwood Art Festival and fell in love with her street sign pillows (such a fantastic idea!) She makes such great products, and I'm always excited to showcase a great hometown business! You guys need to check out her shop!
When did you start your business?
I started Buffalovely almost 3 years ago. I would have never been able to do it without Etsy, and I am so thankful for it. It took a lot of trial and error to come up with products that would be so popular, and I feel like I have done that now with products that Buffalonians love.
What motivated you to start your business?
I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I grew up holding lemonade stands in the summer and hot chocolate stands in the winter. I have always loved the independence that allotted to those that owned their own business, and that has always been the life I have wanted for myself.
Are you the only one working or do you have any other employees/anyone who helps you?
I have some amazing friends that help me with my production when times get hectic. I owe so much to them for all the help they have given me. They have saved my sanity and keep the quality of Buffalovely products up where it needs to be.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from Buffalo and the strong spirit among the people here. I was born and raised in this city, and there is nowhere else I would rather be.
Do you sell different products other than your street sign pillows?
I do! I sell pillows with buffalo silhouettes in all different colors, and I also carry brand new buffalo wall art. I also have a second shop on Etsy called Spoon Me Pillows that holds all of the other craziness that comes from my imagination.
Have you had any really strange requests?
Honestly, I wish I got more strange requests! I love a challenge, and I love executing the amazing ideas that my customers come up with!
What is your most successful product?
Street sign pillows from Buffalovely, and my Spoon Me pillows from Spoon Me Pillows
Say you have a day off all to yourself, where would you spend it in Western NY?
My favorite thing to do on a day off is shopping, and the best places for that locally are found on Hertel Ave and Elmwood Ave. I am in LOVE with PS Accessories on Hertel and I love seeing what's new at Thin Ice on Elmwood. Such amazing shops. If I'm not shopping, I'm out walking my dog at the park.
Do you sell your products in any brick & mortar stores?
I do! You can find my pillows at Thin Ice, Reeds Jenss, Homeward Bound, Bay 6, Floral Explorations, Village Artisans, Burchfield Penny Art Center, and the Historical Society Museum Shop.
What are your future plans for your business?
I plan to go wherever Buffalovely takes me. I pursue every opportunity that comes my way, and I will continue to reach out to anyone and everyone that I think might have an interest in what I have to offer.
Where can you be found on social media?
I can be found under Buffalovely on Facebook and Twitter, and my shop online is on Etsy.
For those in Buffalo, you can find Amanda at the Southgate Plaza the last weekend in June at Chalkfest, and she will also be showcasing her products at Thin Ice during the Elmwood Art Festival.
I am a huge fan of her street sign pillows, and here's my Bella posing next to my new Hertel Ave pillow! I'm majorly obsessed with it. Thank you so much Amanda!
You guys need to check out her shops ASAP! Even for non-Buffalonians, her Spoon Me line is ADORABLE! I'm totally craving her Girl Bye pillow.