Stop & Smell the Scents at Her Story Boutique's Fragrance Bar

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

One thing I've had on my bucket list of things to do was to create my own fragrance and with the help of Her Story Boutique I was able to check that fun experience off my list this week. Her Story has a fragrance bar where you can purchase pre-made perfume or for $25 you can make your own from a handful of different scents they have.

I just walked in one day to do this, but I learned its best to call ahead to make an appointment with Sue. Creating your own fragrance takes about an hour {especially if you are indecisive}, but if you know what you like it could be done quicker. It was a lot of fun smelling the different scents and seeing what you really like and don't like and seeing what you think goes well together and what doesn't.

My final scent was Green Tea, Fig and Sage.

Her Story does private fragrance parties {which I am hoping to host soon with my girlfriends} as well as having a number of pop up shops taking place around town at local events.

Make sure to follow on social media to see where they will be.

-B

Women Who Move Buffalo {Elyse, from EXO Supply Co.}

{I love the samples Elyse provided me with! Thank you!}

Ladies have you ever thought to yourself – why does nail polish remover have to be so potent and harsh? Even the ones that say they are "sensitive" still have a distinct smell when you open the bottle. Well not any more. Elyse from EXO Supply Co. created a nail polish remover that is eco-friendly, smells beautiful {think the smell of lavender} and is plant based.

Learn more about her and EXO Supply Co. below!

 -B

When did EXO Supply Co. launch?

Since April of 2014

What products do you offer?

Outside of the nail polish remover {Pure Remover}, look for an all-natural coconut cleanser that can be used on hands, body and face coming this spring!

What is EXO Supply Co.?

Branching off from her father’s business at Griffin Chemical Company, Elyse worked hard to develop, produce and market a product that is clean, organic and not harmful. Pure Remover is so gentle it makes it the perfect product to use on children’s nails.

Pure Remover is on the higher end of nail polish removers {think of OPI nail polish}, but once you use this product you will know why - its high quality!

Where can you find EXO products?

You can find EXO at a handful of places - the Lexington Co-Op, Gridlock Lacquer, Tony Walker and Co., the list goes on! {For a complete list, click here}.

If you travel internationally you can find EXO products in Ontario, Canada {Niagara on the Lake} and the Philippines.

Want to know what fun promotions, events, activities Elyse has coming up?

She is prepping for a huge event this weekend – the Pre-Party Expo at the Oscars on Saturday. EXO, Koukla Cosmetics and Her Story Boutique will be hitting the red carpet and promoting their brand with the stars!

On top of this awesome opportunity this weekend, Elyse was excited to share with me that EXO has recently lowered their shipping costs online. Making it even more appealing to order online!

Make sure to follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to catch the latest promotions, events and products!

When I asked Elyse what she loves best about Buffalo she said the people. "Interacting with other business owners is welcoming and it’s not like other places." When I met with Elyse for this interview I could tell how proud, passionate and excited she is on what EXO Supply Co. stands for and where it is going in the future. She has an awesome product and I hope you test it out!

{Please note: photos courtesy of EXO Supply Co.}

Tuesday's Talk with Christina at Koukla Cosmetics!

  {The goodies I received from Christina! I've been using the primer and bronzer for about a week and I love it!}

Today’s beauty feature is a woman who has faced some pretty big obstacles in her young life, but through them she is living her dream and is an inspiration to us all. Christina Sergakis from Koukla Cosmetics (Koukla meaning Doll in Greek).

So how did Koukla Cosmetics get started you ask? Read Christina’s story below.

-B

{Chris from Streamline Designs put Christina's vision on paper and created her new logo}

Having her parents move from Greece to Western New York is where it all started. Christina would spend 3 months out of the year in Greece and spend the rest of her time in WNY, until she was 17, that’s when her life changed.

She decided to pack her bags and head to Greece where she continued her studies in the cosmetology field. When she was 19 she had a health scare. Being diagnosed with Guillaine Barre Syndrome, Christina was paralyzed and left in the hospital for over 3 months – recuperating. During this time she kind of lost sight as to who she was and was starting to find herself again. Realizing she may never be able to do to hair and makeup for clients she thought she could teach and sell her products to clients.

Through this time she did research, taught herself the ins and the outs of the business and slowly, but surely she bounced back. Christina saw the opportunity that was given to her father when he came to America and new this was her time to come back to the states and pursue her goal.

Once back here, she continued her research in the various fields of the cosmetology world – working for MAC Cosmetics, NeoStrata Exuviance Skin Care and a handful of other companies, she was able to learn all areas of the business.

Recently, Christina left her space at Imagine Salon where she sold her cosmetic line, did hair and makeup and hosted Make up and Martini parties and is focusing solely on her cosmetic line. She still offers private makeup technique classes and services for you and your girlfriends {You can find a complete list here}.

Christina’s line is custom blended, skin sensitive, fragrance free, mineral based, with no added fillers, or preservatives. In addition to her mineral collection Christina offers a full line of high end cosmetics that are hypoallergenic, allergy tested, & oil, making you feel beautiful inside and out!

Each product from Christina’s line is made with love and connects to her in some way. For a complete list of Christina’s products {including beard oil for men!} click here.

One of the biggest things that separate Koukla Cosmetics from other cosmetic lines is its customizable!! Matching almost any color of makeup that may have been discontinued or pairing that perfect eye shadow with a dress you have, she can create it!

Christina has some exciting upcoming events that you should check out if you can. Partnering with Her Story Boutique she will be at the Dress Her Up event at Savoy tomorrow doing makeup demo’s for those who are interested. And then this weekend Koukla Cosmetics, Her Story Boutique and EXO Supply Co are heading to the Oscars where they will attend the pre party expo with the stars the day before the awards show…Great Risk = Great Reward.

{Photo courtesy of Koukla Cosmetics-  Booth for Pre Party Expo at the Oscars}

When asked what is one thing she loves about Buffalo she said the people – “Buffalo is friendly” people want to talk to you and know your story – it’s not like NYC or Seattle. A lot is happening in this area and it’s great to see more women owned businesses that support one another.

Make sure to stay up to date on all the promotions, products and events Koukla will be a part of in the near future by liking them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!

Thank you Christina for sharing your story and inspiring us all to pursue are dreams!