Buffalo Boss Babe: Lindsay van Harssel
Photo by Seventh Arrow
Today's Buffalo Boss Babe is Lindsay van Harssel. She is the owner and designer of Hoopla House Creative. I first met Lindsay in a small business Facebook group ( that group is honestly why Buffalo Boss Babes even exists) She was so kind and supportive and always there to offer advice to anyone. She treats everyone she talks to like an old friend and it is truly an amazing trait. Lindsay is an amazing designer and honestly makes couples wedding dreams come true. We chatted with Lindsay about stationary, hopes and dreams and so much more!
What made you start or brought you to where you are today? Tell us your story and what makes you a Buffalo Boss Babe:
After graduating from Syracuse (go orange!), Ryan and I ventured out to Connecticut where many of the large advertising agencies call home. There, I worked as an Art Director for clients like Excedrin, Keurig, CVS, Malibu Rum & Absolute Vodka. As you can imagine, this was a pretty exciting gig for a kid fresh out of college. There are still times when we're out and about and I can point something out and say, "I designed that!"
The only thing missing about the Connecticut lifestyle? Buffalove. We missed the culture, we missed the food, and of course, we missed our friends and family. We decided that although CT was beautiful, WNY would be our home.
Being in our mid-20s, we were approaching that "friend's wedding every weekend" phase in life. So naturally, I offered to help with stationery. I was shocked that wedding invitations were either ordered online from a pre-formatted template (you were lucky if you got to pick the font). OR comprised of a set of binders with similar designs from wholesale invitation resellers. Don't get me wrong, that may be exactly what someone is looking for but for my brides, I wanted something more.
So when I started, I approached my invitation design process the only way I knew how. Exactly how I did for Excedrin, CVS, and Malibu Rum... A face-to-face appointment when logistically possible, custom design, unlimited revisions and personal service. Simple as that.
That first set of friends who trusted me to do their stationery? They're celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary this year! And I've been blessed to work with hundreds of one-of-a-kind stationery suites since then.
Who are your favorite people to follow?
I love to follow fellow boss babes from all industries. Some of my favorites are Joy Choo owner of Oh Joy and Emily Ley author of A Simplified Life. I'm so inspired by their passion, hustle, creativity and effortless work/real life balance.
What are your favorite things to do in the area (Buffalo and greater WNY)?
In my free time, you'll find me first in line at an estate sale. I love finding vintage pieces and giving them new life. There’s just something about the imperfections and patina that you’ll see in an old piece that gives us hints into its previous life – I love that!
What are your hopes, dreams, goals? Big or Small.
My goal is to simply live a life full of quality time with family and friends, joy, passion, and creativity. I'm so blessed to be on this path and I try to live each day with those goals in mind.
Tell us about your family a bit (2 or 4 legged)?
I grew up in Lewiston, New York where our parents taught us we could be anything we wanted to be. I think we could have joined the circus and they would be in the front row. My dad immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands in the 70s and my mom was born and raised outside of New York City in a fun, loud, big Italian family. Both cultures could not be more different and I think that has truly shaped who I am today.
My fiance, Ryan, is my biggest supporter and best friend. He's always been behind my dreams and cautiously but confidently tells me to, "go for it!" We also have a Golden- Chow Chow mix, Chewi who is clearly the favorite in the family ;)
Photo by Seventh Arrow
Feel Good Five :)
Color: I was once told by my college professor that a good designer should never have a favorite color. I always remembered that so I truly don't have a personal favorite. I can make any palette work!
Food: hmm that's a tough one because I love all food. I'm going to have to give it to my mom's lasagna and meatballs though.
Superpower: We all have a superpower, we're boss babes!
Animal: I've always loved Hippos. But our beloved Buffalo is a close second :)
Season of the year: Fall
IT is inspiring watching Linsday live her dream! Be sure to follow along with Lindsay on social @hooplahousecreative or visit her website hooplahousecreative.com
Until next time babes !
Buffalo Boss Babes is a woman run blog series featuring woman in and around the city of Buffalo N.Y.
If you know someone doing amazing things for our community, past and present, young and old..... send us a message at buffalobossbabes@gmail.com
Be kind to everyone you meet.
Here's to strong woman! May we know them. May we be them
