Buffalo Boss Babe: Kimberly Behzadi

 Todays Buffalo Boss Babe is Kimberly Behzadi, Marketing Director at Elmhurst Milked, Owner of Behzadi Consulting and power lifter!  Kims personality is so outgoing and kind! We sat down with Kim to chat about life and so much more! 

All photos were taken by Andrea Wenglowskyj Photography 

What made you start or brought you to where you are today? Tell us your story and what makes you a Buffalo Boss Babe?

Without writing a novel for you, I moved to Buffalo in the summer of 2014 before starting my full-time MBA at the University at Buffalo. I had just left behind the motion picture and television industry after a tumultuous bout as an assistant to two agents at a high-pressure talent agency. I was feeling a little lost and frustrated that my creative background (Bachelor of Arts in Cinema & Screen Studies and English Literature) wasn't allowing me opportunities to make business decisions about the, well, film and television industry. I thought getting my MBA would help give me the authority and knowledge I needed to become a film producer.

While working through the MBA I recognized a big gap between what was being taught at schools and what jobs were emerging. I saw that social media strategy and digital marketing were developing into full careers and the skills were in demand, so I pursued six certificates before graduating. By the time I graduated I was a certified social media strategist and I was consulting with a few small businesses in the area. I took a job in Rochster, driving back and forth three times a week, and eventually found a job at Steuben Foods as a social media manager.

When the brands I worked for at Steuben Foods closed, I was moved over to the Elmhurst Milked team. Steuben Foods and Elmhurst are sister companies belonging to the same owner. Once I was on the Elmhurst team I was promoted to Product Manager in April and just last week (December) I was promoted again to Marketing Director. Elmhurst Milked is a plant-basd food and beverage company that launched in March of 2017. We're a small startup feel while still being family owned (www.elmhurst1925.com). I work with a great team of women in marketing who in their own right could all be boss babes. My path has been anything but linear, but I'm excited to see where it takes me next. 

Who are your favorite people to follow?

Have you ever followed a competitive female powerlifter? Talk about inspiring. Not only are these women strong and bosses, they also promote body positivity. Check out: @Natalie.907

I also love following Sarah Kay for spoken word poetry. I love finding inspiration everywhere.

What are your favorite things to do in the area (Buffalo and greater WNY)?

1. Eat everything! Favorite stomping grounds include Lake Effect Diner and Sato Ramen

2. I love watching movies at the Dipson Amherst Theatre

3. Work with Creative Mornings - I've been with the organization since it's launch and I'm always inspired by who I work with and the amazing people I get to meet.

Tell me about your favorite collaborations or a dream collaboration?

1. Dream cooking collaboration would have to be with Stephanie Izard (I'm a big Top Chef junkie)

2. Dream screenwriting/movie making collaboration? Give me Tina Fey, any day.

3. Dream product collaboration? Who wouldn't love to use plant-based milks with a killer decadent cookie.

If you could have coffee with anyone in the world who would it be?

My father's parents. My dad is from Iran so growing up I didn't see my paternal grandparents that often. They also only spoke Farsi and I only speak English. I would love the chance to hear their stories and understand them. I regret that immensely. 

What are your hopes, dreams, goals? Big or Small. 

I'm not a big dreamer, since those often feel unobtainable. I'm big on a goals though:

1. Compete in a local powerlifting meet and win! ( Update since this interview Kim has competed and won third place!!)

2. Complete the Spartan Trifecta (My boyfriend and I are huge obstacle course junkies)

3. Participate in one real muay thai fight (and hopefully not get my face smashed in)

4. Become a valuable leader to my marketing team (we need more lady bosses)

Tell us about your family a bit ? 

My family includes my boyfriend of nearly five years and our kitten Pishi (which means Kitty in Farsi). Pishi was rescued from an Amazon box in a dumpster with her sisters. So she's my little "trash cat" who likes to destroy things but purrs as loud as a motor boat. 

 Feel Good Five

Color:  Black - sleek. simple. elegant. full of potential

Food: A loaded burrito bowl without the deep fried tortilla as the bowl

Super Power:  Flight. Hawk Girl? Yes please.

Animal: Kittens

Season of the year: Fall. I'm an October baby. But I'll pass on the pumpkin spice latte. Give me a good cup of tea, a blanket, and a cuddling companion.

Kim has totally made me more aware of woman power lifters! You can always catch Kim at Creative Mornings where she always has the place stocked with Elmhurst Milk. If you haven't tried it yet ( its a must!) To see more of that kim is up to follow her on social media! IG @kimpossiblePL

Until next time babes! 

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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 women! May we know them. May we be them