Buffalo Boss Babe: Daulton Van Kuren
Today’s Buffalo Boss Babe is Daulton Van Kuren, the owner of The Refined Host. Daulton has taken her [refined] experience in NYC and brought it to us, here in Buffalo. We’re so excited to have Daulton and her business contributing to the Buffalo resurgence. We chatted with Daulton on her past accomplishments, future dreams and many things between.
Photo by Alyissa Landri Photography
What made you start or brought you where you are today? Tell us your Story. What makes you a Buffalo Boss Babe?
For the last six years, I have been living in New York City and working at a luxury event planning and design company. I started out as an intern and worked my way up to become a senior planner, producing events in the Tri-State area as well as South Florida and even internationally in Ireland. Through working at the company, I was exposed to an extraordinary industry filled with amazing vendors and clients, which made my job never feel like work. As soon as the first of my friends became engaged, they reached out to me to help them tackle the daunting task of planning their weddings, and of course, I couldn’t say no. Once their weddings took place in the Summer of 2017, I received flattering compliments from the families, guests and vendors, which made me realize that I was officially ready to move back to Buffalo and launch my own company. That is how The Refined Host was born! I am a Buffalo Boss Babe because I am hardworking and compassionate, and intent on creating a successful business that infuses my NYC knowledge to produce truly unforgettable events in Buffalo. I want everyone to experience how much fun weddings and events could be with the right guidance and team supporting them.
Photo by Lindsay DeDario Photography
What does being a Buffalo Boss Babe mean to you?
Being a Buffalo Boss Babe means that you’re a strong woman and doing something impactful to make Buffalo a better city and home for all of the people who love it so much. I would wear the title of being a Buffalo Boss Babe very proudly.
Who are your favorite people to follow?
My favorite companies to follow are other event industry leaders such as Joy Proctor Design, Easton Events, and Carats & Cake; interior design accounts such as Studio McGee and MyDomaine; and of course, the local Buffalo wedding vendors (and now friends!) I collaborate with on my events and love to support!
Photo by Lindsey Marie - LMF Photo
What are your favorite things to do in the area? Buffalo and greater WNY
Catching up with great friends while enjoying delicious food is definitely one of my favorite things to do in Buffalo. There are so many new restaurants that have opened since I was living in NYC, that it is hard to get to them all. I also take weekly spin classes at Rebel Ride, which always leave me feeling accomplished and energized.
Tell us about your favorite collaboration or dream collaborations?
My favorite collaboration in 2018 was for a new venue, The Brickhall in the Hollow, that opened up in Clarence. I partnered with a handful of local companies to throw a summer party for the leading Buffalo wedding vendors, so they would have the opportunity to experience a gorgeous party within the event space. Since we are always the ones behind-the-scenes at parties, I thought we could use a night that celebrates our friendships and successes. We would not be able to have such happy clients without each other, so it was amazing to mingle, dance and drink margaritas together!
Photo by Lindsey Marie - LMF Photo
If you could have coffee with anyone in the world who would it be?
Although I am not a coffee or tea drinker (I prefer a club soda with lemon - sometimes a splash of Tito’s), I would love to have lunch with Ina Garten. I am such a fan of hers, so would be thrilled to join her in the kitchen and help her host a dinner party.
What are your hopes, dreams, goals. Big or small?
I hope for happiness. I want to surround myself and share experiences with people I love who make me happy. I already have my dream career since breaking into this industry years ago, and owning my own company was a big goal of mine that I can now check off the list! I often pinch myself that I found this profession, have the opportunity to play such a big role in planning precious life moments and seeing my clients have the best night of their lives with those closest to them. I am living my dream by helping people plan their dream celebrations.
Tell us about your family?
I have a pretty large family as I am the youngest of five siblings, which makes the holidays a little crazy, but also a special time. My parents are entrepreneurs, as well as both my paternal grandmother and grandfather, so owning my own business has been ingrained in me since growing up. I rescued a cat, Minka, six years ago and she not only is my fur baby but is the mascot for The Refined Host!
Photo by Sophie Berard Photography
Feel Good Favorites
Food: Tacos (or any type of Mexican food!)
Color: Black
Super Power: The ability to slow down time
Animal : Leopard
Season of the year: Spring
Favorite thing about Buffalo: Resurgence of local businesses and restaurants
Be sure to follow along with Daulton and The Refined Host for all of your event inspo! You can follow along @therefinedhost on Instagram and The Refined Host on Facebook.
Until next time babes!
xoxo
-Emmily
Buffalo Boss Babes is a woman run blog series featuring women in and around the city of Buffalo N.Y.
