Buffalo Boss Babe: Vanessa Frost
Hey Buffalo Boss Babes! Sorry we’ve been MIA for a few, but we’ve all been busy within our own schedules and haven’t been keeping up on the blog like we want to! We promise to get better now that we’ve got a few more volunteers on board.
This week’s Buffalo Boss Babe is Vanessa Frost, Owner of MUSEjar in East Aurora, NY. Vanessa repurposed MUSEjar from an old auto body shop into a dynamic art shop, studio, and haven for creativity. MUSEjar is the culmination of Vanessa’s film + television experience, creativity and lack of an art center in East Aurora. Keep reading to learn more about how MUSEjar came to be a definite show-stopped in the historic Village of East Aurora.
What made you start or brought you where you are today? Tell us your Story. What makes you a Buffalo Boss Babe?
When I opened MUSEjar almost six years ago, I had just moved back from NYC and I was re-immersing myself into the art community. I knew I wanted to switch gears, but wasn't sure exactly how. I got an art studio and was working at a local gallery; creating was my number one priority and I realized quickly that there really wasn’t an “art center”. Yes, East Aurora has a long history of supporting the arts and is still fully devoted to that. However, there wasn’t a place you could walk into to buy supplies, ask questions, and soak up inspiration. There wasn’t a place you could take classes and explore new creative avenues. I wanted to create that space for people; a creative haven where people can come to learn, express themselves, and find their MUSE.
What does being a Buffalo Boss Babe mean to you?
Being a Buffalo Boss Babe means that you have the support, knowledge and inspiration from an amazing community of women. If I've learned anything along the way, it's the importance of supporting one another; you can't do this stuff alone. I'm a firm believer of community over competition and we can all grow together.
Who are your favorite people to follow?
Instagram has opened up such a vast world of like-minded, creative and inspiring people, it's hard to list just a few! Here here are some of my current faves:
Art + Design:
@tiffanypratt @designlovefest @worthwhilepaper @pandrdesignco @jessieandkatey
Amazing and Inspiring Women:
@leefromamerica @makerswomen @ilanusglazer
What are your favorite things to do in the area?
I love being outside and moving. I'm happy biking, hiking, running, walking or skiing around as long as there is a food + beverage stop in there somewhere. We're surrounded by amazing places to explore and eat.
Tell us about your favorite collaboration or dream collaborations?
I feel really lucky to work with artists and creatives every day on workshops and store collaborations. It's a daily source of inspiration and I'm thankful every day for it.
A dream collaboration would be to take MJ on the road to travel and paint murals. @jessieandkatey and @pandrdesignco are some girl duos that would be amazing to work with.
If you could have coffee with anyone in the world who would it be?
This is like the what's your favorite movie question...
What are your hopes, dreams, and goals; big or small?
I hope that MUSEjar inspires everyone else has much as it inspires me. I hope we can keep growing and inspiring people in as many ways as possible!
Feel Good Favorites
Color: The colors of the desert
Super Power: Intuition
Animal: Horse
Season of the Year: The sweet spots in between - where it's not too hot and not too cold.
Favorite Thing About Buffalo: The people.
Favorite Food: Nachos.
Photo Credit: @photographybyerinkristine
So what are you waiting for? Get over to our charming WNY Village of East Aurora and check out MUSEjar and visit Vanessa. She can’t wait to see you! Xo - M.
