Buffalo Boss Babe : Brandy McLaughlin
Meet our next feature : Brandy McLaughlin - Stained Glass Artist/ArtbyBrandlyn
Its stories like Brandy’s that make me so thankful we have this space. This space to share the capturing stories behind something beautiful (both her work and her person), that on the surface you would have NO idea about. Brandy took the most shocking news of her life and refused to let her health scare define her, or stop her.
Read her story below and follow both her artistic & medial journey here:
@artbybrandylynn
<3 Danielle
What made you start or brought you where you are today ? Tell us your Story. What makes you a Buffalo Boss Babe?
My late grandmother was an amazing artist which is where my love for art began. Her talent was passed down to my father who has always inspired me to follow my creative passion. This instilled in me the confidence to try my hand at Glass Art. Six years ago, I learned shocking news that I had a 4.1cm tumor pressing against my brain stem. My tumor resulted in multiple surgeries that laid me up for lengthy periods. I used this downtime to develop my talent and learn a new skill, Glass Art. What makes me a Buffalo Boss Babe is that I refused to let my health scare define or subdue me. During my recovery period I was inspired daily by other Glass Artists I followed. I really dug in and began watching Youtube “how-to videos” while also reading books on the craft. I slowly started to purchase the tools and supplies I needed to get started and used the power of social media to share my passion to the world. Glass Art has been such an amazing outlet for my creative passions while also providing a path to reach and inspire others. I am so grateful for all the clients I have touched through my art, the stories they have shared and advice they sought on how I stay so positive. It's all just a mindset- a "Buffalo Boss Babe" type of mindset!
Who are your favorite people to follow ?
@Sandandfireworks @glassyleafstudio and @culottacreations
What are your favorite things to do in the area ? Buffalo and greater WNY
I love checking out Artisan and Farmers Markets and hanging out in local parks with my dogs.
Tell us about your favorite collaboration or dream collaborations ?
A dream collaboration of mine would be to work with Erica from @maeandmango. She turns beautiful antique furniture into modern masterpieces! I would love for her to create a frame for a stained glass panel piece or a table with a mosaic top I can design using all of the beautiful scrap glass I can't bear to part with.
If you could have coffee with anyone in the world who would it be?
Frank Lloyd Wright, I'm obsessed with his design aesthetic. I feel so blessed to have some of the houses/buildings he's designed right here at home! His work has always inspired me.
What are your hopes, dreams, goals. Big or small?
Hopes, dreams and goals... I have so many things I want to accomplish with this new found passion of mine. My end goal would be to have my own retail shop/studio, where I can teach classes. I think it would be pretty cool for customers to come in, shop and see me working behind the scenes as they do so. Also, I am currently working to create social media content to share my medical journey in the hopes that it may help others experiencing health issues.
Tell us about your family?
My fiance, Jake & I recently bought our first house together in our hometown, Hamburg! We have four fur babies who are loving our new yard.
FEEL GOOD FAVORITES:
Restaurant in Buffalo: Left Bank
Color: Green
Super Power: Teleporting
Animal : Sea Turtle
Season of the year: Spring
Favorite thing about Buffalo / WNY: How supportive our community is.
