The Story Behind Totally Buffalo
Celebrating the people, places and stories that make Western New York so special.
Hello!
I'm Mary Friona-Celani
I'm a wife, mom, grandma, small business owner and longtime Buffalo storyteller. I'm so glad you're here.
I spent nearly 20 years working in television news in Western New York, where I had the privilege of telling the stories of the people who make this community so special.
After leaving television, I knew one thing for sure, I still loved telling stories. That love eventually became Totally Buffalo.
What started as a place to share positive, uplifting and sometimes just plain fun stories has grown into something I never could have imagined, Totally Buffalo Stores, Totally Buffalo Cares, our community events and, most recently, Totally Buffalo Destinations.
Through all of that growth, what matters most hasn't changed. Share good stories. Encourage kindness. Support local. Help people when we can. And celebrate this amazing place we get to call home.
And none of it would be possible without a little help from our friends. ♥
- Mary
And Then There's Scott…
Meet Scott Celani
My husband, partner in just about everything, and the guy you'll see alongside me throughout Totally Buffalo.
Scott is a musician, small business owner and lifelong Western New Yorker who loves this community as much as I do.
Over the years, he's become an important part of Totally Buffalo, from our stores and events to supporting the work of Totally Buffalo Cares.
And now, he's the guy behind Totally Buffalo Destinations, taking you along as he checks out restaurants, businesses and interesting places throughout Western New York.
Scott brings the fun, the honesty and usually a few laughs, and Totally Buffalo simply wouldn't be what it is today without him.
We make a pretty good team. ♥
Family is at the heart of everything we do. ♥
From the newsroom to the neighborhood
Nearly 20 Years in Buffalo Media
For nearly two decades, I had the privilege of telling the stories of Western New York, meeting incredible people and getting to know the communities that make this place home.
Totally Buffalo Begins
After my years in television news, I knew I still wanted to tell stories. Totally Buffalo became a place to focus on the good, from inspiring people and interesting places to the local businesses and stories happening all around Western New York.
Totally Buffalo Cares
As Totally Buffalo grew, so did our desire to help. Totally Buffalo Cares was created as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a simple mission: bringing joy and hope to children and families who need it most.
Totally Buffalo Stores
In 2020, we opened the first Totally Buffalo Store, creating a year-round place to celebrate Buffalo and support local artisans, makers and small businesses. Today, we're proud to have locations in Amherst, Orchard Park and Lewiston.
Totally Buffalo Events
Our festivals and markets bring thousands of people together to shop local, have fun and celebrate Western New York, while giving local businesses and artisans a place to shine.
Totally Buffalo Destinations
Our newest adventure, led by Scott, takes us on the road! Totally Buffalo Destinations is all about discovering the restaurants, businesses and special places that make Western New York worth exploring. We pay our own way, don't announce our visits ahead of time and simply share our experience, while having a whole lot of fun along the way.
Share good stories. Encourage kindness. Support local. Help people when we can.
And above all, celebrate Western New York and the people who make it such a special place to call home. We believe there is a lot of good happening all around us. Sometimes you just have to look for it.
That's what Totally Buffalo is all about. ♥
Our Values
Community First
Our community is at the heart of everything we do. We love celebrating the people who make Western New York such a special place to call home.
Sharing the Good
There are so many wonderful stories happening all around us. We want to find them, share them and shine a light on the people doing good in our community.
Encouraging Kindness
We believe kindness matters. Whether it's through the stories we share or the work we do in our community, we hope to encourage a little more of it whenever we can.
Giving Back
Helping people is an important part of who we are. Through Totally Buffalo Cares, we work to bring joy and hope to children and families who need it most.
Friends & Neighbors
None of this happens alone. We are incredibly grateful for the friends, neighbors, businesses and supporters who continue to show up and help us make a difference.
Supporting Local
We love supporting the small businesses, artisans and makers who help make Western New York so special.
How We Celebrate Western New York
Totally Buffalo has grown into so much more than a website. Everything we do comes back to one thing, celebrating this community and the people in it.
Sharing Local Stories
We share uplifting stories, local heroes, interesting people and the good happening throughout Western New York.
Totally Buffalo Destinations
We hit the road to discover local restaurants, businesses and places worth checking out, paying our own way, arriving unannounced and sharing our experience along the way.
Totally Buffalo Cares
Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit brings joy and hope to children and families who need it most through programs, special projects and acts of kindness throughout our community.
Totally Buffalo Stores
Our stores in Amherst, Orchard Park and Lewiston celebrate Buffalo while providing a year-round place for local artisans, makers and small businesses to share their products.
Totally Buffalo Events
Our festivals and markets bring people together to shop local, have fun and celebrate everything we love about Western New York.
Buffalo is a different kind of city, and this is a different kind of site. We are here to share stories, encourage kindness, and help make this a better place to live.Mary Friona-Celani · Founder & Creator
We are so incredibly glad you stopped by. Whether you are here to read a great story, find an upcoming festival, or shop for authentic Buffalo merchandise, you are a vital part of what makes this city great.