January 17, 2018

What a year it’s been! I wanted to thank you and tell you about what’s new and exciting with Totally Buffalo!!!

One year into this journey called – Totally Buffalo.

It has been an amazing and very rewarding year for me.

I’ve met some wonderful people, happily reconnected with others, and I’ve loved every minute of it!

Along with my stories and my husband’s articles, we have three incredible contributors pitching in – Deanna Russo, Kate Torok, and Dan Schrack. All great writers and all Buffalovers.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started Totally Buffalo. I took a bit of a gamble and luckily it paid off. With my husband, and kids by my side, I was off to a great start when we launched one year ago.

I dove head first into this labor of love. And, if I’m being honest, this-work-from-home mom got a little carried away. I wanted to write a million stories – like, now!

Upon reflection, I thought that was what I wanted…

But, what I really want – is to write stories that truly matter.

I am going to do fewer stories – but, stories that really matter to me – and hopefully to you, too.

Of course, we will continue to share stories from press releases that we receive, weather-related stories and other community events (and probably some of those interesting talk-about stories out there) – but I will focus on stories you won’t find anywhere else.

That’s my goal. 🙂

I will also continue to help small businesses in our community! Those folks are the backbone of WNY and help our economy exponentially. Sometimes, they need a bit of help getting their message or story out. We are here to help.

But wait, there’s more!

I am also working on including some video with some of my stories. I’m going to start out slow – and see how it goes. I have my gear and my programs and I’m excited. I used to shoot, write, and edit many of my own stories when I worked at Channel Two – and I loved it! So, some stories will have video – so be sure to check it out and let me know what you think! 🙂

I’m not done yet.

Now for my favorite part!!!!!

I’m also adding a new section – A Lifestyle section! This is going to be amazing.

I have experts in various fields that are going to be sharing their expertise with all of us!

I will share a story introducing you to each of our contributors! These are amazing, talented professionals with a passion for health, wellness, travel, fashion, style, beauty, family, food, parenting – and on and on. They will post stories we can all learn from, laugh at, and appreciate. The writers also all have a passion for Buffalo and WNY which is why they are TOTALLY perfect!

I will have MUCH more on this tomorrow.

Lastly, and most importantly, I wanted to say thank you.

THANK YOU!!!

I have been overwhelmed with love and support from so many folks who, like us, are incredibly proud of our community. We’ve had more viewers than we could have dreamed in our first year – and I truly appreciate every single one of you who’ve taken time to check out the website, share our stories and send in story ideas. (Keep ’em coming!)

Also, a huge thanks to the folks who came to our festivals (about 11,000!!), and who buy our merchandise.

It’s truly amazing.

I know how lucky I am to be able to work from home with my girls by my side. It’s not always easy – but it is always special.

It is always worth it.

Also, if for some reason you can’t remember Totally Buffalo – don’t worry – you can always find us at maryfriona.com too! 🙂

More to come!

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Mary Friona

Editor-In-Chief at Totally Buffalo

Following my heart with my husband and four daughters. An Emmy Award winning journalist lucky enough to work in television & radio for 20 years -seeing wonderful places, meeting great people and telling their stories.

Mary Friona

Following my heart with my husband and four daughters. An Emmy Award winning journalist lucky enough to work in television & radio for 20 years - seeing wonderful places, meeting great people and telling their stories.