When I first saw a temporary sign go up on an Allentown storefront that read “Coming Home Buffalo” I figured that a Buffalo-themed store was about to open. How wrong I was. Instead of a Buffalo-themed store, Coming Home Buffalo is being billed as a center for holistic practices and the arts.
Owner Toni Meldzuk told me that she recently moved back to Buffalo from Savannah Georgia after being away for five years. “I missed Buffalo so much,” she told me. “That’s why I wanted to name the store what I did. We are so excited to be back and part of this community. I was so homesick when I was away, and now I’m reenergized and see this city in an entirely different and positive light. This business is about giving back – I’m connecting with people who are into holistic practices and artists who are looking for a small shop to show their work. On top of that we’re going to be hosting aroma therapy classes, stress reduction and massage therapy sessions… we’re building a zen garden in the backyard where people can relax or meditate after being worked on. We also offer book sharing… and a great front porch where people can just sit and relax.”
Basically, Toni wants Coming Home Buffalo to be a place where people can come and learn, study, teach, discuss and share. She’s open to book clubs, raw food groups (there is a kitchen), craft and art shops, paper making demonstrations, etc. Anything along the organic lifestyle and natural remedy path is welcome.
Currently Toni is building up her retail inventory. She’s stocking items along the lines of Day of the Dead mugs, incense burners, leather bound journals, essential oils, singing bowls, jewelry… and specialty items made by local artists. One of the more unusual pieces that I saw in the store was a derby hat completely made from dried kiwi fruit. “I also want to host children’s art shows here,” Toni told me. ” We have a room that would be perfect for hosting kids’ work. We would even serve kids food and drinks – I feel that it is important to connect with the younger generation and offer them a place where they feel welcome.”
If you are in tune with what Toni has planned, feel free to reach out to her with your own holistic and artistic dreams and ideas. After all, Coming Home Buffalo really is a place to share with others. Stop on in and take a look around, relax, get a massage, buy a nice piece of jewelry, and think about what the place means to you.
Coming Home Buffalo
140 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo NY
716-884-2646 (there is no answering machine yet, so call during the weekday.