Author: Jim Kupczyk

For more than two decades, I've been part of the vibrant Buffalo Rising family, delving into the world of new and expanding small lifestyle businesses and restaurants, while capturing the pulse of exciting events. Buffalo, NY, holds a special place in my heart, where I've witnessed the rise of countless entrepreneurial endeavors and the buzz of thrilling happenings. Through my writing, and some masterful editing, I aim to shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals behind these ventures. I'm on a perpetual quest to uncover the hidden gems, the rising stars, and the fascinating narratives that weave through the fabric of Buffalo's dynamic landscape. It's the people, their dreams, and their pursuit of fulfillment that fuel my fire. I want to empower everyone to find their ikigai—their true purpose—and achieve success that brings them genuine happiness. In addition, I proudly serve as the founder of MindfulMarket.com, a platform that embraces the power of ethically-driven companies. It's a place where purpose meets commerce, and positive change blossoms. When I'm not immersing myself in the captivating world of small businesses and events, you'll likely find me exploring international destinations, embracing diverse cultures, and finding inspiration in the remarkable stories of humans worldwide. I'm also an avid lover of human potential, Japanese calligraphy, fitness, and you may even catch me on the court, engaging in the intensity of racket sports. It's a passion that keeps both my mind and body in peak condition.

A picturesque evening at Seneca One set the stage for dreams to turn into reality as the Next Generation United Advisory Board (NGU) of the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County announced the victors of Pitch10 2023. An air of excitement filled the room as 10 admirable nonprofits pitched their causes, each hoping to further their mission through substantial grant prizes. As I stood amidst the event, I was deeply moved by the fervor and passion radiating from every corner. Buffalo’s community events, with their distinct energy, have always had a profound effect on me. This particular gathering epitomized…

Read More

Last year’s [The] Party on Pearl was akin to an adult spring break. Party On Pearl is an annual fundraising event held in Buffalo, New York, with the aim of supporting the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital. This exciting event brings together individuals from all walks of life to celebrate and contribute to a worthy cause. Attendees can expect an unforgettable evening filled with live music, delectable food, refreshing drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Deon David McLeod, one of the event founders, to discuss the secret behind Party On Pearl’s success.…

Read More

When it comes to a musical artist who is a beacon of positivity, love, and unity, Michael Franti is undoubtedly one of the first names that come to mind. His profound commitment as an advocate against gun violence, his devotion as a yogi, and his ability to tell powerful stories through music make him a significant figure in today’s world, which often seems overshadowed by division and discord. In 2019 and once again in 2022, I had the extraordinary opportunity to visit Bali and immerse myself in the enchanting atmosphere of Soulshine Bali, a retreat center co-founded by Franti himself.…

Read More

It was during the South by Southwest festival where former Congressman Chris Jacobs, who was speaking on gun violence, happened to catch a talk by Rebecca A. Fannin, a special writer for CNBC and founder of media and events platform Silicon Dragon Ventures. Fannin was at the start of a road tour for her new book, “Silicon Heartland: Transforming the Midwest from Rust Belt to Tech Belt.” Researched during the pandemic through a lengthy, grass-roots series of interviews in the heartland, her book’s mission was to explore first-hand the transformative journey of former Rust Belt cities evolving into burgeoning Tech…

Read More

House music and legendary Artists and Models atmosphere come together at The Underground Niteclub. The Underground Niteclub is set to host an unforgettable night of house music and legendary artists on Saturday, February 25. Boom Room, brought to you by How to Have Fun, will feature three international DJs from Buffalo, NY. The room will be designed by the highly sought-after production designer, David Butler. As a relative newcomer to the house music scene, I am eager to experience the high energy and excitement of this explosive genre of music, which, interestingly enough, spun off from disco. I caught up…

Read More

One of the many reasons that I love the Buffalo is the plethora of mom & pop style restaurants. I tend to gravitate towards the humble, ethnic-oriented restaurants, some of which are found off the beaten path. In other words, “authentic – a slice of Buffalo life.” I was recently exploring downtown by bike, with a friend, when we decided to make a final stop at a relatively new Italian eatery called Blue Cave. The restaurant occupies the former Casa Azul – the blue “shipping container” building – on Genesee Street, just around the corner from the Theater District.  …

Read More

Looking for the perfect way to start the holiday weekend and help out a good cause?  The Party On Pearl is an elevated happy hour, bringing together phenomenal entertainers with amazing Buffalo restaurants in a bid to raise funds for Buffalo’s Children’s Hospital.   I caught up with Chief Organizer Deon (David) McLeod and asked him a few questions: Jim:  What prompted you to organize this event? Deon (David) McLeod Deon: I work in the bar and restaurant industry as an IT Guy. This matured relationships with owners and staff such that I was able at times to secure coveted…

Read More

After a one-year hiatus, they ARE BACK! 32 top lumberjacks and lumberjills will be traveling to Buffalo to swing axes, saw wood, and rip fast cuts with dirt bike/snowmobile-powered chainsaws.  I caught up with Alex Miller – elite competitor, and event organizer – a couple days ago and, needless to say, she is stoked for this year’s competition. “I’m really excited to bring back a very extreme lumberjack/jill show to the fans of Buffalo. We have ramped up this year’s show and will be hosting the top athletes across the US. We have some big names coming to Buffalo.” Some…

Read More

Since we can’t see live theatre, the next best thing is to experience ‘In Character… Buffalo.’  Featuring some of WNY’s favorite actors in unexpected roles – assumed characters as hobos, vikings, rockstars, bodyBuilders, among others, this photo portrait show is something completely different that you won’t want to miss. This ‘unusual suspects’ show is the brainchild of Jack Hunter, who initially launched the project in LA. Hunter spent 30 years acting in almost every theatre in Buffalo, a veritable toast of the town in his own right, before exiting for LA for a 12 year stint.  That’s where he first…

Read More

I recently met up with Dan Gigante, Partner at 19 Ideas and Partner of 26 Shirts, and had a wonderful discussion that centered around conscious capitalism and the conscious consumerism movement in Buffalo. Dan suggested I join the Buffalo Startup Community on Slack.  Being a solopreneur, and not having much time to network, the timing seemed right to make Buffalo folks aware of the projects that I am working on, and also to take a closer look at the startup scene in the 716. Dan also mentioned to me that his socially responsible business, 26 shirts, teamed up with Buffalo…

Read More