CREATOR SPOTLIGHT

Stories from the people shaping Buffalo’s creative energy.

BE HEARD Vol. 5
The Visionary World of SCKY REI: An Interview with Skylar Reed Skylar Reed (SCKY REI) Some artists find their calling early, and for Skylar Reed—better known as SCKY REI—that calling was undeniable. His work spans multiple mediums, blending illustration, graphic design, and music, with influences drawn from anime, Black culture, and a deep appreciation for storytelling. From North Omaha to St. Louis, he has left an imprint on the creative landscape, proving that true artistry knows no bounds. Finding Art in North Omaha Growing up in North Omaha, Scky REI... Read more...
BE HEARD Vol. 4
The Art of Becoming: Bree Gilliam and the Power of Creation Creator Spotlight: Bree Gilliam For Bree Gilliam, art is more than just color on canvas—it’s a language, a movement, and a conversation. It’s about speaking truth without words, evoking emotions that people didn’t know they had, and giving voice to the overlooked stories of Black and marginalized communities. Bree doesn’t just paint—she expresses. Her work isn’t about creating for the sake of a finished piece; it’s about the process, the feeling, the meaning. And that journey is just as... Read more...
BE HEARD Vol. 3
The Art Of A Smile: Dr. Leon Butcher’s Journey in Dentistry and Community. Dr. Leon Butcher, DDS Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Dr. Leon Butcher never expected to become a dentist. As a kid, his world revolved around anime, and if you asked him back then, his future was simple—he wanted to be Goku. But one unexpected moment in gym class altered his path forever. “I was six years old when I chipped my tooth. I remember crying like crazy,” he recalls. His father rushed him to the dentist,... Read more...
BE HEARD Vol. 2
Hydrated by Honey: Taya's Mission to Transform Health and Inspire the Next Generation   Taya, the driving force behind Hydrated by Honey, is not just selling cold-pressed juices—she’s cultivating a movement. Rooted in her own transformative health journey, her mission extends far beyond nutrition, aiming to redefine wellness as an accessible lifestyle rather than a privilege. Her passion for health, community, and entrepreneurship fuels a purpose-driven brand that educates, empowers, and uplifts.     What started as a personal commitment to self-care evolved into something much bigger. Through Hydrated by... Read more...
BE HEARD Vol. 1
Buffalo's own Akai is making waves in the fashion world, but don't box him in. With his brand Escapades, he's not just building a clothing line; he's crafting a movement. We had the chance to sit down with him and dive into his inspirations, challenges, and what sets Escapades apart from the rest. From the Beginning Growing up in Buffalo, Akai wasn’t just another kid on the block—he was standing in line for hours, chasing sneaker drops, and soaking in the culture. "I was one of those guys camping overnight," he says. Fashion... Read more...