22: Heather Thurman of Upstate Indie Weddings, Babybird Home Decor & Babybird Bridal

For this episode, I had the chance to sit down with such an incredible triple threat of the WNY small business community - Heather Thurman! Not only is she the owner and creator of her art brands, Babybird Home Decor and Babybird Bridal, but just earlier this year she also acquired Upstate Indie Weddings!

And we are here to talk about it all.

After spending 15 years living in New York City, life was changing and Heather decided to move with the current and change with it. She had spent 8 of those years as a buyer for Macy’s, and was ready for a new path. Heather threw it up to fate, and applied to two jobs - one in New York and one in Buffalo - whichever one she heard from first was where she would go. And … as you can guess, was Buffalo!

Soon after relocating back to the 716 with her son, she discovered the ease and unpredictability of working with alcohol inks. As time went on and she kept creating in the medium, her friends and family suggested she start as business out of it - and Babybird was born!

From vending at markets to teaching classes, Babybird came a way to show the creative community that art didn’t have to be so stuffy, and could be an easy, carefree outlet that creates beautiful results.

In 2022, Heather made the decision to expand into BabyBird Bridal for wedding decor, favors, and gifts. Shortly after that, she made the decision to look into Upstate Indie Weddings as a way to join the community of the wedding space.

What started as a conversation with the previous owner, Ali Eagen, on how Heather could get involved with the behind-the-scenes work of UIW eventually evolved into Heather acquiring the whole brand! And the rest is history.

Upstate Indie Weddings is an inclusive platform for all couples and local, indie vendors to come together and plan the wedding of your dreams. From wedding shows and networking events to blog posts and styled photoshoots, Upstate Indie Weddings is the go-to destination for all things wedding for the WNY community!

The Fall Upstate Indie Wedding show is taking place Friday November 3rd from 5pm - 8pm at 500 Pearl. Whether you just got engaged or just looking to have a fun night, this is the place to be! Drink and beverage samples, a fashion show, local vendors with GIVEAWAYS, music, a signature cocktails - for real though, it has it all.

AND - we have a discount code for your tickets!

Head over to https://www.upstateindieweddings.com/event-details-registration/the-fall-wedding-show and enter code ‘LONGSTORYLONG’ at checkout to get 50% off your ticket prices!

www.babybirdhomedecor.com

SPONSORS:

Upstate Indie Weddings

https://www.upstateindieweddings.com/event-details-registration/the-fall-wedding-show

Use code 'LONGSTORYLONG' at checkout for 50% your ticket prices for the Fall Wedding Show!

An Extra Scoop

www.anextrascoop.com

Use code ‘LONGPOD’ at checkout for 20% your first order!