Everyone’s heard the phrase “The people make the place.” Most of us have likely witnessed its truth first-hand: the frustrated annoyance of lousy company in paradise, the unexpected joy of friendship in miserable places, the unfulfilled satisfaction of a fine meal eaten in solitude. As social creatures, our experience is inextricably bound to those around us, for better or worse.

Luckily for us here in Buffalo, this city is chock full of awesome and inspiring people. We’ve got daring trailblazers, high-energy entrepreneurs, compassionate activists and laid-back neighbors. Each one has a story to tell, and we’re sharing these stories to highlight the people behind the place.

Welcome to Buffalo.

By Natalie Photiadis, Buffalo native and recent repatriate interested in community development and sustainability.