If you're the type of person that likes things no one else has, the West Side Bazaar is for you! Here you can find one-of-a-kind gifts and tastes that are extra special.
The West Side Bazaar, located on 25 Grant Street in Buffalo, is a small business incubator that helps immigrant, refugee, and low-income people pursue entrepreneurship.
We spoke to three Bazaar vendors who all learned about the community organization through friends. Each vendor sells items unique to their native background.
Nadeen Yousef, who is Iraqi, sells handmade goods using a technique called macrame. It is a method of braiding yarn-like fabric into beautifully intricate bracelets, dreamcatchers, and home decor.
"When someone gets a thing from my booth, he is sure he is the only person that has the thing," said Nadeen.
Also in retail is Gysma Kueny. Her products -- jewelry, clothing, natural soaps and incense -- are made in South Sudan, where is she's originally from.
Gysma made Buffalo here home in 2002 and has since made the most of her time at the Bazaar. She takes pride in teaching the local Sudanese community about the importance of self-sufficiency.
"I teach them that you can start little and then you can become big one day," Gysma said.
Gysma plans on opening a larger location soon.
Bazaar is also known for its "fresh exciting ethnic foods." A local favorite is the Abyssinia Combination from Abyssinia Ethiopian Cuisine. There's sauteed meat and fresh peppers served with crisp greens and buttery potatoes on an Ethiopian-style flatbread.
Owner Zelalem Gemmeda says, "Peacefully working with people who never even know each other, that's one thing I'm proud of."
For more information, you can visit the West Side Bazaar's website.
