Featured Local Business

It’s Friday again! That means another Featured Local Business. I love these. I’ve been so excited about the response to this campaign and watching it serve its purpose: promoting local shopping, local businesses, and our local community! And the people I’ve been crossing paths with have been amazing.

So onto the show… 

Hazel Grove Studios

Let’s welcome Hazel Grove Studios to our Feature Friday. Hazel Grove Studios is owned by William Horvatits. I reached out to William on Instagram after I saw some of his beautiful work. 

He sells photography prints, greeting cards, photo pendants, keychains, magnets, and more using his own original photography. 

The photography is inspired by nature, architecture, landmarks, and other beautiful sights mainly of Western New York and some surrounding areas. 

If you’re from the area, you know there is no lack of personality and beauty in Buffalo, NY and Hazel Grove Studios has captured some of that beauty and has made it available to wear! 

Below is my interview with William Horvatits. I enjoyed hearing his thorough answers. It really shows how passionate he is about his work. 

Interview with the Owner: William Horvatits

What do you specialize in?

I specialize in photography and jewelry making mostly. All of my work is shot digitally and printed for use in all products.

How long have you been in your field? 

I have been an artist all my life in many mediums but I have owned my small business for a little over a year.

How did you come to start your own business?

I have attended vendor and art events in Buffalo for as long as I can remember, though I was actually inspired by a close friend also starting a small business and witnessing firsthand how simple it was to make…that leap of faith though I knew that the process afterward would not be easy. 

I started at my first event in November of 2021, and since then have started an online presence and participated in many events from Niagara County to Erie County all the way down to the Southern Tier.

What type of help or resources did you use to start your business?

I was lucky to have friends in the business that I’ve been able to share this experience with, as well as family that has had experience in the art world.

What are the favorite parts of your job? 

Connecting with people that find something beautiful in my work. It is really inspiring to see how different people are drawn to things for different reasons. I’ve met a lot of vendors and customers alike that I have had great conversations with and some [I’ve] even had the chance to befriend.

What do you love about Western New York?

Western NY is very rich in diversity in culture and in its art. There are so many different events and media just in this region alone, and being able to experience viewpoints and practices different from your own and with ones that you deeply connect with or find interest in is inspiring. 

WNY also has an abundance of natural beauty which provides me with most of my artistic inspiration. I’ll go hiking, and make it a practice to bring my camera because I never know what I’m going to find interest in. Even the architecture is remarkable and also makes up much of my photography.

Do you partner with any other local businesses?

I have some of my products in the local plant store Put A Plant On It, located in the Elmwood Village of Buffalo. The store vends work from over 80 local artists among their extensive houseplant selection. I have magnets and pendants in the store.

Do you have any local businesses you love (related or unrelated to your field)?

Geologic by Calla is a great gemstone jewelry maker with lots of gorgeous wire-wrapped and beaded pendants and bracelets. 

Clay by Jaclyn makes a ton of innovative polymer clay jewelry designs inspired by flora and fauna. 

Bearded Barley of Ellicottville makes a variety of handmade leather goods such as wallets and bags that are high quality and have beautiful colored leather choices.

Unrelated to my field, one of my favorite local businesses is The Grange Outpost in Orchard Park. The bakery has some of the region’s best-baked goods and amazing coffee as well!

Any advice for other business owners?

I would say take a lot of time to figure out your branding and image as well as what you really want to accomplish with your business. Once you have that, the journey forward is clearer with showcasing yourself, reaching others, and reaching goals. 

Also, KEEP GOING! It’s easier said than done when you have off days, but it is important to not lose faith in your talent and your capability when you reach roadblocks or difficulties. 

There is likely always a route that is going to give more abundance than others.

Contact Hazel Grove Studios

Are you interested in what else Hazel Grove Studios offers? Visit their Instagram or Etsy shop to see more. Or you can contact William directly at (716)598-2170 or email: williamrobert2009@gmail.com 

If you haven’t checked out other great local services on our Community Board, head on over there. Do you own a WNY small business and would like to be our next Featured Local Business?! It’s completely free advertising in hopes to increase traffic for great small local businesses! Please fill out a form here. We look forward to promoting you!