People: Marinette Kozlow
Monday, May 9, 2011 at 11:42AM 
Love the design of the Buffalo Princess shirts, what inspired you to start creating them? I had a childhood friend who moved to Florida years ago with her family. We stayed in contact ever since. She has a deep love and such fond memories of our city. A few years ago, she had a baby girl and I thought I'd send her baby clothing featuring Buffalo. I was disappointed at my lack of options. Most, if not all, of the Buffalo art was masculine. Last fall, I started designing greeting cards in a feminine, juvenile style. A local store owner suggested I make a Buffalo in that same style. It all clicked. I immediately jumped on it and Buffalo Princess (and Prince) was born.
What has the response been so far? It's been very exciting for me because the reception has been so good! The line has been picked up by shops around town. I was invited to do some art shows in the fall and was able to talk to people face-to-face. Their reactions said it all for me. Moms, aunts, and grandmothers all wanted to get some for their little prince and princess. The onesies and t-shirts have been shipped all over the country and beyond and some have stayed here for shower gifts or birthday presents. Some wanted t-shirts for themselves or their teenage/college aged princesses in the ladies sizes too!
You have introduced numerous new designs, since you first started, where do you see yourself next year at this time? I'd like to offer irresistible Buffalo clothing and accessories for everyone in the family. I'm trying to design them in a way I haven't seen offered. For men, non-sports related, for women, glamour and glitz, for the young and young at heart, sweet yet pampered designs.
You're a designer by trade and full time homeschooling mom, how do you do it? Generally, we home school during the day and I work in the evening after my youngest is asleep. I do everything one day at a time. Certainly, nothing is perfect -- as much as I'd like to think it can be -- but I love the way we live. I love having my kids around. They are learning so much just watching Buffalo Princess unfold. They saw the whole process, from the computer to the end product -- even getting tours of the different print shops and processes. They were with me when I designed the greeting cards and critiqued every one. They were my advisors during design concepts of the Buffalo, immediately stating whether it looked right or not. I figure, if a child can't figure out what I'm drawing, it can't be right.
What stores can they be purchased at? So far, Buffalo Princess and other MAK Design products can be found at Spoiled Rotten, 831 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo. The Kat's Meow Kids Inc, 5655 Main St #1, Williamsville. Bay-6 Buffalo Clothing Company, Southgate Plaza, 1050 Union Rd. West Seneca. The Gift Shop at Sisters of Charity Hospital, 2157 Main St, Buffalo. The Buffalo Show House Boutique from April 30 - May 22.!