My name is Michele Franzese of Buford, GA by way of Long Island, NY.
I’ve been here since 2016, and am excited to have become a part of such a welcoming community!
Not only have I moved here with my husband and two children, but have been lucky to have my parents join me as well!
With a background in fine arts, having earned by B.F.A. at Long Island University’s C.W. Post, I have an eclectic career background which encompasses work in corporate America in both retail and B2B sales, education, and now as a small business owner at Creative Wear, Inc. I’m passionate about and enjoy hobbies which include anything artistic as well as travel, food, and wine.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a husband named James, and together we have two children, Brianna and James Jr. James is a curriculum designer with his company, designing web based learning programs. Brianna and James Jr. both enjoy playing video games. Brianna wants to open a cafe when she grows up and James Jr. wants to be a video game designer and a YouTuber.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Currently and together with my mother Maria, we own Creative Wear, Inc., which is a screen printing and embroidery business located in Buford, GA. I love that I’m not only able to use my passion and skills as an artist to design apparel, but that I also get to meet a lot of great people in the Buford community.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
All the restaurants in Buford are amazing! Some of my favorites are Tannery Row Ale House, Cork it, and Diesel Tap House. I still have plenty more restaurants to try, as well!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived in Buford since 2016, where we opened Creative Wear in 2017.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
While I’ve met a lot of people since we arrived in 2016, the first that comes to mind is Lori Waters, who is another local business owner. She’s been inspirational, supportive and welcoming as a native of Buford and as a fellow, woman business owner.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
My FAVORITE place to travel is Disney World – and I always answer this question with Disney World. I love the escape and the adventure of the “magic” as well as getting to experience the attractions, food, and festivals.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
One of my favorite moves is Avatar. As for TV shows – hands down, it’s The Golden Girls.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always be true to yourself.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Traveling to Europe. My husband and I have a trip planned next Summer for a Mediterranean Cruise!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
This one’s either got to be Ben Folds or Billy Joel – I can’t decide!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Tannery Row Ale House and it’s beautiful building is the first business that comes to mind when it comes to being nostalgic about Buford.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’m thinking I’d like to have lunch with one of my bestie’s – Amelia. We might meet at Diesel, since I can walk there from work, and it’s great. Amelia has become one of my truest, dearest friends since moving to Buford, and I don’t tell her that enough, nor do we spend enough time getting together.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
While most people love their home town, I’m sure that the amount of love for the Buford Community and its school system by its residents is truly unique, and my favorite part of this town.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Right here in Buford as owner of Creative Wear.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
For as outgoing as I am currently, I’m actually a very private person, and was at one time very shy and introverted.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The most beautiful place I’ve been to is Montauk, NY, which is the most eastern point of Long Island, NY. The beaches are beautiful, and the lighthouse, historic.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is October, when my birthday, the best single day on the calendar, is on October 11th. My favorite holiday is Christmas Day.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The big charcuterie board at Wine Bar George in Orlando, FL.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Mother.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Italian food cooking – mmmmm, garlic and oil.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Buford, Home is where the Heart Is, You’re my Home
