Buffalo Culture: New pop-up event offers a 3rd space for women

By Cassidy Dwan
(Image above: Femme Salon organizer Rebecca Mercurio leading a class. Photo by Dana Saylor)

Hello, Hive readers. How appropriate that I’m writing this on International Women’s Day (that was Sunday, March 8) as we celebrate Women’s History Month!

I’ve been telling anyone and everyone about how awesome the pop-up event for Femme Salon was. I attended the Blood Moon Disco held from 5-10 p.m. last Tuesday (March 3) at the George Urban Mansion on Pine Ridge Road near Villa Maria College. As one of the the event organizers said, “Magic happens when women gather.” It’s worth noting that true magic happened/is happening here. 

The combined efforts of female organizers, entrepreneurs, artists and bodywork specialists Sara Fonzi, Kyla Kegler and Rebecca Mercurio bought together an eclectic mix of talented and beautiful women for what I couldn’t help but keep calling “the most awesome sleepover party ever”. 

This pop-up event as well as one held last Saturday morning was in support of Femme Salon’s mission to establish as a new type of female-focused 3rd space.

Whether it’s a barbershop, country club, cigar room or a tailgate, men have historically created male-centric space to build business and community. Unique spaces which allow women to grow and foster new ideas, relationships and innovation, separate from their function as family caregivers, are lacking.

The core idea of Femme Salon has the space being multipurpose and accessible to women and femme folx of all ages and incomes. Obviously women/theys&thems in WNY don’t all have financial resources for spa days and country clubs or the availability of childcare to make attending things happening in those spaces realistic.

Femme Salon might be the solution with inclusivity by offering day passes or memberships as well the possibility of on-site childcare. In addition to providing use of the location’s amenities, Femme Salon seeks to also provide space to host meetings, lectures and gatherings. 

The evening had so many happenings it was as if time had stopped and allowed for everything wonderful in one place simultaneously. 

Women of all ages and backgrounds in attendance participated in facia release exercise and yoga, had mini spa treatments by aestheticians, makeup artists and a massage therapist. As for aforementioned onsite amenities, we made use of the beautiful pool with a water exercise instructor as well as the site’s hot tub and sauna. There was even, with a posted challenge for the very brave, an outdoor cold plunge pool available.

Attendees, included with the $65 event ticket, were treated to a delectable sampling of charcuterie, delicious buffet catered dinner and an open bar. There was a DJ in the pool area and full dance party at the end of the evening, hence the “disco” element of the event title. I almost forgot to mention that there were lectures in cozy sitting rooms, spaces to chitchat, crafting and tarot card readings offered. 

This event bought together an energetically inspiring group women in such a historic setting. Given the recent glow-up as beneficiary of the 2025 Junior League decorators’ show house, the mansion (historically known as as the home of banker George Urban Jr. and launching pad for Grover Cleveland’s presidential campaign) had everyone anxious to explore to see the beauty of its architecture. Exploring the happenings had me bumping into the most interesting women over charcuterie. It was a magnificent group of mothers, midwives, artists, teachers and wellness coaches etc.  

This popup event had all of us asking, what’s next? We all left wondering and hoping for this space to be made a regular club and community of women available for years to come. 

I know Femme Salon has the support needed to be successful and sustainable. Truly still so energized by this gathering and though at the moment there isn’t anything on the calendar yet, I am definitely looking forward to what comes next.

Cassidy Dwan is a perpetual champion of everything WNY culture and former publishing editor of The Allentowner.