The City’s Office of Business Opportunities welcomed Beauty Art by Roy back to the community with a grand re-opening on October 9, 2022.
Owner, Roger “Bad Boy Roy” Brasley, is a Columbia native with strong ties to the community. His first salon opened in 2017 at 2001 Marion Street where he provided services such as hair and beauty.
The current location where his building resides, 1100 Kortright St, has always been near and dear to his heart as he attempted to rent the building for many years but it was only available for purchase. The building remained empty since the 80’s and in 2022 Roy noticed it was still for sale. He began to start the process of acquiring the building and by March 2022, it was his.
In 1948, the building started out as a doctor’s office. Dr. Albert Allen was one of the only doctors African-Americans could see and receive medical attention from. He serviced many patients from the community and area including Roy’s family members. In March of 1979, Roy’s mother was informed of news from Dr. Allen that she was expecting a baby boy, Roy. Brasley describes this as a “full circle moment.”
Ayesha Driggers, Interim Director of the City’s Office of Business Opportunities, began the event when she expressed her excitement to welcome the business to the area.
Located in her district, Councilwoman Tina Herbert took pride in seeing the longstanding building to be used as a new business in the community. “We want to make sure we start using these empty buildings and to put some life in them. I want to make sure that all of the African-Americans that have been here for years have some ownership.”
The city is glad to welcome Beauty Art by Roy back to the community. Services offered include hair, makeup, and lashes. The salon also houses NovaSpace, a co-working and collaborative office space.