BBraxton Grooming Salon in Harlem is Back on the Block
Tony nominated Broadway actress, Brenda Braxton has a treat in store for Harlem gentlemen with the 2011 reopening of BBraxton, an oasis dedicated to providing state of the art pampering services to men in a masculine yet therapeutic setting.
Braxton recognized the need for a haven dedicated solely to men’s grooming. “I found that there really wasn’t anything like this-especially for African American and Latino men so I thought it would be a great idea, especially coming from a woman’s perspective,” said Braxton. “What I like to say is that a man can teach a boy how to be a man, but a woman can teach him how to be a gentleman.”
More Than Just a Barber Shop
“When men come in we tell them ‘this is your spot!’ Have a cocktail, get your hair cut, have coffee or whatever. It took a long time for that to catch on because most men don’t think that they deserve something this nice,” said Braxton. “Most banks couldn’t fathom this concept because they thought ‘oh this is another barber shop.’ But it’s more than a barber shop.”
What’s New?
The salon first opened at 1400 Fifth Avenue in Harlem, NY in 2006, but this year Braxton is introducing the BBraxton Grooming Academy. The Grooming Academy will offer neighborhood senior citizens aged 65 and older complimentary services in the salon along with transportation for those who need it. It will also offer an apprenticeship in January and June in which four individuals will participate in a 26 week training program with BBraxton’s master barbers. This apprenticeship will feature seminars and workshops for these individuals all leading to their graduation from the Academy and to becoming skilled artisans of the grooming craft.
“I knew that there was a reason we closed, but I also knew that the reason for coming back was not just to make more money,” said Braxton. “There’s a senior citizen center across the street and we had them come in and they loved it. In coming back I said it had to be of service in some kind of way. The Grooming Academy is not just about grooming, it’s about management. It’s about taking care of your money because I want anyone who works here at BBraxton’s to feel like they can do their own thing – it’s not just about working here.”
Braxton’s Legacy and Personal Style
Braxton is no stranger to lending a helping hand and this is recognized through the support shown at the BBraxton reopening. In the past she had a non-profit called Leading Ladies Just for Teens offering a two-hour seminar visiting schools and speaking to young women. “I’ve always thought about how I can give back. How to make a difference,” said Braxton. “I don’t have any children so what I’m doing now is going to be my legacy.”
Though Ms. Braxton may be playing with the guys on an everyday basis, don’t think she’s blending in. What’s her uniform? “A bustier, pencil pants and you gotta have pumps on. No matter what you wear, you gotta have a pair of fierce shoes on!”
By Lyndsay Luff