Brandon Dozier is breathing new life into the old New Hope YMCA at 2080 Lake Lowndes Road.
In Oct. 2020, the Y decided to close its New Hope facility, largely citing economic issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For Dozier, the YMCA was vital to the New Hope community, leading him to close on purchasing the facility this week. Now, under private ownership, Dozier will reopen the facility as the New Hope Rec Center.
“That building is very important to the New Hope community,” Dozier said. “I hated to see the building just sitting there with all the potential for the community. … We are extremely excited and ready to get it opened up for the community as fast as possible.”
Dozier hopes to open the facility by the end of this month. The New Hope Rec Center will have weight room memberships, pool memberships, summer camps, party spaces for rent and more.
Be sure to keep up with Dozier and the New Hope Rec Center on social media. He said he has not created a website or Facebook page yet but has been updating folks through the New Hope community page.
Moving to downtown Columbus, we have a new beauty salon moving to Main Street.
The Hive Beauty Salon, 422 Main St., is aiming for a June opening date. It will be open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Mondays and Fridays will be by appointment only. Owners Amber Scott and Rosario Carrillo will offer hair cutting, coloring, styling, and esthetic services such as facial and body waxing. The Hive will also have a barber on staff and hope to eventually include nail services.
“Our goal is to offer Columbus an inclusive one-stop-shop for all their self-care needs,” Scott said. “We plan to staff our facility with passionate professionals who have diverse skill sets. That way, we can properly service the needs of Columbus’s diverse population. All ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds are welcome at The Hive.”
Meanwhile, I found a hidden gem at the Market Street Festival this weekend.
Sophia Kibe, owner of Satori Bodywork and Apothecarium at 1920 Hwy. 45, has practiced massage therapy since 2006. However, since opening her spa in Columbus, she has expanded adding reiki classes, organic herbs, essential oils, teas and more. Until Market Street Festival, Kibe’s Apothecarium portion of Satori was only available to her clients. Now, folks can schedule appointments to check out Satori’s storefront by calling 662-574-8033.
Kibe added she carries various herbs that can be curated for cooking, herbal teas and even bath products. Also, folks can purchase a variety of crystals to connect their inner selves with the outer world.
“It’s stuff I use personally and it’s really helped me,” Kibe said. “I’ve just seen a need because there’s no place like this in Columbus.”
Former Dispatch reporter Mary Pollitz writes about business openings and closings, as well as other unique business news. Send tips to [email protected].
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