Co-authored by Robert Creenan and Queenseyes:
Often times we find that some of the city’s health and wellness services are clustered together in commercial districts, or located in high profile locations. But sometimes, if we dig a little bit deeper in our neighborhoods, we can find businesses the most unexpected places. Take this historic building located at 531 Virginia Street for example, once home to Catholic Union & Times. Inside its walls are a couple of businesses that I bet most people aren’t even aware of.
First of all, there’s a female-run barber shop located inside. That alone is fairly unusual. The Grooming Room is owned and operated by Holly Keller, who formerly barbered at The Buffalo Club for seven years. In May, Holly set out on her own, and found the perfect spot for her practice inside a building that is packed with potential. Holly offers attentive service for her customers since it’s a one-chair outfit that stays true to the old world art of cutting hair. The Grooming Room is all about the art of barbering, and offers trims and shaves for men and boys. The pricing starts at $10 for a boy’s haircut.
Also located at 531 Virginia Street is The Powerhouse Studios – a gym and training studio that set up shop in the building back in 2012. Owned and operated by Dan Mitchell, a nationally certified ACE Personal Trainer, Aikido blackbelt, and combat veteran, the gym/studio offers personal training and boxing at a number of different skill levels. At any given time there are also yoga instructors, dance classes and myriad other health related services associated with the Powerhouse name. Dan has been a longstanding trainer in Buffalo, and has managed to cultivate a wide and diverse circle of associates who frequent the building. Group classes start at $10 per session. Personal and semi-personal classes also available.
The Grooming Room | 531 Virginia Street | 585-813-7329. | twitter at @hollyrayek | hollyrayk@yahoo.com
The Powerhouse Studios | 531 Virginia Street | 716.240.9177