Having hit what's referred to as 'rock bottom,' after being arrested in New York, our CEO, Davita Galloway was forced to return home--Winston-Salem, NC--by her family. While there, she made the intentional decision to, wholeheartedly, pursue that thing which has always been her safety blanket and her 'escape'--art and creativity. With that, and having partnered with her brother, Dion Galloway, DUPP&SWAT was born. Coined after their nicknames, DUPP&SWAT opened a brick and mortar in Charlotte in 2010. Initially created to serve as an office to meet costume and styling clients, community, quickly, expressed a different need and without hesitation, the business model for this creative studio was changed. After two months, the studio became a haven for creatives, artists and entrepreneurs--primarily, of color--in that this space was now an event venue, art gallery, retail boutique and beauty salon. Truth be told, DUPP&SWAT had to be any and everything community needed as they were told 'no,' in almost every other circumstance. DUPP&SWAT was and is a safe place where questions and inquiries are met with a 'yes' as the leadership team and staff are firm believers in platform and opportunity. Clearly, still serving community and standing in gaps, DUPP&SWAT will be celebrating their 15-yr journey in May 2025. It's truly an honor and privilege to see and experience the impact of a 'yes,' as well as a safe space to try. More, two years ago, DUPP&SWAT was able to obtain another space that's, strictly, used for retail. Coined FRESH PRODUCE, this boutique is filled with clothing, accessories and home items created from local artisans. With this additional space, their studio is, solely, used for events and an art gallery. Even more great news, in March 2025, DUPP&SWAT will be opening their beauty/barber parlor, coined CELL THERAPY. Essentially, what was once housed in one location, due to necessity, has blossomed and scaled to other properties--enhancing not only the reach and impact of DUPP&SWAT but also providing platform. That is the small but big business of DUPP&SWAT.