ORLANDO, Fla.  — Parramore is now an accredited Orlando Main Street, the 12th community in the city’s program.

That means nonprofit Parramore Main Street gets funding and its own board of directors, all focused on supporting local businesses through preservation-based economic development.

“It’s really about allowing the community to advocate for what it wants, them having a seat at the table,” said Executive Director Natasha Gaye. “Instead of being told that something is happening in their community, that they’re a part of the change that they really want to see here.”

The nonprofit had already been focused on that mission, pushing for this main street status for around two years. 

In December, Parramore Main Street received a $97,000 grant. Nine businesses received micro-grants and $50,000 went toward beautification efforts, including a mural project at three businesses.

One of those businesses is Transformation Beauty Salon, owned by Verna O’Hara. Artist J.J. painted a timeline of Black hair culture, from the 1950’s to now, on the exterior of the salon. It’s a visual representation of the historically Black community.

“They can look at the art on the walls and see people that look like them,” said J.J. “I feel like it’s empowering. It makes them feel like what’s going on around them is for them.”

O’Hara is grateful for the salon’s makeover. She says new potential customers have already been stopping by.

“When they see that now, they do stick their head in the door and say, ‘What do you offer?’” she said.