More than a barbershop. More than a nonprofit. This is Overflo.
For 20 years, the Overflo story has connected entrepreneurship, mentorship, and community service—showing what can happen when business, purpose, and people intersect.
Overflo Salon & Barbershop is a locally owned commercial business. Overflo Outreach Ministries, Inc. is a separate nonprofit organization providing youth development, mentorship, education, life-skills programming, and community outreach.
Connected by a shared history of mentorship and community service. Separate in legal identity, operations, and financial transactions.
The Overflo story
Business built with purpose.
Catosha and Gerald Riley built an established salon and barbershop in Columbus. Over time, the shop became more than a place for hair and grooming.
Young people who needed guidance and positive influences began spending time there. Some started simply by sweeping hair. Inside a working environment, they experienced responsibility, professionalism, customer service, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, leadership, barbering and cosmetology, and positive adult mentorship.
Relationships grew. Mentorship expanded. Young people began serving others. That commitment grew into the broader nonprofit work now conducted through Overflo Outreach Ministries, Inc.
This connection is historical, personal, programmatic, and community-centered. It does not mean the organizations are financially interchangeable.
Meet the founders
Two leaders. One shared legacy.
Catosha and Gerald Riley share a commitment to entrepreneurship, mentorship, and service while leading work across two distinct organizations.
Entrepreneur · Cosmetology leader · Community advocate
Catosha Riley
A respected entrepreneur and creative leader, Catosha has used cosmetology, mentorship, and motivational leadership to help young people build confidence, professional skills, and a vision for their future.
Entrepreneur · Youth mentor · Community advocate
Gerald Riley
A lifelong advocate for youth development, Gerald brings entrepreneurial vision, steady mentorship, and a deep commitment to helping young people grow into confident, capable leaders.
Creating meaningful, lasting change by addressing educational, emotional, social, and economic needs while promoting resilience, self-sufficiency, and long-term success.
Overflo Outreach Ministries, Inc. · Separate nonprofit organization
01
Education
Academic support, school engagement, literacy, and college and career preparation.
02
Mentorship
Consistent relationships, accountability, and positive role models.
03
Life Skills
Communication, decision-making, financial literacy, and workplace readiness.
04
Community
Family support, grooming, seasonal outreach, and safe community experiences.
Signature youth program
Start with a broom. Build a future.
The Sweepers Mentoring Program provides hands-on mentorship where grooming, entrepreneurship, and life skills meet.
Barbering & CosmetologyCustomer ServiceProfessional EtiquetteEntrepreneurshipFinancial LiteracyPunctualityTeamworkAccountabilityConfidenceCreativityCareer ReadinessCommunity Service
“The program provided me with accountability, structure, support, a wealth of knowledge, and a bond that will never be broken.”— Anthony Kennebrew, Educator & Former Sweepers Participant
Overflo Outreach Ministries impact
20 years of community impact.
Fisherman of MenYouth development
5,000+Estimated youth & families reached since 2006
500Backpacks + school supplies typical recent scale
100+Free haircuts recent annual benchmark
500Families served typical Turkey Giveaway reach
These figures represent nonprofit community impact. The 5,000+ figure is a conservative cumulative estimate based on recurring mentoring, grooming, back-to-school, holiday, and community outreach; it is not an unduplicated participant count.
More ways we serve
Programs that meet people where they are.
01
Education + Life Skills
Tutoring, literacy, college preparation, financial education, career exploration, technology, conflict resolution, and decision-making.
02
Community Outreach
Back-to-school giveaways, free grooming, holiday assistance, family festivals, fishing, homeless outreach, and school-based activities.
03
Girl Hurt — Help Her Breathe
Women’s empowerment programming created to encourage healing, connection, and renewed strength.
04
Scholarships + Education
Historical educational support and scholarship opportunities. Current application details will be shared when available.
Alumni success
Mentorship that keeps moving forward.
Jessica Hall
Entered Sweepers at 15, served as youth president, completed the IB Program, and graduated in the top 10% with a 4.0 GPA. A first-generation FAMU student, she now serves as a U.S. Navy officer in Hawaii.
Charles Jackson
A former Outreach vice president and treasurer, Charles graduated from Hardaway High with honors and a 4.1 GPA, earned an IB diploma, and later graduated from the University of West Georgia at the top of his class.
Javana Ivory
Began assisting Catosha Riley at 15, became a licensed stylist, and opened her own salon.
“When we bring children in, teach them, and show them love, it truly makes a difference.”
Public validation
OverFlo does amazing.
Watch the City of Columbus spotlight on the Overflo community story.
Community News RecognitionGerald Riley Community Service Award
Kendrick High SchoolJD Davis ElementaryReese Road ElementaryMLK ElementaryDowntown ElementaryThe Edge ChurchUnited Way / 211Zeta Phi Beta, Inc.Columbus State UniversitySista Girlz Hair Salon
Looking ahead · Proposed and planned
Help build what’s next.
Proposed
A Place for Pebbles
A mentorship and safe-space initiative focused on belonging, emotional support, leadership, conflict resolution, and positive youth/law-enforcement relationships.
Proposed
E.M.L. Youth Development Hub
Education, Mental Health & Life Skills support combining academic assistance, emotional wellness, career readiness, and college preparation.
Planned
Sweepers Expansion
Multi-site growth intended to bring hands-on grooming, entrepreneurship, and professional mentorship to more young people across Columbus.
