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About Us
Fifteen years ago, I (Catosha Riley) fell head over heels with my sweetheart (Gerald Riley) in ways that I had only dreamed were possible. He made me laugh until my gut hurt. After dating him only for ninety days, not exactly what I ask for but what I needed for my body, mind and soul. He made me think about things in interesting ways and challenged me to become a better version of me. When my arm brushed against him, lightning shot through my body. When we kissed for the first time, my knees literally went out from underneath me. He found my clumsiness endearing; he thought I was the most beautiful woman he had ever known and told me so.
Sometimes I (Gerald Riley) just think back to the first time I laid eyes on Catosha. I knew right then that I had found someone incredible. Ever since that very moment all I have ever wanted was to be with her. Yes I married a women with four kids beautiful but broken not knowing marriage is a ministry that I had to launch into the deepest part of Gods plan for my life. I knew no matter how dark my day was, seeing her always brightens it and makes me realize that with her, I am doing right. Her heart is so pure and so forgiving that I knew it would always be the center of my attention, no matter what else is going on in my life. I looked forward to this day were I could share our story and help many others.
Beauty and the Bee Keeper “Overflo” With Honey, Business and
Written By P.O.G.
Columbus, GA--Beauty and the Beekeeper, from Riley Family Farms, is one of the many exciting adventures that Gerald and Catosha Riley have dived into and it’s turned out to be extremely sweet.
When asked how did you get into bee keeping? Why bees? Gerald replies, “My wife loves herbal teas with honey, so l purchased bees to save money.” It’s been 2-years since the Riley’s have been bee keeping and it’s been wonderful.
When asked is bee keeping hard, the Riley’s say, “no, the bees do all the work, but it can be sticky." And yes, there is some stinging involved, for those of you that want to know. They do get stung now and then, but they explain, "it’s worth it."
When asked, what is honey good for, the Riley’s say, “Everything from allergies, to burns and it’s absolutely great for the hair." The Riley’s offer: honey, bourbon infused honey, lip balm, honey BBQ sauce, honey gold teas and “Bee Happiness!” To find out about these gems contact 706-689-2800.
How is it working together as couple with the bees? Gerald replies, “We love it! Catasha smokescreens the bees while l harvest the honey; it’s a great teambuilding hobby. God is really helping us in our marriage ministry, The Marriage Company, by expanding our platform through social media, workshops, podcasts and all types of relation building activities.”
History of the Married Business Partners
Both being Master Cosmetologists, community leaders and social activists, they work together as the co-owners of Overflo Salon and Barbershop. From this, they founded the non-profit organization Overflo Outreach Ministries, Inc.
Gerald Riley is one of 4 children born to Phillip and Perrye Riley of Pensacola, FL. After attending Pensacola High School, Gerald furthered his studies at Jeff Davis College. During his tenure in the Army, he endured 3 deployments and is a decorated disabled Veteran. He then made his way to Columbus as a result of his 10 years of service in the United States Army. Gerald also attended Southeastern Beauty School, Rivertown School of Beauty and Columbus Technical College.
Catosha Riley is the daughter of Robert and Geneva Embry. Catosha, being a native of Columbus, graduated from Kendrick High School and Columbus Technical College.
Since being in Columbus, Gerald met and married Catosha. Gerald and Catosha have a large blended family, which they take pride in—it consists 10 children and 11 grandchildren. Not to mention many of the people that call them “mom and dad” that they have taken under their wings.
They are very active in the community as servants. They have provided Thanksgiving turkeys to needy families with local radio stations at Davis Broadcasting. They also provide haircuts and hairstyles for underprivileged children Easter. They provide haircuts to many students in Muscogee County each quarter. The Riley’s have been a dedicated sponsor of The Columbus Times Newspaper’s Annual Summerfest. They have collaborated with various programs in the city to provide for those in need.
Gerald is the founder of Columbus Barbers United (USA) and founder of Uganda Barbers United (Africa) making a difference by providing haircuts for the homeless, mentoring young people and helping up-and-coming barbers reach their full potential as entrepreneurs.
On any given day, you can catch Gerald teaching a child to tie his shoe before he gets a haircut, encouraging a young boy to read while he is in the barber’s chair or even showing a teen how to tie a neck-tie before his first job interview. When you sit in Gerald’s chair, he becomes a mentor, father, counselor, financial adviser, business consultant, lawyer, friend and more. His favorite quote that he lives by is, "I can go fast by myself, but we can go far together.”
Catosha is the Vice President of Overflo Outreach Ministry, Inc. and organizes mentoring children in the art of Cosmetology, barbering, entrepreneurship and life skills. Catosha works with young girls in multiple schools, with the “Big Girls' Dream” program, which teaches life skills, manners and trains them for overall success.
They both have received numerous awards and accolades throughout the years, including multiple Columbus Times’ Black Business of the Year awards.
Catosha is excited about all of the advancements that Team Overflo are introducing in 2021, including the K’SMILES Foundation. Make sure to follow team Overflo! “We are everywhere!” as they say. You can find them on social media, so you stay along for the ride, and continue see the Riley’s doing what they love! For more information on any of their ventures, visit Overflo Beauty & Barber Shop on Facebook or visit 1816 Midtown Dr. (Overflo Salon and Barber Shop).
Help Our Cause
Gerald and Catosha Riley, founders of Overflo Outreach and Columbus Barbers United, have impacted the community through generous donations of their time, professional talent, and financial resources. Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
