Barry’s Beauty Bar, a staple in Brooklyn’s Caribbean beauty scene for over 15 years, has reopened with a fresh look and location at 1429 Flatbush Ave. The relaunch marks a new chapter for owner Barrington “Barry” Blye, whose passion for nail artistry has made his salon a destination for creativity, style, and community.
Founded in 2010, Barry’s Beauty Bar quickly gained a reputation for bold, innovative designs that treat nails as fashion statements. “For us, nails aren’t just nails, they’re an experience,” Blye said. “We create artistry that makes our clients feel like their nails are an accessory to their style.”
Moving from a second-floor space at 859 Flatbush Ave. to a street-level storefront is a strategic step to increase visibility and attract more clients. “It’s about growth and staying relevant,” Blye said. “The beauty industry has evolved, and we want to keep elevating the experience.”
Blye’s love for nails started in Jamaica in 2003 when he worked as a front desk assistant at a full-service salon. “Something about nails sparked my interest,” he recalled. “I left the desk, started practicing, then went to school to get my license.”
After moving to the U.S. in 2007, Blye pursued advanced studies in nails and skincare, becoming a licensed esthetician and working in salons before opening his own. Over the years, Barry’s Beauty Bar survived economic challenges, industry shifts, and even the pandemic, emerging stronger than ever.
Training the Next Generation
In addition to salon services, Blye has dedicated himself to teaching. Since 2017, he has trained more than 200 students through his nail classes. His ultimate dream? Opening a full-fledged nail school and expanding educational opportunities across the Caribbean.
“I want to bring what I’ve built here in the U.S. back home, not just to Jamaica, but to Grenada, Trinidad, Guyana,” he said. “There’s a huge gap in advanced nail education in the Caribbean, and I want to change that.”
The salon offers more than manicures; it’s a cultural hub where clients feel like family. “We laugh, we share, sometimes we party,” Blye said with a smile. “People come for the nails but stay for the experience.”
