Bronner Brothers Have Strong Roots in Cascade

It's that time again.

Starting Saturday, some 50,000 hairstylists, beauty suppliers and everyday style seekers from across the globe are expected to converge on Atlanta for the 2011 Bronner Brothers International Hair Show.

The hugely popular event—made even more popular by Chris Rock's 2009 comedy-documentary "Good Hair"—continues through Tuesday at the Georgia World Congress Center.

As one who grew up in southwest Atlanta during the 1970s, this event is always a sentimental for me because I remember the 2nd generation Bronner brothers, in the neighborhood, "back in the day."

Back then, the place to be for the teenage set on Wednesday nights was at Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Bronner, Sr.'s home on Lynn Circle for their family's teen Bible study. It seems the couple were the ultimate cute-boy-producing machine; although there were really only six, I recall dozens—all ages, all tall, all handsome. And, as with The Jackson Five, every girl in the neighborhood had a crush on one of them. 

Before the international hair show, before Upscale and the northside address, the Bronner Brothers were known for a landmark neighborhood beauty supply and drug store at the corner of Ashby and Hunter Streets (now Lowery and MLK). It was the go-to stop for a  jar of "BB Super Gro" to assist with that Saturday morning press-and-curl.

The business was started by the 1st generation Bronners—Nathaniel Bronner and Arthur Bronner—in 1947. At first, the pair taught cosmetology at the Butler Street YMCA. Later, the duo had wig stores, other sites and a growing regional trade show, the foundation of today's international show.

Now, according to the company website, "The Bronner Bros. Enterprise consists of Bronner Bros. Beauty Products which include BB, African Royale and NuExpressions product lines, UPSCALE Magazine, Cottonwood Hot Springs Spa and Motel in Alabama, Bronner Bros. International Beauty and Trade Shows, The Word of Faith Family Worship Center, and The Ark of Salvation Worship Center."

The site goes on to state that "Bronner Bros. employs over 300 full time and part time staff members, operate two manufacturing facilities, one shipping facility, two beauty stores, one hair weaving studio, a public relations office, and our corporate headquarters located in Marietta, Ga."

The Bronner Brothers were—and are—more than a brand name, however.  

Everyone in the old Cascade community remembers the Bronner family, a close-knit, faith-based clan. It's not hard to make the case that their success is rooted in family-values and spiritual fortitude.

If you live or work in the community in 2011, you should feel proud of this annual event; the 2nd generation Bronner Brothers are a true product of Cascade Heights.

For information about the hair show, visit: http://www.bronnerbros.com.