THE STORY OF DUPP&SWAT
The story of DUPP&SWAT is one deeply rooted in resilience, creativity, and an unrelenting commitment to community empowerment. What began as a personal and artistic journey for co-founder Davita Galloway transformed into something much bigger—a movement, a mission, and a home for countless creatives who have too often been told that there’s no space for them. Through the evolution of DUPP&SWAT, Davita and her brother Dion Galloway have crafted a legacy of inclusivity, empowerment, and radical acceptance.
In 2010, following a life-altering experience that brought her back home to Winston-Salem, Davita made a pivotal decision. Rather than returning to life as she knew it, she chose to fully lean into the power of art and creativity as both a personal healing tool and a mechanism for collective liberation. She reconnected with her roots, her purpose, and her passion, and in doing so, set the foundation for something extraordinary.
Alongside her brother Dion, who brought his own unique talents and vision to the table, the two launched DUPP&SWAT as a private creative studio. Initially, the space was intended to serve costume and styling clients—a niche but necessary offering in the Charlotte arts scene. However, within just two months, it became clear that this studio was destined to be more than a personal workspace. It began attracting creatives of all kinds—musicians, visual artists, fashion designers, writers, and entrepreneurs—who saw DUPP&SWAT not just as a studio, but as a sanctuary.
The creative energy within its walls was electric, and the demand for access, collaboration, and expression began to overflow. Rather than resist the shift, Davita and Dion embraced it. They expanded the vision, allowing DUPP&SWAT to organically evolve into a multifaceted space. It became an event venue, art gallery, retail boutique, and eventually, a beauty salon. Each new element was a direct response to the needs and dreams of the community.
What truly set DUPP&SWAT apart wasn’t just its physical offerings—it was the spirit of radical inclusion that lived within it. From its inception, DUPP&SWAT was a space that said “yes” to the people who were most often told “no.” Black creatives, queer creatives, non-traditional entrepreneurs, and emerging artists all found refuge here. It was a space where they could be seen, heard, and celebrated without compromise.
Over the years, DUPP&SWAT became a cultural cornerstone in Charlotte. It hosted hundreds of events ranging from art shows and fashion pop-ups to poetry readings and community forums. It provided mentorship and guidance to up-and-coming creatives, often serving as their first platform. It offered resources and opportunities that extended far beyond its four walls—encouraging collaboration, experimentation, and visibility.
The journey hasn’t been easy. Running a space like DUPP&SWAT, especially one centered around community and creativity, comes with its own unique set of challenges. Funding, sustainability, and maintaining autonomy have all been hurdles. But through it all, Davita and Dion have remained steadfast. Their commitment to purpose over profit has allowed them to make decisions rooted in love and integrity, rather than pressure or convenience.
In 2022, DUPP&SWAT expanded its footprint with the launch of FRESH PRODUCE—a boutique dedicated to showcasing clothing, accessories, and home goods crafted by local artisans. FRESH PRODUCE was a natural extension of the DUPP&SWAT ethos: championing independent creators, providing economic opportunity, and celebrating the beauty of handmade, intentional goods. This expansion demonstrated the brand’s ability to grow while staying true to its core values.
Then, in March 2025, DUPP&SWAT introduced CELL THERAPY—a beauty and barber parlor located at Camp North End. CELL THERAPY was born from the understanding that beauty is not just about aesthetics; it's about care, self-expression, and ritual. This space added a new dimension to the DUPP&SWAT legacy, offering both practical services and creative energy in an environment where authenticity reigns. Like all of their ventures, CELL THERAPY centers people of color and prioritizes experience over conformity.
As DUPP&SWAT celebrates fifteen years of impact, the mission remains clear: to provide safe, accessible, and inspiring spaces where creativity is nurtured and dreams are realized. What began as a modest studio has transformed into a network of spaces—each one designed to uplift, amplify, and empower. From the flagship location to its satellite initiatives, every corner of DUPP&SWAT reflects a deep love for culture, art, and possibility.
The story of DUPP&SWAT is not just about a physical place—it’s about the people who make it what it is. It’s about the countless artists who found their voice, the entrepreneurs who launched their vision, and the community members who found belonging. It’s about saying “yes” to the unheard, the underestimated, and the undervalued.
In a world that often seeks to silence, DUPP&SWAT creates space for expression. In a system designed to divide, it builds bridges. And in an industry that can be exclusionary, it opens doors. The journey continues, and the vision expands—but at its core, DUPP&SWAT remains a love letter to creativity, community, and the power of unapologetically taking up space.
