Local cosmetologists Velma Colon Cobb and Betty Bagwell were recently inducted into the National Cosmetology Association of South Carolina Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame represents those within the SC cosmetology industry who have made outstanding and long lasting contributions to the profession in this state. Only 28 SC cosmetologists have been selected for this honor since the inception of the award in 1987.

Velma Cobb’s activities that led her to receive this prestigious award include her work with Cut It Out–Salons Against Domestic Abuse, Look Good Feel Better, Juvenile Diabetes, Palmetto Place, The Haven Nursing Home, E.L. Wright School, and Rehoboth United Methodist Church.

Other state awards Cobb has received include the David Bagwell Outstanding Cosmetologist of the Year, Educator of the Year, Jack and Betty Humphries Community Leadership Award, and Affiliate President of the Year. Cobb enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, reading, and teaching the Bible to her mother.

Bagwell was one of the first US hairdressers who participated in the cultural exchange with hairdressers in Moscow and Leningrad. She was the owner of a nine–salon chain in SC, and her employees won over 305 awards in state, national, and international competitions.

Bagwell was also a trainer for the 1976 World Championship Team which represented the US at the World Championships. She also took a dormant Columbia Affiliate in 1960 and completely reactivated it. Columbia is now the largest affiliate in the state.