By Les Ong on January 12, 2026
In the heart of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at 2822 Walnut Street in the Penbrook area, sits a salon that’s quickly becoming known for more than just exceptional hair services. Rozay’s Touch Salon, owned and operated by Rosemarie Thompson, represents the culmination of a dream that began with a simple desire: to help people feel beautiful, confident, and valued.
As Rosemarie approaches her seventh anniversary in business this March 2026, her journey from medical professional to successful salon owner offers inspiration for anyone considering the leap into entrepreneurship. Her story is one of determination, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to making others feel their best.
The name “Rozay’s Touch Salon” carries a personal significance that reflects Rosemarie’s creative spirit and attention to detail. The concept emerged from a sketch she created of a young lady’s face with flowing hair and a rose. Given that her name is Rose, she playfully transformed it to “Rozay,” a nickname friends gave her throughout high school. The word “touch” was added to emphasize the personal, hands-on care that defines her approach to every client.
“It’s more than just getting your hair done. It’s Rozay’s touch,” she explains, capturing the philosophy that guides every service she provides. This tagline isn’t just clever marketing; it’s a promise that each client receives individualized attention and care that goes beyond the technical aspects of hairstyling.
Before opening her salon doors in March 2019, Rosemarie spent most of her working life in the medical field, with additional experience in retail. She fondly remembers her time at Sneaker Villa, a popular destination where customers came for the freshest Jordans and latest fashion. These experiences taught her valuable lessons about customer service and business operations, but something was missing.
“I always liked playing with people’s hair and just making them have confidence to feel beautiful,” Rosemarie shares. “I worked for all these businesses my whole life. So I said, you know what, I need to go in business for myself.”
The decision wasn’t made lightly. While working full-time, Rosemarie committed herself to two years of beauty school, all while raising her then-young son. Her dedication to this goal, despite the challenges of balancing work, school, and single parenthood, speaks to her character and determination. As she puts it simply, “Instead of making other people rich, I want to be rich.”
In a competitive industry, Rozay’s Touch Salon distinguishes itself through Rosemarie’s unique combination of skill, personality, and genuine care for each client. After completing her two-year cosmetology program, she brings technical expertise to every service, but it’s her approach to client relationships that truly makes the difference.
“What makes me different is just the love and the time that I put into each individual client that walks in through the door,” Rosemarie explains. “My personality, that just sets me aside, and the skills that I learned through going to beauty school for two years. I just want to make someone look radiant, beautiful, with the colors they want.”
This dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Rosemarie recently received recognition as one of the top five salons in the Harrisburg area, an honor that validates her commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.
Rosemarie’s connection to Harrisburg runs deep. Born in the city, she spent years moving back and forth between Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico before permanently settling in Harrisburg in 2001. The constant relocations during her childhood, while challenging, ultimately strengthened her appreciation for stability and community.
“My family is mostly from here,” she notes. “I just wanted to come back home and just be with family and friends.” This sense of community has become central to how she runs her business, with many clients becoming like extended family over the years.
When she’s not in the salon, Rosemarie enjoys following local professional sports teams in football and basketball, further cementing her connection to the region and its culture.
Rosemarie’s commitment to her community extends far beyond the salon walls. She actively participates in various charitable initiatives, including volunteering at food banks, organizing Christmas parties for children, and providing makeovers for participants in local drug and alcohol recovery programs. She’s also provided free haircuts for homeless individuals, recognizing that everyone deserves to feel good about their appearance, regardless of their circumstances.
“I just like giving back to my community, helping the homeless, and just spending time with my children,” she shares, highlighting the values that guide both her personal and professional life.
Additionally, Rosemarie joined the Leadership Area of Harrisburg program in August, participating in training sessions that will culminate in graduation in May 2026. This involvement demonstrates her ongoing commitment to professional development and community networking.
Understanding that quality salon services can represent a significant investment, Rosemarie has implemented several special offers to show appreciation for her clients. Every Wednesday, high school students receive a 10% discount, making professional hair care more accessible to younger clients building their confidence during formative years.
For clients booking premium services like hair color treatments valued at $350, complimentary add-ons such as steam conditioning treatments or eyebrow waxing are included as tokens of appreciation. These extras aren’t just marketing tactics; they reflect Rosemarie’s genuine gratitude for the loyalty and trust her clients place in her.
Clients can stay informed about monthly specials and promotions through the salon’s website email list, ensuring they never miss an opportunity to experience new services or take advantage of special offers.
While Rozay’s Touch Salon has found success in its current location, Rosemarie’s entrepreneurial vision extends far beyond a single storefront. She’s planning to return to school to obtain her teaching license, which will allow her to share her expertise with the next generation of beauty professionals.
Her most innovative plan involves developing a fleet of mobile salons, a concept that addresses a genuine need in the community. “You have a lot of parents and older folks that they can’t leave their house because of a medical reason,” Rosemarie explains. “I have parents that can’t leave their house because they don’t have a sitter to help. Showing up in front of their house would be more comfortable for them.”
Within five years, she envisions operating mobile salons across multiple states, bringing professional beauty services directly to clients who need them most. This model would not only expand her business reach but also create opportunities for other beauty professionals to run their own mobile units under the Rozay’s Touch brand.
Despite her ambitious professional goals, family remains Rosemarie’s priority. She’s married and raising two sons with a significant age gap: her oldest just turned 20 in December, while her youngest is four years old. This 16-year span keeps life interesting and requires careful time management.
“I’m working in between,” she jokes about the age difference, but her ability to balance salon ownership with active motherhood demonstrates the same dedication she brings to her business.
Traveling ranks among her favorite activities, offering opportunities to explore new places with her family, particularly her youngest son, with whom she enjoys painting together. These creative moments outside the salon help maintain the artistic inspiration that fuels her work.
Rosemarie’s journey to success wasn’t without its challenges. Raised without a father figure, she learned early on to be self-reliant and resilient. Rather than letting this absence define her negatively, she chose to view it as an opportunity for growth.
“I had to learn to just survive without having that man figure in my life,” she reflects. “What made me kind of maneuver through life was just being open and having a positive mindset and placing God in my life. That pretty much built me up to be the woman that I am today.”
This positive mindset and faith-based approach to life’s challenges permeates her business philosophy, helping her navigate the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship with grace and determination.
What started as a sketch of a woman with flowing hair and a rose has blossomed into a thriving business that serves as a cornerstone of the Harrisburg beauty community. But Rozay’s Touch Salon represents something more significant than a successful business venture. It’s a testament to what’s possible when passion meets preparation, when determination overcomes obstacles, and when someone decides to invest in themselves and their community.
Whether you’re a high school student looking for an affordable style, a busy parent seeking convenient beauty services, or someone who simply wants to feel more confident and beautiful, Rozay’s Touch Salon offers a welcoming environment where individual needs are met with skill, care, and genuine warmth.
As Rosemarie continues building her business and planning for future expansion, one thing remains constant: her commitment to making every client feel special, valued, and beautiful. Because at Rozay’s Touch Salon, it’s always more than just getting your hair done.
Don’t wait to treat yourself to the salon experience that’s earning recognition as one of Harrisburg’s top five salons. Whether you’re looking for a fresh new style, vibrant color, a silk press, or simply want to feel pampered and beautiful, Rosemarie Thompson and Rozay’s Touch Salon are ready to welcome you.
Rozay’s Touch Salon
2822 Walnut St, Harrisburg, PA 17103
Phone: (717) 731-2191
Website: rosethompson.glossgenius.com
Facebook: Rozay’s Touch Salon
Instagram: @rozays_touch_salon
Yelp: Read Our Reviews
Remember to ask about the weekly high school student discount every Wednesday and inquire about complimentary services with premium bookings. Join the email list through the website to receive updates on monthly specials and new services.
Your journey to looking and feeling beautiful starts with one appointment. Experience the difference that personalized care, professional expertise, and genuine warmth can make. Because at Rozay’s Touch Salon, it’s more than just getting your hair done. It’s Rozay’s touch.
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