ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Roller-skating's revival continues to roll in Rochester. A former roller derby skater turned entrepreneur opened up a new skate shop on Howell Street in Rochester.

Bettie Pain went from not knowing how to change the bearings on her own skates to making custom roller skates from any shoe, sneaker and even high heels.

What You Need To Know

  • The Bruised Brigade is located at 85 Howell St. in Rochester

  • Bettie Pain and her staff make custom roller skates, repair and refurbish skates

  • Skate classes and community skates are scheduled every week

“I am actually certified by Rydell and Chaya," said Bettie Pain. "When I am skating in a park I want to feel my toes, I want feel the balls of my foot and my ankles. I want to know that when I land I know exactly where my wheels are going or I’m going to roll an ankle. So, I learned how to do the mounts and how to do a derby mount, straight mount and flat mount. There are so many different ways of mounting skates.”

She is so good at what she does and yes, she is full of style with the personality to match that Krudco’s Aaron Costa helped turn his former Krudco headquarters at Howell Street at Monroe Avenue into the Bruised Brigade.

“Aaron has 100% changed my life and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him,” said Pain. “Bruised Brigade would not exist without Aaron and Scott Tyx. Scott is my business partner and he 100% stood behind me in this as well.”

Pain, who is four years sober, says park skating is where she feels herself.

"When I was drinking I made a couple of mistakes. I actually went to prison," she said. "Aaron took a chance on me knowing my history and I came here."

Pain and her staff work in roller skates of course. They are all about teaching people how to skate safely. She has skate classes every Monday and community rollouts once a week.

“We want all wheels rolling," said Pain. "It is to show unity in the community. So we have skateboards, roller skates, in line, scooters and bikes. I don’t care what you are on, just come. So that this way when you go to the skate park you have a little bit more unity and it is not as scary and you know people."

Whether it’s your first time on skates or your first time in a long time, Bettie Pain and the Bruised Brigade can get you rolling safely in style and comfort.

The Bruised Brigade is located at 85 Howell St., Rochester. It is open Wednesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 12 to 5 p.m. and Monday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.