Mental health conditions have always been an overlooked or neglected topic because of the stigma attached to them. Thanks to the many active mental health advocates around the world, things have started to change. Issues that were swept under the carpet are not only getting the right focus but are also now being addressed. Charlie McCoy, an accomplished serial entrepreneur, investor, and author, became a strong voice advocating for mental health issues and risk-youth and adults across the U.S. He is the founder of multiple successful six-figure ventures and a non-profit dedicated to enriching the lives of millions through mental and emotional support.

Charlie Mccoy was raised in the Northside of Oklahoma City in a community called Chisolm Creek. As the neighborhood was infested with crime and violence, it took a toll on Charlie’s mental health during his school days. Later, his association with a high-control group eventually led to PTSD. He had to undergo therapy for several years to unpack his past and focus on his present to become the successful person he is today. It was not easy for him to pivot his life positively, so he understands more than anyone else how badly children who struggle with mental health conditions need help.

At 20, Charlie made the wise decision to move to New York, which changed his life forever. He started his career volunteering at Watchtower Headquarters for 6 years. He was then recruited by the world-renowned personal care brand L’Oréal and Kiehl’s. For about 5 years, Charlie was a master barber at these brands until he decided to embark on his entrepreneurial journey. Charlie launched and successfully scaled two barbershops in Manhattan. He currently owns a luxury barbershop at 331 East 81st, NY 10028.

Besides being a leader in the grooming industry, Charlie also owns six successful companies that he scaled from scratch. His businesses are spread across brick-and-mortar stores as well as in the e-commerce space. He also owns and operates many global portfolios of brands. His accomplishments earned him the prestigious membership with the Black Economic Alliance and the Black Government Contracting Club; both organizations support the economic empowerment of the African American community.

As art, literature, and travel have helped him find solace and repair his mental health, he wanted to spread the same positivity to others fighting to overcome their mental health conditions. To achieve this feat, Charlie founded Artisan Luxury Brands, a CPG parent company and creative agency based in New York City. Through this company, he will be publishing a book titled Shunned, which is due out on July 15th this year.

To take his initiative of advocating for mental health conditions further, Charlie founded The Grooming Alchemist (TGA). It is a non-profit dedicated to improving the mental health, wellness, and grooming of at-risk youth and former high-control group members or cult survivors. Through TGA, Charlie offers programming and mentorship to overlooked communities and organizes fundraisers and events. The non-profit will also reach more than 300 middle school and high school students in District 9 in the South Bronx, cutting their hair and talking to them about their dreams for the future.

Charlie shares his story of overcoming mental health issues to become a successful entrepreneur, investor, and author to inspire others. His holistic approach to treating mental health issues doesn’t start with comforting people but focusing on the root cause. Charlie McCoy plans to scale up his businesses in the coming year while also transforming lives as an advocate for mental and emotional health.