Mental Health + Youth Outreach & Community + Lifestyle Entrepreneur

ABOUT CHARLIE (he/him)

Charlie McCoy Oyekwe is mental health advocate, lifestyle entrepreneur, and men's grooming expert with over 20 years of barber industry experience. He spent 5 years working with the L'Oreal USA parent company Kiehl's, has a Babson education, and is the CEO of Artisan Luxury Brands. He's founded 5 successful companies and leads a diverse team of creatives worldwide.

Charlie's journey of personal struggle, PTSD, and leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses is central to his passion for mental health advocacy. Through TGA, he works to support cult survivors, underrepresented youth, and men's mental wellness by offering programming and mentorship to these overlooked communities.

CHARLIE CAN SPEAK TO:

• His mental health journey — particularly after leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses, struggling with loss, and PTSD
• The power of community, and how his work as a master barber inspired the founding of The Grooming Alchemist — an non-profit dedicated to advocating for mental health & wellness
• The distinct need for mentors of color, and how he works to cultivate these relationships with underserved youth.
• His journey founding the following companies & organizations:
  • THE GROOMING ALCHEMIST by Artisan Barber is a men's lifestyle community that centers mental wellness, with a focus on cult survivors and underrepresented youth. This is accomplished through programs that offer access to successful members of color, from various backgrounds and industries. TGA also offers workshops to teach high-level skills and provide resources to these underserved and overlooked communities with the goal of overcoming generational trauma.
  • ARTISAN BARBER is a premium barber shop located in the Upper East Side that specializes in men’s haircare. The shop employs skilled master barbers that are proficient at working with all hair textures and different style cuts and trims. Artisan Barber also has its own product line for at-home hair and beard care and creates tutorials and articles to provide tips for any at home procedures.
  • ARTISAN LUXURY BRANDS (est: 2020) is a creative agency for multicultural lifestyle brands.

NEWS & UPDATES

• October 15 — Harry's x Artisan Barber ~ Friends & Family Collaboration.
• November 2021 — TGA by Artisan Barber ~ Youth Outreach Month. Charlie will host day trips for students in the south Bronx, providing curated programming and mentorship to introduce them to fellow leaders of color.

LINKS:

Websites

• Artisan Luxury Brands
• The Grooming Alchemist
• Artisan Barber

Instagram

• Charlie McCoy
• Artisan Barber

Youtube

• The Grooming Alchemist
• Artisan Luxury Brands

For press inquiries, please reach out to Taylor at [email protected].