The Art of Grooming: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Charlie McCoy Oyekwe

New York city master barber entrepreneur Charlie McCoy Oyekwe on being successfully groomed in 2023

Charlie McCoy Oyekwe, known professionally as Charlie McCoy, is a 39-year-old business owner, investor, philanthropist, and author based in New York City. Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Charlie's background includes 20 years of experience in the men's grooming industry as a Master Barber. He spent a decade working for the global non-profit Watchtower at Bethel Headquarters barber shops before being recruited by parent company L’Oréal USA, where he served as a brand ambassador for Kiehl’s Since 1851 barbershops for five years.

Charlie's journey as an entrepreneur began after acquiring a Babson business education through Goldman Sachs 10KSB. He is the founder and CEO of Artisan Luxury Brands, a media company and creative agency based in New York City. He also owns the brand "Artisan Barber" which has a flagship location in Manhattan, and is the president and founder of The Grooming Alchemist Foundation, a non-profit that aims to improve the mental health, wellness, and grooming of at-risk youth and former high-control group members, also known as cult survivors.

Charlie has spent 20 years in the men's grooming industry, starting out as an expert Master Barber. He worked for 10 years at the global non-profit Watchtower at Bethel Headquarters barber shops, before being recruited by L’Oréal USA to be a brand ambassador for Kiehl’s Since 1851 barbershops. 

With this experience under his belt, Charlie decided to branch out on his own and founded his own company, Artisan Luxury Brands, a media company and creative agency based in New York City. He also owns the brand "Artisan Barber," which has a flagship location in Manhattan. His latest venture is the Grooming Alchemist Foundation, a non-profit that is focused on improving the mental health, wellness, and grooming of at-risk youth and former high-control group members, also known as cult survivors.

Charlie is a true inspiration for young entrepreneurs, showing that with hard work, dedication, and the right mindset, anyone can overcome their struggles and achieve success in their chosen field. He is a master of the art of grooming, both in the literal sense as a Master Barber, and in the metaphorical sense sense as a businessman and philanthropist. He is a true example of how one can take their experiences and turn them into something positive and meaningful, not just for themselves, but for others as well.

Charlie's unique style, both in his business and personal life, sets him apart from the crowd. From collecting vintage 1980's Rolex and Audemars Piguet watches, to designing his barbershop with a retro vibe featuring mid-century furnishings, Charlie's attention to detail is evident in all aspects of his life. He takes pride in being a master of his craft, and his dedication and passion are evident in the success of his businesses and his charity.

This passion for mental health advocacy stems from Charlie's own struggles with suicidal thoughts, depression, and PTSD after leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses. He works tirelessly to support cult survivors and at-risk youth, offering programs, haircuts, supplies, and mentorship to these underserved communities.