We were lucky to catch up with Charlie Edward Golden Jr recently and have shared our conversation below.

Charlie Edward , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

I gained my first clientele through my work, it has been my finest advertisement. If you put your best foot forward, your work will market itself. For me, when a potential client has te opportunity to see the beauty of our work, it prompts them to contact us.

Since reentering society, I’ve felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Reflecting on my journey, earning my first dollar after eight long years was incredibly significant to me. For too long, I was limited to just 54 cents per hour, which felt like a constant reminder of my circumstances. However, I decided to take matters into my own hands by bidding on my own jobs, aiming to secure a better income. When I finally earned that first dollar, it felt like a monumental achievement. It represented my newfound independence and my commitment to supporting my family. This moment has truly motivated me to create a better life for myself and my loved ones.

Charlie Edward , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a landscaper by trade, I also specialize in remodeling houses. I’m proud to be a Pontiac Business Institute Certified Professional in Interior and Exterior Renovation, as well as Building Maintenance. From running a landscaping school to offering a nail academy and certification workshops in natural hair and braiding, my journey has been diverse. I also hold a certification in commercial cleaning from the Pontiac Business Institute, and we offer at the Golden Institute a Mentorship and Apprenticeship Program.

My skills began to develop at the young age of five, when I’d follow my father around and assist him, absorbing every detail of my craft and learning the subtleties that set me apart from others. I firmly believe in meeting the need at thd need and extending a hand up, rather than a handout.

Additionally, my love for cutting hair stems from my mother, who was a licensed cosmetologist. Growing up in a beauty-focused environment inspired me to pursue becoming a licensed barber and to dream of opening my own school.

My ultimate goal is to ensure that my children and grandchildren grow up in financial prosperity.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

My grandfather, China Golden, always emphasized the importance of treating others as I would like to be treated myself. He taught me the principle of doing unto others what I would want them to do for me. He believed that loving one’s neighbor as oneself reflects the essence of all of God’s commandments.

While I understand that not everyone will treat me perfectly, what truly matters is my response to their actions. If I allow others’ behavior to dictate my own, I’ve already lost the battle—after all, vengeance belongs to the LORD! Those who receive much are expected to give much in return.

I remind myself to never let others see me sweat and to lean not on my own understanding, trusting that God Almighty will guide me through any situation. I believe that God wouldn’t place more on me than I can bear. Romans 8:28 reminds me that even when it seems like things aren’t going my way, I’ve learned to trust the process and the Hand of God, watching Him work in my life. I realize that faith without works is dead, but I also know that without faith, it is impossible to please God!

Have you ever had to pivot?

Standing before you today as the man I am has come after navigating a tumultuous journey filled with trials and tribulations, ups and downs, and many hills and valleys. I served 8 years in prison from 1998 to 2006, which was just the beginning of my challenges. After that, I went through a painful divorce, lost my home and my family, and experienced the heartbreak of losing a couple of cars, ultimately ending up homeless.

At one point, I was in the process of buying another house, which I fully rehabbed, investing around $60,000 into improvements. Unfortunately, when the sellers saw the changes I had made, they changed their minds about the sale, leaving me to take a significant loss. There were times when I worked just to cover the costs of my Nail Academy, leaving me with no extra money for anything else. But I always found solace in my faith, knowing that God Almighty always came through for me—won’t He?

Glory to God, I feel like I’ve lived through hell on earth for those eight years, and now I stand as a witness to the youth about the mistakes I made. I strive to be an upright example in my actions and deeds, hoping to guide them away from falling victim to the same system I once did. We all make mistakes—who hasn’t? But when we learn from those mistakes, they transform into valuable lessons. My mantra is simple: Live, Learn, and Grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/GoldenInstituteMemphis
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itstrue_itsgolden

Image Credits

Photos Courtesy of Golden Institute