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

Charlie, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

The best boss I’ve ever had I currently have now. We have known each other for so many years and have gone through hoops of fire, struggles and triumphs together.
For a few years I left from work beside her to care for my sick dad who lived in Florida. It was heart wrenching and sad but the tough decision was made. After a year away I decided to come back to New Jersey.
Upon coming back home I decided to take my journey down a different path which lead me to become a salon owner.
Our distance grew apart. After about 7 years had past when she started noticing from a far my struggles with not wanting to be a business owner. The decline in my health. The desperation in the artist I used to be. So she reached out and we connected.
It was like we never parted.
Fast forward, she opened my eyes and path which lead me back home to Hairitage Hair Lounge, the same salon we started and she built. She has brought the flame back to my artistic and personal life. I have no headaches from dealing with people that didn’t want to grow in the industry and I have peace. Charlie Stylez was reborn

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up in a humble household where money was tight, and like many who’ve experienced that life, I learned early on how to be resourceful and appreciative of the little things. One of my earliest and most vivid memories is sitting in the kitchen watching my aunt cut hair for our family. She wasn’t a licensed stylist, but she had a gift, and even more importantly—she had heart. That tiny, makeshift salon in our home was more than just a place to get a haircut; it was where we connected, where we laughed, and where we felt cared for. That planted the seed.

From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a hairstylist—not just someone who does hair, but someone who understands it, who brings out the best in every person who sits in my chair. I worked hard, studied even harder, and every step I took in my career, I took with the goal of not only making a name for myself but also making my family proud.

There were years when I was living paycheck to paycheck, wondering if I’d ever make it out of survival mode. But I kept pushing. I said yes to every opportunity, stayed late, took classes, and eventually became a national educator—a role that allows me to pour my knowledge into other passionate stylists across the country. Today, I’m living in beautiful downtown Somerville, surrounded by creativity and growth, doing what I love every single day. It’s not lost on me how far I’ve come, and I carry that gratitude into every client appointment.

What sets me apart is more than just skill—it’s the experience I offer. My chair isn’t just a place to get styled, it’s a safe space. A place where my clients can show up exactly as they are and know they’ll be seen, heard, and celebrated. I believe deeply in the power of beauty—not just external beauty, but the kind that comes from being confident, authentic, and taken care of. I work hard to provide the best in hair, whether it’s a transformational color, a precision cut, or just a moment of peace in someone’s busy life.

What I’m most proud of isn’t the accolades, the titles, or even the financial stability I’ve earned—it’s the relationships I’ve built and the lives I’ve touched. Every time a client tells me they feel more like themselves after leaving my chair, I know I’m doing exactly what I was meant to do.

To anyone who’s just getting to know me or my work, I want you to know this: I’m here for you. This isn’t just a job—it’s my passion, my art, and my way of giving back. I see beauty in everyone, and it’s my absolute joy to help you see it too.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to educate and spread the love of beauty. Spreading awareness of the art me and the team I work with creates,
My biggest dream is to one day stand on stage and receive a “One Shot Hair Award” by Behind The Chair.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There was a time when I felt like I was pouring everything into my dream and getting almost nothing back. I had this vision—of doing work that lit me up, work that mattered—but the reality was brutal. I wasn’t making enough money. Some months, I couldn’t even cover the basics. I’d open my bank app and just stare, wondering how I was going to keep going.

I was juggling multiple jobs—early mornings, late nights. I’d work all day, come home, and then stay up learning, practicing, trying to get better. Trying to make it. People didn’t really get it. They’d smile politely when I talked about what I wanted to do, but I could feel it—the doubt, the quiet judgment. Like, “That’s not a real career,” or “You should get a real job.”

And I can’t lie—there were moments I wanted to quit. So many. It’s exhausting when you give your all and it still feels like it’s not enough. But every time I thought about walking away, I remembered why I started. I knew I had something. I just needed time. I needed to sharpen my skills, build my confidence, and keep going even when nobody was watching or clapping.

I studied, I practiced, I failed—a lot—but I kept showing up. Even when I was broke. Even when I was tired. Even when it felt like no one believed in me. Especially then.

Now, looking back, I realize those were the moments that built me. Not the wins. Not the praise. But the grind, the silence, the doubt—that’s where my strength came from.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Hairitagehairlounge.com
• Instagram: @charliestylez

Image Credits

Photos by
Dale Uborka and Jessa Colon