E. F. Young Jr.

[1][6] In 1927, after graduating from the Haven Institute in Meridian, Mississippi, Young set out to establish a business career.

Barbers had connections in the upper classes of both the white and black communities, as men used their services extensively before razors and electric shavers were widely available.

Upon graduation, Young began working full-time as a barber to support his new wife, Velma, and growing family.

They had three children: As a barber, Young realized that his African-American clients needed hair care products designed for them.

At a time when African Americans were legally excluded from white facilities by Jim Crow laws of segregation, it provided good quarters for black travelers.

[5] Charles Young, Sr. also entered politics, serving as a representative from Meridian in the state legislature from 1981 to his death.