THE MAN
ELGIN CHARLES, known the world over as the “Emperor of Hair”, has been the proprietor of his upscale beauty salon in the heart of Beverly Hills for more than 25 years. The San Antonio, TX native can best be described as a scholar and creative genius; due in part to rearing from both his father, a biochemist, and his mother, an award-winning blues singer. Never one to rest on his laurels, Elgin decided to walk away from a highly successful career in finance at Smith Barney in his early 20s, in pursuit of his passion – hair! 
His innovative styles and techniques have generated widespread adulation. His client roster has included: Lala Anthony, The Kardashians, Joan Collins, Diahann Carroll, Drew Barrymore, Serena Williams, Gabrielle Union, Joy Behar, Estelle, Verdine White, Star Jones, Natalie Cole, Tia & Tamera Mowry, Baroness Monica von Neumann, and countless other notables. With a background in biology and chemistry from St. Mary’s University, Elgin has developed his own signature line of luxury hair care products that fosters the needs of those with varying styles and types of hair. His principles for attaining one's beauty and life goals can be found in his top-selling book, Believe It, Conceive It, Achieve It.
Now sitting atop the tonsorial heap, Mr. Charles continues to expand upon his globally recognized brand. Additional salon locations, a school of cosmetology, and an expanded product line are all in the works. Elgin Charles is an undeniable force and an icon in the multi-billion dollar beauty industry, with his sights now set on conquering the literary world. A uniquely triumphant and candidly unnerving read, his second book, By The Way, serves a completely raw depiction of a life lived fearlessly and out loud, despite the odds and the spiritual warfare raging within.
Elgin and his ex-wife, television icon Jackée Harry, have a son together, Frank; a graduate of Beverly Hills High and an aspiring professional boxer. In addition to family, Elgin, a known philanthropist, is giving of his time and resources to a number of causes; chiefly, United Way, United Negro College Fund, Women's International Center, and Daughter's Of Power.
Elgin is also a very giving performer, with his talents venturing far beyond the beauty industry. He has made appearances in Chris Rock’s critically-acclaimed documentary Good Hair, the Style Network’s Split Ends, countless talk shows, including Oprah, The View, The Talk, and Wendy Williams, and has even starred in his own top-rated VH1 docuseries, Beverly Hills Fabulous.
If ever there were a person who represented both diversity and an exceptional business acumen, it would be Elgin Charles. In knowing this, Mr. Charles felt inclined to embark upon a mission that allows him to serve as a vessel for others to achieve greatness. He founded DIBS, the Diversity In Business Summit, solely for that reason. The annual event seeks to strengthen the presence of diversity and inclusion across all industries, end discrimination against underrepresented individuals in the workplace, and identify clearer paths to equal opportunities for all.