FLINT, MI — Every novel needs a story. This is the story of a Black, queer man moving through life and not settling for anything less than what he thinks he deserves. Joseph Pettigrew is a Flint native and on the verge of graduating from Eastern Michigan University.
He currently works in the health field, which is ultimately one of the driving forces behind his passion for mental health advocacy. He also speaks out against gun violence and works with others in the community to organize awareness campaigns.
Speaking with Pettigrew, there were moments of silence between conversations, but ironically, they weren’t awkward or loud. Instead, they were informative and compelling. We talked about entrepreneurship, men’s mental health advocacy, and the land of limitless opportunity: the future.
Pettigrew founded a skin care business, Emmanuel Skin Care LLC, in 2022. His products include face serums, lip scrubs, face scrubs, and body scrubs. After a strong social media presence and a sold-out pop-up shop event, his products became so popular that things were going well for Pettigrew.
Soon after, like many other small businesses, the world’s response to COVID-19 led to a major shift in his vision for his business. Flintside caught up with Pettigrew to talk about men’s mental health and how he turned what seemed like a dead end into a detour.
“A lot of men, or maybe some men, think that taking care of yourself is feminine, and I wanted to challenge that stereotype and that misconception,” says Joseph Pettigrew. FlintsideWhere does your passion for men’s mental health come from?
Joseph Pettigrew“What I want men to know is [that] It’s safe to talk about things. We tend to keep things to ourselves and feel like we can handle it all on our own. [there] The connection between violence and mental health. That’s what prompted me to take the next step. [in my advocacy to create spaces] And it allows men in general to feel free to be their most authentic selves without worrying about what other people think.”
Flintside: Tell us about the founding of Emmanuel Skincare.
J. Pettigrew: “This idea [when] I wanted to create my own cologne. There were very few men in the industry. It was dominated by women, and I felt that men needed to be more confident or open about taking more care of their bodies. So I started the conversation by talking about skin care and getting tested early for cancer and high blood pressure. A lot of men, or some men, think that taking care of yourself is a feminine thing. I wanted to challenge that stereotype and that misconception.”
Flintside: What challenges did you face with your skincare line?
J. Pettigrew“The challenge I face is connecting with an audience. In my opinion, in the city, it’s hard to make that connection. It feels like only a select few are interested.” [Lately, I’ve been thinking]should it be postponed or should it be fully online? [my skincare products] Should I go somewhere else or move again?”
“I’m just at peace. I’m not trying to prove myself to anyone,” Pettigrew explained on July 5, 2024.Flintside: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
J. Pettigrew“I would like to travel the world over the next two to ten years and explore various policy issues. [gatherings]I want to have one or two kids. I don’t know if I want to get married, but I want to be in a solid relationship with someone. I want to have my own business with a storefront. I want to be able to take care of my family. I want to travel with friends if possible, find new friends and business partners, network. And I want to own a home. Those are the basics.”
Flintside: Where are you mentally?
J. Pettigrew“I’m not in a position in life where I have to work hard and get my name out there, because that’s not really what I want to do. I want to be able to help people, you know what I mean? I try to be authentic and do things with a purpose.”
Emmanuel Skincare was founded in 2022 and offers face serums, lip scrubs, face scrubs and body scrubs.
Flintside: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
J. Pettigrew“I like to exercise. I read a lot. In fact, I’m reading a book about men’s mental health at the moment. I do yoga at home and spend time with family and friends. I try to eat healthy and go to bed at a reasonable time. I make sure to check in on myself often.”
Flintside: What other organizations or projects are you or have you been a part of and what inspired you to get involved?
J. Pettigrew“I was a Black Millennials Leaders Ambassador for Flint. I’m passionate about anything to do with environmental justice and public health. The field of public health is very broad, but I’m passionate about anything to do with public mental health, sexual health environments, and so on!”
Pettigrew I am getting ready to relaunch Emmanuel Skincare after I graduate next year. I plan to launch a clothing line along with my skincare products. Follow me! Facebook and Instagram To support and connect.
