Michelle “Mickey” Cofino has long been a courageous figure, challenging societal norms and pioneering change.
Her commitment to providing safe, affordable and effective products and services, along with her humanitarian focus, has impacted the hardworking residents of Charlotte, North Carolina, and inspired people across the country. Michelle’s story of grassroots entrepreneurship and empathy for vulnerable communities demonstrates the importance of filling gaps in the market while remaining people-centered.
Since entering the business world, Michelle has dabbled in a variety of industries. Currently, she owns nine companies, some of which specialize in beauty and aesthetics. She also owns a scrap recycling company, cannabis licenses in multiple states, and a budding beverage company. In all of her entrepreneurial endeavors, Michelle has prioritized community involvement through philanthropy, equal employment opportunity, and more. At Queen City Metals, one of Charlotte’s largest scrap and secondary metal recycling centers, Michelle gives tax benefits to consumers while also helping those released from incarceration reintegrate into society. Some of their stories are shared in an inspiring video in which the founders and staff of Queen City Metals talk about their Second Chance Program. The Second Chance Program is designed to give inmates the opportunity to gain skills certification and give them a chance to rebuild their lives.
Michelle’s latest company, Reenergize, offers natural hydration drinks without sugar or caffeine.
Inform consumers about the risks of harmful chemicals in various hydration drinks and offer holistic choices that support overall health.
What really proves the product’s credibility is its partnership with UCLA, whose athletes are rigorously evaluated based on their health and wellness outcomes.
Longevity and vitality.
Michelle never expected to become a business owner growing up, and she certainly didn’t expect to become a serial entrepreneur.
Michelle has contributed to her community while being financially successful, despite lacking many resources that other entrepreneurs have. Michelle’s family struggled financially, but she learned from these tough lessons to work hard. Many are surprised to learn that Michelle built her company while being a single mother of triplets. Balancing work and life can be difficult, especially when you’re the sole breadwinner. But Michelle was determined to provide for her children. At first, that meant getting certified as a cosmetologist and esthetician, and later studying other disciplines such as kinesthesia and massage therapy. Now, she works with the most respected institutions to release innovative products and services.
Michelle has received numerous awards for her work on the national stage. She has been recognized as an All-American Small Business Owner and as a Woman Entrepreneur in a Male Dominated Industry. Michelle has even written a book on the subject, “From Stilettos to Steel Toes: Stepping into a Man’s World.”
And she hopes to inspire other women and entrepreneurs who want to make a difference.
“I love helping people discover their unique talents through mentorship and community partnerships,” says Michelle. “Giving to others has enabled me to thrive, and I strongly believe that this type of generosity opens the door to immeasurable opportunities for personal and professional growth.”
M&F and its editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
