Meet The 16-Year-Old Wigmaker Giving Back To Kids With Cancer

Sixteen-year-old Trenton Lee has already made his name making luxurious wigs for various celebrities from actress Tichina Arnold, Cardi B, and Blac Chyna. His notable reputation making his signature wig designs led him to create his own hair company, Luxe by Trenton. Now the teen entrepreneur wants to give back to those less fortunate by helping put a smile on children suffering from hair loss due to medical reasons.

Lee has partnered with nonprofit organization Ronald McDonald House Charities to help create custom wigs for sick children with different ailments that can cause hair loss. He is also working with the organization to build a children’s salon in his hometown of Kansas City. Lee says given his success with his hair company, it was important for him to pay it forward and help those within his community.

“I had a conversation with my mother and told her that I wanted to be able to do something for my community,” Lee tells Essence. “While making custom wig units for high profile celebrities is fun and exciting, my real passion lies in helping those who have cancer and lost their hair and working with them to restore their sense of dignity, pride, and self-esteem.”

“This all started because I was being bullied for being different,” he added. “I want to expand my business so that I can provide resources to help others who may be experiencing bullying because they look, act, and think differently. So the [pandemic] set back is not stopping any of the projects — I am still designing wigs for clients and [still] finding ways to continue to be inspired!”