We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Codi Ellis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Codi, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
rowing up, I was the kid who struggled with social interactions—labeled the “wild child” and often ostracized by my peers. Despite being really intelligent, teachers had a hard time keeping my attention, and I felt both unchallenged and unfulfilled. In third grade, one teacher saw beyond that and suggested my mom get me tested for the gifted program, as well as for ADHD. I’m forever grateful to that teacher because, after months of fighting the school for an evaluation, I was not only diagnosed with ADHD but also found to have the highest IQ in the county at that time.
Unfortunately, this diagnosis came during what people now call the “Adderall Epidemic.” The information back then was male-centric and pretty limited. Medication was the only option, with no other support or therapy offered besides a quick check-in every three months to make sure the meds weren’t making me worse. Even with the meds, I still struggled mentally and socially, which eventually led to depression. I was a gifted kid who had the potential to excel but wasn’t given the tools to manage ADHD, and I was still held to high expectations.
Things got worse at 16 when my dad passed away. His death pushed me deeper into depression, and I didn’t have family support to cope with my grief. Around this time, I also stopped taking my meds because of pressure from peers who wanted them for themselves. That choice led to extreme anxiety, self-harm, and several suicide attempts by the time I was in college. Sadly, my family didn’t understand. They treated my mental health struggles as manipulation tactics rather than real issues.
At one point, they even tried to stage an “intervention,” threatening to have me institutionalized. That’s when I realized I couldn’t rely on them for love or support. Thankfully, I had been seeing a therapist both at school and back home, and they reassured me I didn’t need intensive treatment and wouldn’t be admitted against my will. This gave me the strength to distance myself from my family and start my own mental health journey.
Looking back now, after years of therapy and life experience, I’ve learned how ADHD affects me. I discovered that untreated ADHD can lead to severe anxiety and depression, and while treatment helps manage those symptoms, it doesn’t fix the internalized shame, burnout, or self-hatred from years of unrealistic expectations. Healing that took intense therapy, including modalities like EMDR, to rewire my brain and give me the tools I needed to extend grace to myself. Now, I’m lucky to be surrounded by people who understand and give me that same grace.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
the owner and founder of Chromatic Fox, an alternative esthetics studio in Charleston, SC, where we break away from traditional beauty norms. My studio focuses on creative color lash extensions, gender-affirming beauty services, and body waxing. What I love most about my work is creating a safe, inclusive space for people who, like me, never felt like they fit the standard beauty mold. My clients know they can come to Chromatic Fox and feel celebrated, not judged. Over the last couple of years, we’ve been honored with the Best of Charleston award for Lash Salon in both 2023 and 2024, and I also took first place in a national creative lash competition. These accomplishments are a testament to the unique community we’ve built.
Outside the studio, I’m deeply involved with a local nonprofit, Charleston’s Absent Friends (CAF). As the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity, I help ensure that our organization continues to foster a welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community, minorities, and anyone who’s ever felt “different.” We focus on creating a safe environment through art and comedy, primarily through our monthly Rocky Horror Picture Show shadowcast performances. This has been such a rewarding experience, and it feels incredible to be part of a troupe that’s been performing since 2002 and is the only nonprofit shadowcast in Charleston. Recently, we’ve expanded our repertoire to include The Princess Bride, and we’re always brainstorming new ideas for what’s next.
On top of all that, I’ve also started a new chapter—teaching part-time at a local esthetics school. After years of people telling me I’d be a great teacher, I finally took the plunge. Now I’m teaching core theory to the next generation of estheticians. My own experience in esthetics school wasn’t the best, so it’s important to me that my students feel supported and have a much better time than I did. It’s exciting to pass along the knowledge I’ve gained and hopefully inspire these future professionals to embrace their individuality, just like I did with Chromatic Fox.
Between the studio, the nonprofit, and now teaching, I’m busier than ever, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m passionate about everything I do, and I’m grateful to have found a way to merge my love for creativity, community, and education into my career.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have had the most impact on my journey are resilience, empathy, and a willingness to learn. Each has shaped the way I approach not only my business but also my relationships and personal growth.
Resilience has been key. From dealing with family struggles, losing my father at a young age, surviving an abusive marriage, and starting my own business during a pandemic, I’ve had to push through a lot. It’s not just about surviving tough times—it’s about bouncing back and using those challenges to fuel your growth. My advice for building resilience is to find your support system, whether it’s friends, mentors, or even a therapist, and lean on them when times get tough. Learn to trust yourself, even when it feels impossible, and remind yourself that setbacks are part of the process.
Empathy has also been essential. In my line of work, I’m often dealing with clients at their most vulnerable moments—whether they’re going through personal struggles or even just feeling insecure about their appearance. Being able to genuinely connect with people and make them feel seen and cared for has helped me build strong, lasting relationships with my clients. For anyone looking to develop more empathy, I’d say start by listening more than you talk. Try to understand the experiences and feelings of others without judgment. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
Lastly, a willingness to learn has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of both life and business. When I first started Chromatic Fox, I had no idea what I was doing half the time. But instead of being paralyzed by fear, I embraced the process. Whether it’s learning the latest beauty techniques or understanding the financial side of running a business, being open to new knowledge and growth has been vital. My advice here is simple—never stop learning. Whether it’s reading, taking courses, or learning from others in your industry, stay curious and never assume you know it all.
For anyone just starting out, focus on building those qualities in yourself. Be resilient in the face of challenges, empathetic in your relationships, and always open to learning. If you can do that, you’ll be much better prepared for the rollercoaster ride that is running your own business or carving your own path.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always looking to collaborate with local alternative creatives, beauty professionals, musicians, and influencers who share a passion for inclusivity and creativity, especially within the punk, goth, and alternative scenes. Whether you’re an artist looking to push boundaries in beauty, a musician who embraces individuality, or an influencer championing self-expression and alternative culture, I’d love to hear from you. My studio, Chromatic Fox, is all about breaking beauty norms and fostering a safe, creative space for everyone—especially those who’ve felt “different” or left out of mainstream spaces.
I’m especially interested in partnering on projects that align with that ethos—whether it’s photo shoots, creative collaborations, events, or workshops. I’m also involved with Charleston’s Absent Friends as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity. If you’re into performance art or theater and want to get involved with a nonprofit supporting the LGBTQIA+ and minority communities through art and comedy, we’d love to connect.
If you’re interested in working together, whether it’s for a creative beauty project or something bigger like an event, you can reach me on Instagram @ChromaticFoxStudio, or email me at [email protected]. Let’s create something that challenges the norm and celebrates the unique!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Chromaticfoxstudio.com
- Instagram: Chromaticfoxstudio
- Other: https://Charlestonsabsentfriends.org
Image Credits
Allison Wilder
Andre Hinds
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