From leading his high school football team to becoming a notable figure in the world of cosmetology, Charles Hughes’s journey reflects a life of diverse achievements and unwavering commitment. An accomplished athlete and dedicated mentor, Hughes seamlessly transitioned from a promising baseball career to a successful venture in salon management, leaving a lasting impact on his community and profession.
Charles Hughes, a proud 1952 graduate of Sand Springs High School, was a standout athlete who captained the Sandites’ football team and excelled as an all-state left-handed pitcher in baseball. Following his high school graduation, he received a baseball scholarship to Anderson University in Indiana and later signed with the St. Louis Cardinals’ Farm Club as a pitcher. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1955, Charles continued his baseball career in Germany. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Sand Springs and began working at Hoerner Box, where he became a mentor and father figure to his younger brother Jerry and their friends, coaching baseball teams and imparting values of stewardship and commitment.
In 1960, Charles shifted careers by enrolling in Cosmetology School. After graduating, he worked at Brown-Duncan Salon before founding his own chain of salons, “Scissors.” His salon, Adam and the First Lady, gained prominence in Sand Springs during the 1970s before he established a new location on East 2nd Street. Charles also served on the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology for several years and held a State Instructors License, further establishing his legacy in the field.