Meet Chris Simon
Chris Simon is a multifaceted entrepreneur, philanthropist, and artist whose work lives at the intersection of business, culture, and community impact. From his early beginnings in Baltimore to leading and scaling nationally recognized enterprises, Chris has built a career defined by innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to creating access, opportunity, and meaningful experiences.
Raised in Baltimore and educated through the Baltimore City Public School system, Chris developed an early appreciation for discipline, creativity, and self-determination. His entrepreneurial journey began during his high school and college years at Lake Clifton High School and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where he launched his first clothing brand, CNOTE (Creating New Opportunities to Excel). What started as a campus-based venture quickly grew into a multi-location retail business, earning him the U.S. Small Business Administration Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2008.
Chris continued to build on that foundation through his academic pursuits at Morgan State University, where he earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration in Marketing and a Master’s degree in Social Work. This combination of business acumen and behavioral insight became a defining element of his leadership style, enabling him to scale ventures that are both profitable and purpose-driven.
In 2008, Chris founded BTST Mentoring Services, which evolved into BTST Services, a CARF-accredited, full-service mental health organization serving children and adults. Under his leadership, BTST expanded across multiple states and was successfully acquired by Webster Equity Partners in 2023. Chris continues to serve as CEO, driving national growth through strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and the advancement of integrated care models.
His commitment to community impact extends through BTST Cares Inc., a nonprofit focused on advancing health equity and access to resources in underserved communities. Through initiatives like after-school programming and his signature fundraising event, CREAM, Chris has helped raise and direct funding toward programs that introduce youth to opportunities in coding, robotics, and golf.
As the CEO of Simon Enterprises, Chris leads a diverse portfolio of companies spanning hospitality, beauty, and strategic investments. His ventures include the acclaimed BLK Swan and the Selfish Beauty brand, co-founded with his wife, Janeen Simon, building platforms that merge culture, experience, and community.
In addition to being a proven business leader, Chris is an accomplished creative. He has been featured at Art Basel in 2025 and debuted his first solo exhibition at the Baltimore Museum of Art in 2026, further establishing his presence in the contemporary art space. Extending this creative lens, he also serves as the Executive Producer of The •ish Podcast, a women-centered platform designed to amplify the voices, stories, and success of women through content, conversation, and live experiences.
Highly regarded for his leadership and impact, Chris holds several board seats and has received numerous awards and recognitions, including features in Forbes. At his core, he remains grounded in what matters most, being a devoted husband, father, and builder of legacy, committed to creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation.