As I walked across the parking lot at Zen Motosports in Oldsmar, Florida, I am greeted by a pretty, young blonde who introduces herself as Krystal McCoy. She is carrying an orange bucket of tools and is headed for a set of giant garage doors. The smile on her face is contagious, as she enters to see a brand-new 2014 Porsche 911. “This is why I love my job,” she exclaims. “I get to transform these beautiful cars into one of a kind pieces… even the smallest changes can give the car such attitude,” said McCoy.

  The car really was incredible, bright, shiny yellow with black interior and only 120 miles on it.

  “Time to get to work,” she rubs her hands together and picks up a blowtorch, her pre cut vinyl, and a razor blade.

  I asked the 22-year-old entrepreneur what exactly her company does, “If you have ever seen an advertisement on the side of a car or even on the side of a McDonald’s semi-truck, that is essentially what we do or started doing, the business has really evolved moving from a marketing business to a business that focuses on custom cars; providing a unique color for those who want a little extra. All in all, it’s a vinyl sticker that is applied over the paint of a vehicle. This is a skill that takes lots of practice, a superior eye and patience.” McCoy explained.

  McCoy is an inspiration, and, at 22, she has accomplished more than many busienss owners that are twice her age. She is running a business completely on her own, working 60 hours a week, and is an advocate, speaking out about cancer and setting up funds and donations for charities all around the greater Tampa area.

  I watch as she carefully pulls the backing off the vinyl, uses the blowtorch to heat the material, then stretches it over the grooves on the car while using a squeegee and her fingers to make sure it is seamless.

  McCoy shared how she got into the car wrapping business. “I had a friend who needed help one day, and I just so happened to need a little extra cash. He needed someone to help hold the material and clean up. I watched him for a while and figured I would give it a try. The rest is history!” said McCoy.

  Even with her busy schedule, McCoy still finds time to dedicate to the American Cancer Society. After losing her mother to lung cancer in 2009, she has made it a priority to give back to the community in as many ways possible, even creating a Custom Cars Cures Cancer movement that has been spreading awareness all over the Tampa and St. Petersburg areas.

  McCoy is motivated and the future of Candy Wraps looks appealing.