Today we’d like to introduce you to Jori Moroni.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jori. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
10 Years ago I started working as a stylist for a small Aveda salon In Glen Ellyn.
Throughout my time there, I have been exposed to many sides of the salon industry. I was asked to become a traveling educator for Aveda, which lead me to meet so many amazing people from all over the country. During that time, I got the opportunity to work on a show that was strictly men’s hair. I found myself loving that new modern men’s styles and traits were coming back from past eras.
For so long we have had old school barber shops and luxury salons, but not a place devoted to the grooming of a modern man. I felt like there could be a place where men could get the pampering that luxury salons give in an atmosphere devoted to men. My business partner, Dana Reese, and I were at an Aveda show when Aveda rolled out this men’s concept that I had imagined in my head so many times. We were sold instantly!
This was something that we really wanted to create. We started asking around and found that the men in our lives loved the idea of a place that they could go and get a good haircut, a shave, a shoe shine, and a cocktail. A few talked about the nostalgia of this being something that they used to watch their dad or grandfather do, which was exactly what we hoped.
So, Oak & Steel started to come to life. We opened our doors June of 2017 as a 5 chair Aveda Grooming Center offering haircuts, beard details, shaves, facial refresh, shoe shines, and cocktails at our bar lounge upstairs. We also offer a yearly membership that includes unlimited visits with services and cocktails of your choice.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We did a complete build-out of our shop, which always comes with its list of setbacks. After much delay though, we did get through it and love our space.
Oak & Steel – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
One thing that we feel sets us apart with our staff is education. We put all of our staff through extensive training before they start taking clients and we do continuing ed as much as possible. We look for people that are very passionate about what they do and how they want their career to look.
We love being able to take them to shows and classes to keep them inspired. We also have been very fortunate to be a part of a company called The Grooming Collective. The Grooming Collective consists of a handful of shops across the country full of amazing barbers and cosmetologists that are constant mentors to each other.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
There are a few. One is being asked to head our education department at the salon, which means helping train all of the stylists from after Cosmetology school until they are ready for a full-time chair. It’s such a humbling feeling knowing that people want to learn from you and that you can inspire others.
There is nothing better than seeing a “light bulb” go off in a student understanding a topic and watching the fire of creativity that comes from it. The second is opening a business that we built. To watch something go from a completely stripped out building to a fully functioning men’s grooming center is a pretty incredible feeling. I literally have to pinch myself sometimes!
Pricing:
- Signature Grooming Cut $40.00
- Beard Detail $25
- Straight Razor Shave $40
- O & S Elite Membership $1500
Contact Info:
- Address: 480 North Main Street Glen Ellyn, Il 60137
- Website: www.oakandsteelmen.com
- Phone: 630-474-0705
- Email: oakandsteelmen@gmail.com
- Instagram: oakandsteel_men
- Facebook: Oak & Steel
Image Credit:
Roger Chavez @roger_onmyourmarx
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
