Today we’d like to introduce you to Silvio Mato.
Silvio, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to Chicago from Italy at the age of 19, originally born in Albania. My mother is a hair stylist, so I grew up around hair salons. But I never thought I would be a hairdresser, until one day my mother, Valentina, asked me what am I doing with my life!!! She recommended that I go to beauty school, because she could really see me doing this for a living.
I did go to beauty school, and after that I trained and worked with Vidal Sassoon. I quickly became a Top Colorist, and even taught classes on stage at the American Beauty Show at McCormick Place. After working for Sassoon for 3 years, I gained the experience I needed to open my own salon.
On October 31st of 2013 I opened Ricci Kapricci Salon. In Italian Ricci Kapricci means rich curly hair, meaning curly hair has a mind of its own and is difficult, which is my specialty. I like to work with picky, particular clients, in my eyes if I can make a picky client happy, I can make anyone happy.
I like to work outside the box and be creative. I have no prior business experience and English is my 3rd language, needless to say it has taken a lot of hard work. It will take more than that to scare me. I’m always striving to be better and better each day.
My business has grown exponentially in the past two years which prompted a move to a larger space in a more populated neighborhood. This October 31st we will celebrate our 5th anniversary and words can not describe the pride I feel.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been said “nothing worth having comes easy”. I think we can all agree there is much truth in that statement.The hardest part in my experience has been employing reliable, talented staff. After 5 years I feel very blessed to be able to say with confidence I have retained a wonderfully diverse staff. The beauty industry is all about the relationships that are maintained with our clients, consistent customer service, and making people look good which ultimately and most importantly feel good about themselves.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Ricci Kapricci Salon – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are an independently-owned, family-operated salon. Our services are similar to many menus of several salons in Chicago. These services include, hair cutting, hair coloring, highlights, balayage, keratin treatments, and hair extensions. The defining factor that sets Ricci Kapricci apart from the rest is the experience we provide for our clients. When a client walks through our door they are treated like part of the family. We do our best to create an environment where our clients can relax and escape from their everyday life. When you receive a service at Ricci Kapricci you are more than a number, or receipt you become part of a community that ultimately strives for consistent customer satisfaction.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We plan to keep doing what we do best, maintaining the smiles on our clients faces with our artistic abilities. Eventually we hope to expand Ricci Kapricci with another location closer to the downtown neighborhoods. Spreading our brand and creating more convenience for our existing clients, and expanding our reach to all the diversity Chicago has to offer.
Pricing:
- Balayge $180
- Female hair cut $65
- All over color $80
- Highlights $120
- Every service comes with blow dry
Contact Info:
- Address: 3438 N Halsted Chicago Il 60657
- Website: www.riccikapricci.com
- Phone: 7736987797
- Email: riccikapricci1@gmail.com
- Instagram: riccikapricci
- Facebook: @riccikapriccisalon
- Twitter: @riccikapricci
- Yelp: Ricci Kapricci Salon
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