May 16, 2017

Meet Tony Odisho of Tony Odisho® in Lincoln Square

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Odisho.

Tony, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in the Ostia neighborhood of Rome, and started cutting hair when I was twelve. When I came to America, I was hired by L’Oreal Professionnel and, eventually, opened my own salon in Roscoe Village. In 2001, I began to distribute hair extensions for a major European company. As a full time salon owner and stylist, I had a better understanding of what was missing in the American market, so, in 2006 I created my own label, Tony Odisho® Extensions. Working with chemists and engineers, I created a line that uses a ratio of ingredients that enhances the longevity of hair extensions and natural hair. Since then, the business has grown to offer a strong education program as well, certifying new stylists in extensions every month. I continue to visit salons on my days off and built relationships with my customers and the business continues to thrive by listening to our clients, continuously improving our products and offering exceptional customer service.

Has it been a smooth road?
As a small, local company, it can be a struggle competing with big names that have big marketing and advertising budgets. Once clients try our products, however, we do well. Word of mouth from stylist to stylist, building relationships and doing trade shows has helped us get through the challenges of being a small business in a big business category.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Tony Odisho® – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Tony Odisho® business is known for its personal customer service and direct distribution. If you telephone us, a person will answer and direct distribution cuts out about 40% of the mark up. We remember our clients’ names and will work hard to help them. Our products are also known for their quality. When I am not behind the chair as a stylist, I work on developing and creating new products to launch into the market. Most are tested in the salon for one year to see the reaction of professionals and their clients. I specialize in hair extensions and hair care products that are sulfate, paraben and alcohol free and healthiest for hair. I am most proud that, as an immigrant, I came to this country with a hope and a dream and my message is that if you can dream it you can do it.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Chicago has been a great city for me as a salon and business owner. In this city I’ve been able to grow and thrive. I love the diversity and the culture. What I like least about Chicago are the winters and property taxes.

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