Izzazu Salon, Spa and Serata: Pittsburg and Wexford, PA
Their Story
Grass Root Marketing
As young hairdressers, Chiodo and Cornacchione used to stand under the clock at Kaufmann’s Department Store (a major landmark in downtown Pittsburgh at the time), shaking people’s hands and giving away flyers like a pair of evangelists. It was this kind of fervor and dedication that helped them to grow their brand into one of the most respected and well-known beauty brands in the area. In fact, the pair was recently inducted into Pittsburgh Fashion Week’s Hall of Fame.
Before social media platforms opened up new possibilities for marketing and promotion, they pitched ideas to local media for beauty segments like “Ambush Makeovers.” After that it was a no-brainer to offer their services to radio and television stations. Today Wexford Styles Director Ziggy Murin works with news anchors and radio personalities at WTAE-TV, WPXI-TV and WDVE 102.5 FM. “Having two people with different strengths has helped us with our marketing,” says Cornacchione.
Partnering with local organizations and artists also brings a more diverse clientele into their salon. One such collaboration took place as part of Earth Day celebrations held in the city this past April. Cornacchione and makeup artist Hillary Evans worked with local photographer Laura Patrilla to turn a model into “Mother Earth.” The finished look was showcased in a window at Macy’s flagship department store in downtown Pittsburgh. This is the kind of creative marketing Cornacchione and Chiodo thrive on, but they are equally committed to supporting a number of local charities in the area. “We have a huge list yearly of charities that we get involved with,” says Cornacchione, who believes that giving back is the secret to real success in life.
Image: Emilio Cornacchione and Gino Chiodo