Attending this year's North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) was truly one of the high points of my annual trip to Las Vegas for Cosmoprof this summer. Not only did the industry come together to recognize and celebrate the artistry and talent of some of the most gifted hairstylists in North America, but it also paid tribute to Bruno Mascolo, a person whom I've always considered to be a role model and inspiration to the industry.
 Brett Vinovich |
Bruno, who was inducted into the prestigious NAHA Hall of Leaders at the awards ceremony, has a great story. Born in Italy into a family of hairdressers and raised in England, Bruno is now living the American dream. Like many of you, he began his career behind the chair, where his creativity flourished. After establishing himself as one of London's leading hairstylists, he headed to the United States in the mid-'80s, where he tapped into his entrepreneurial skills to fulfill a lifelong dream of launching Toni&Guy salons, educational academies and TIGI products stateside.
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Today, with Bruno at the helm, Toni&Guy/TIGI has evolved into a $250 million powerhouse in the U.S. But what makes him even prouder is that despite all the company's accomplishments, it still reflects the closely knit nature of a family business. To Bruno, the corporation is like one big family. "I have my brothers, with whom I share the same blood, and my colleagues, with whom I share the same ideas, who are my partners. They both are just as much my family," he says. And it goes without saying that he's also brought countless hairdressers into the family fold, helping to cultivate an environment of education, support and recognition, where thousands of individuals have been able to reach their goals and come together to work as a team. Well done, Bruno. Congratulations on an accolade that's well-deserved.
 TOP: The sleek-looking Tony&Guy salon at the Shops at Willow Bend, Dallas; ABOVE: Bruno Mascolo accepts his award |
—Brett Vinovich, Publisher, American Salon
E-mail Brett at [email protected]