Name: Leonardo Rizzo
Age: 25
Occupation: Salon Manager, Sanrizz
Leo’s story
Leonardo Rizzo is the eldest son of the founder and director of Sanrizz, Tony Rizzo. It was inevitable that he would follow in his father’s footsteps having grown up within a creative, hairdressing environment, surrounded by hairdressing uncles, father and the extended Sanrizz family. Training from a young age, Leonardo exhibited exceptional talent and skill for the hairdressing craft.
At 25, Leonardo is already a master in his field. He won the coveted Southern Hairdresser of the Year category at the 2005 British Hairdressing Awards and this year he took home the L’Oreal Colour Trophy for the South (for a second year in a row). Leonardo juggles his salon, photographic and seminar work with heading up the Sanrizz Young Artistic Team, and is constantly trying to push the boundaries of hair and fashion innovation through inspirational and educational seminars.
From trainee to manager
‘I’ve been in a salon for as long as I can remember – folding towels and sweeping the floors during school holidays. I actually started training with my uncles and father when I was about 14. Then, at university I took Business Management because I have always wanted to run my own salon,’ says Leonardo. ‘My course took me to Barcelona for a year where I had the privilege of working and training with Louis Llongeuras, one of Dali’s contemporaries and Spain’s biggest hairdresser. When I got back, I started working in, and then later managing, our Sanrizz salon in Guildford.’
Leonardo designates time each day to staff training. ‘I think it’s probably the single greatest investment in the future success of your business. Two members of my team are currently doing their City & Guilds and two have just finished. I’m really proud of my team. Half of them didn’t start out in hair, they were assistants or receptionists. I can’t believe how they’ve grown and gelled to be a professional, productive and unified group of people.’
Leonardo keeps his own training up-to-date as well, recently completing the ILM Level 3 course in Line Management and Investors in People course. He believes that they have both been invaluable. ‘When I started, we never used to take on board the NVQ, it was only six years ago that we went into it in a big way. It gives a lot more structure because people automatically have a base level – in a way it’s made my life easier,’ says Leonardo, adding that attitude is also crucial in hairdressing. ‘To start with people have pre-conceived ideas about what hairdressing is and how they are going to progress – it doesn’t just happen. You have to be 100% dedicated to what you do. You have to show you are hungry for opportunities. The more you are a part of it, the more opportunities come your way.’
Customer satisfaction
With hairdressers always coming out on top of City & Guilds’ Happiness index in terms of the most satisfying job, Leonardo believes that there is nothing more gratifying than seeing a customer walk in with an expectation and then turning it on its head. ‘It’s fulfilling to know that you have changed the way someone feels about themselves with your own hands,’ he says, reflecting on why hairdressers remain so satisfied with their vocation. ‘It’s the constant interaction with clients as well and I would be happy if I continued on this route. I’m still learning and absorbing so much from my team and peers. I want the company to build a first class reputation for our training and our education. Eventually, I want us to be recognised as the best. We have a long way to the top but we are enjoying the challenges along the way.