[ HAWAII AT WORK ]
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
A salon devoted
to designStylist Joe Randazzo says
Honolulu was ready for
a concept like J SalonMy business card says "stylist/owner" but I'm really a design addict. I love good architecture, furniture, brilliant use of space and form. The way I see it, styling hair lets me embark on a new design with every client.
We just opened J Salon, on Nuuanu Avenue. The space reflects my love of design: clean lines, modern yet comfortable and welcoming. It's New York metro cool, with a good dose of warmth and aloha.
I think the whole Asian-tropical spa theme is nice, but Honolulu was ready for a change. My partner, Gary Casupang, and I wanted to create a place where men and women feel equally comfortable.
That concept translates to the client experience at J. It's crucial to me that our clients get served very well, not only with the best cut and color possible, but with the best experience. You're not going to be blasted with attitude here.
It's the same philosophy I bring to my cuts. It's ironic, because a hairstyle is all about appearance. But I like to think we go much deeper than that. I spend time with my clients. I listen. I observe. I try to get a feel for the lifestyle they live, the image they want to project.
So many people have a hard time articulating what they want. But I make it my business to know, even if they don't. I know a good haircut can transform a person's entire outlook. And that affects their work performance, their relationships. I take it seriously but I also have fun.
I've been doing it that way since I first started in the business. I spent two decades training and teaching the Vidal Sassoon method in New York and Chicago. We've evolved that method, and we're training our team here at J in some of the same concepts. Sassoon was a revolutionary force in hairstyling.
I think Honolulu is ready for a revolution.
"Hawaii at Work" features tell what people do for a living in their own words. Send submissions to business@starbulletin.com
