Beauty Changes Lives has officially announced its Legacy Award honoree who will be recognized at their upcoming gala event and it’s none other than legendary hairstylist and salon owner Mario Tricoci.
When Tricoci receives the Legacy Award at this year’s gala, which will be taking place on April 21st in Rosemont, IL, he will join an esteemed list of past recipients that includes Tippi Hedren, Leo Passage, Jane Wurwand, and Carolyn Aronson. Each of these honorees has left an indelible mark on the industry, shaping its future and inspiring generations to come.
“We are thrilled to honor Mario Tricoci as our 2024 Legacy Honoree,” said Lynelle Lynch, President of Beauty Changes Lives. “His remarkable journey, from sweeping hair in Italy to revolutionizing the salon experience in North America, is an inspiration to us all. His passion for elevating the beauty profession and empowering future talent exemplifies the spirit of our organization. We look forward to celebrating his remarkable achievements at this year’s gala.”
Tricoci’s journey in the beauty industry began at a young age. At 16, he started his career sweeping hair at a barbershop in his native hometown of Cosenza, Italy, sparking his lifelong passion for professional hairstyling. Thanks to his dedication and talent, he quickly gained recognition, and he began to establish himself as a notable figure in the Italian hairstyling scene.
Tricoci’s visionary work quickly gained international appreciation after winning multiple prestigious awards, including “Best Hairdresser” at America’s Beauty Show in 1966, followed by the Grand World Supreme for fashion in 1967. His multifaceted talent for fashion and artistry drove his sensational career, styling supermodels that graced the pages of Vogue and the runways of New York to Paris and appearing as a trend expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Following all of his trailblazing professional success, Tricoci began building his beauty business empire with the unwavering support of his wife and business partner, Cheryl. In 1977, Mario Tricoci Salon opened in Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Illinois, becoming the first privately-owned hair salon in North America located inside a shopping mall. Seizing the opportunity to set yet another trend, in 1986, the Mario Tricoci Hair Salon and Day Spa in Arlington Heights opened. It is often credited as the premier “Day Spa” in the United States.
Recognizing the importance of education and professionalism within the beauty industry, Tricoci founded the Tricoci University of Beauty Culture in 2004, which is dedicated to teaching ethics and professionalism beyond the standard technical education to aspiring beauty professionals.
“There are so many things that I am grateful for, but above all is being able to share my knowledge with the next generation of professionals, so that the legacy of the beauty industry continues forward,” says Tricoci.
Today, the Tricoci brand continues to thrive, with 13 highly successful Tricoci Salon and Spa locations offering elevated experiences to the Chicagoland area, and the Tricoci Collection, an assortment of premium professional beauty retail products. The company is home to a team of over 1,100 skilled beauty and wellness professionals who are dedicated to realizing an ambitious growth strategy, and carrying forward Tricoci legacy and vision of constant evolution.
If you are interested in attending the Beauty Changes Live Gala, tickets are currently available for purchase here. For updates on all happenings surrounding the event, be sure to follow @beautychangeslives on Instagram.
