SEGRETTO: GENERATIONS OF BEAUTY

When SALVATORE SEGRETTO and his wife, Susan, opened the first Zazu salon in Hinsdale in 1979, he says the village looked very different. “The evenings were quiet, storefronts were closed, and not a single business open on Sundays. We were the only ones keeping our lights on at night, believing that beauty and self-care shouldn’t be limited by the clock,” explains Salvatore, who has since welcomed sons ANTHONY, SEAN, and MICHAEL to lead the family business and continue its storied legacy. “Years later, when Starbucks came to town and Sundays slowly came to life, we knew change had arrived. But through it all, one thing has never changed—our commitment to this community. For over four decades, Zazu has been honored to offer beauty services with heart, passion, and purpose.”

Today, there are seven Zazu’s salon locations throughout Hinsdale, Naperville, Wheaton, the Gold Coast of Chicago, and Elmhurst, as well as one in Naples, Florida. The Segretto salon empire also recently launched The White Buffalo Barbershop “modern grooming experience” with locations in Hinsdale and La Grange.

As Salvatore explains, the Zazu salon group has developed one of the most comprehensive and effective training programs in the business. “Over the years, hundreds of stylists have come through our program—many of whom have gone on to build incredibly successful careers, both within Zazu and beyond. Our commitment to education and excellence is the cornerstone of our culture,” he adds. “We don’t just train for technical skill—we mentor, we inspire, and we instill the discipline and passion that this industry demands. That dedication is reflected in our continued success and the proof is in the results. Zazu is proud to be L’Oréal’s number one account in the country. It’s a direct reflection of the strength of our team, the depth of our training, and our unwavering commitment to elevating the beauty industry.”

WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MENTOR OR ROLE MODEL IN YOUR LIFE?
Anthony Segretto: My parents. They built our family business from the ground up with grit, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose. They didn’t just teach my brothers and I how to run a business. They showed us how to lead with heart, treat our staff with respect, and hold the line on standards.
Michael Segretto: My father’s extensive leadership experience and profound wisdom have been instrumental in the growth and transformation of Zazu from a single location into a leading success story within the salon industry.
Sean Segretto: I’ve seen my parents face challenges—both at home and in business—with courage and grace. Whether it was staying up late to help with homework or navigating the stresses of entrepreneurship, they never gave up, even when our mom was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 60. Their ability to pour so much of themselves into both our family and their dream has shaped who I am, and I carry their example with me every day.
Salvatore Segretto: My wife, Susan’s unwavering positivity and strength have been the foundation of both my personal life and the success of Zazu. Throughout the inevitable challenges that come with building and growing a business, she remained my rock—steady, encouraging, and always believing in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF WHAT YOU DO?
Sean: For me, it’s about more than just hair—it’s about changing lives and shifting the way people see this industry. At Zazu Salons and White Buffalo Barbershop, we’ve created something special. I’ve watched team members grow into confident, successful professionals who are able to support their families, buy homes, and live full lives—often working just four days a week. That’s something I love sharing, because it breaks the old stereotypes and shows what’s truly possible in this field.
Anthony: Whether it’s a stylist building confidence behind the chair, a manager stepping into leadership, or a client leaving feeling seen and beautiful, nothing is more rewarding than witnessing transformation through trust, education, and service.
Michael: Life is meant to be shared—we get to do that each and every day making people feel their best.

For more information, visit zazusalons.com or whitebuffalobarbershop.com. You may also follow the Segretto family businesses on social media @zazusalons and @whitebuffalobarbershop.

“Never give up because eventually everyone else does.” – SALVATORE SEGRETTO