At the 25th anniversary party for the Ivana Di Piero Hair Studio, the salon’s namesake paused to reflect on the moment.
“No dream is too big,” she said with a smile.
The studio, at 7200 W. Wilson Ave. in Harwood Heights, was founded by Di Piero, a Norridge resident. She was born in Italy and came to Chicago when she was 2. Raised in Norridge since age 9, she attended John V. Leigh School in Norridge and was graduated in 1987 from Ridgewood High School.
She started on the path to her cosmetology career at RHS when she was 16 via a vocational program.
“I just want to say thank you (to RHS) because I took the cosmetology class for fun,” she said.
She celebrated the business’ 25th anniversary on Aug. 20. Well-wishers dropped in to congratulate her, many staying for a complimentary lunch or to toast her. Floral arrangements were delivered. Guests included Harwood Heights Mayor Arlene Jezierny.
“I’m very proud of all of the businesses in Harwood Heights, especially for reaching a plateau of 25 years,” Jezierny said. “Ivana is very community-oriented, and I think that’s what makes it all the more special.”
“I’m so proud of Ivana,” said Susie Andreotti of Norridge, a nail technician who has worked for the studio since its inception. “By her (Ivana) getting involved with the community, we get involved in the community.”
Di Piero opened the business on Aug. 21, 1991, with her husband Frank Di Piero’s encouragement. One day, she recalled, “He came home with a lease and said, ‘Here’s your shop.’ I was only 22. My husband is a big dreamer. He’s a motivator, and he feeds my passion.”
The Di Pieros bought the property in 1994, where their studio was relocated from rented space approximately one block south.
“We’re vested in the community,” Frank Di Piero said.
They started with four employees in 1991 and today have 13 on staff. The Di Pieros are parents to Marcella Di Piero, 17, and Rocco Di Piero, 16.
The studio supports charitable causes, including October’s Pink Hair for Hope.
Ivana Di Piero was selected to the 2012 Ridgewood High School Alumni Hall of Fame. For four years, she has served as director on the Ridgewood High School Foundation Board, she said.
She and her husband are mentors with the Ridgewood Mentoring Mission at RHS.
“Basically, they (RHS) invested in me, and I try to return to the community,” Ivana said.
Her sister, Maria Spilotro of Glenview, has worked at the studio since it began.
“Because of them opening up the salon, I became a hairdresser. And I love what I do,” Spilotro said. “My dream was always to be a hairdresser.”
Spilotro became tearful talking about her younger sister.
“She’s (Ivana) been my guardian angel, and I’m just happy to work with her,” Spilotro said.
A customer appreciation event will be held in October at the studio. For information, call 708-867-9500.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance photographer and reporter for Pioneer Press.
