We had an exclusive chat with Bruno to find out his secret to seamlessly blending artistic flair with the business savviness needed to thrive as a true leader…
Is there one single thing you like most about working in hairdressing?
No! As the Creative Director of Joico, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to combine my passion for hairdressing with stylists and salon owners around the world. I’ve been in the industry for over 30 years, so naturally I’ve developed a deep understanding of how to achieve both commercial and creative success. I’m lucky to have the incredible opportunity to collaborate on a wide range of creative projects, and I love providing creative input on photoshoots and collaborating with the team to create stunning imagery that showcases the brand.
What is the main thing you hope to achieve with your career?
My primary goal is to empower hairdressers by sharing my knowledge and skills in an accessible and relatable manner. I believe in inspiring confidence and self-belief in my audience, ensuring that they can maximise every learning opportunity and grow both personally and professionally.
How do you inspire this sense of self-belief in your audiences?
By putting the learner first, I focus on fostering a sense of confidence in each hairdresser.
When I share my skills and knowledge, I always strive to do so in a way that is easy to understand and is relatable. My goal is to ensure that every member of the audience leaves my sessions feeling inspired, empowered and equipped with valuable insights they can apply to their own work.
How did the Marc Antoni group first begin?
Nearly 60 years ago now, my dad, Bruno Giamattei Sr., took a huge risk and decided to open our first salon. He had originally planned to open a pizza parlour in Henley, but when residents expressed concerns about potential unpleasant smells, he had a change of heart and the Marc Antoni hairdressing chain was born.
How did you grow this from a family-owned salon into an international salon group?
By combining my artistic vision with considered business strategies and attracting a loyal clientele base. Leading the Marc Antoni Art Team has also been key. It’s allowed me the opportunity to challenge the limits of my artistic expression and produce collections that have been featured on the covers of British and international trade magazines.
Do you have a company motto?
Yes, actually! It’s ‘Sharing Only Makes You Stronger.’ At Marc Antoni, we’ve built a thriving business with four salons and a team of 80 incredible individuals. I firmly believe that our success stems from our commitment to looking after our people. We strive to create an environment that motivates and supports our team members at every stage of their journey. What matters most is fostering a culture of growth, collaboration and shared success.
What are two things everyone needs to be successful?
Enthusiasm and resilience are two fundamental pillars for success. Approaching every challenge and opportunity with a positive, can-do attitude has opened countless doors throughout my career. This enthusiastic mindset, combined with a deep passion for hairdressing, has fuelled my drive to continuously learn and grow. However, enthusiasm alone is not enough – resilience has been equally crucial in navigating the ups and downs of the industry. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, learn from mistakes and adapt to change is essential in building a successful career. You must stay focused on your goals and overcome obstacles, coming out stronger and more skilled than before.
Who has been the biggest inspiration to you?
My father. Growing up, I had the privilege of witnessing his dedication first-hand. I started as a Saturday boy in the salon in Reading – little did I know that this would shape my own career and lead me to taking the reins of the flagship salon in Henley at only 19 (although I would often pretend to customers that I was 24 at the time!). Watching my dad transform a former record store into a bustling salon, catering to both men and woman, was an inspiring testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and belief in the power of hard work. He even offered our family home as collateral when buying the Henley salon!
Whose hair work has influenced you the most?
I find great inspiration in the legacy of the late Vidal Sassoon. Vidal’s work was ground-breaking and truly revolutionised the hairdressing industry. His iconic styles continue to influence and shape the way we approach hair design today. I am constantly inspired by his principles of innovation, precision and creativity in my own work. Specifically, his precision cutting techniques which were really amazing and focused on geometry and angles.
What’s a single tip you would give a hairdressing starting out today?
You have to take the rough with the smooth on social media. As a business owner, I’ve learnt that dealing with keyboard warriors on social media is just part of the job. I imagine these people have their own reasons to hide behind screens and leave harsh and unfair feedback, but it’s important to not let it get you down. It’s all about keeping things in perspective and focusing on providing the best possible experience for our clients.
If you could go back and give your 21-year-old-self some advice, what would it be?
I’d tell him to trust his instincts and not be afraid to take risks. At that age, I had a lot of passion and ambition, but I also had moments of self-doubt. Looking back, I realise that every challenge and opportunity I encountered was a chance to learn and grow. I would probably encourage my younger self to take a leaf out of my dad’s book – embrace the journey, stay curious and never stop pushing yourself.
