Rosa Massimo’s Bradford salon, a local favorite known for its unique techniques, is up for a T&A award.
Rosa moved from Italy to London and took a Vidal Sassoon course there. Her aunt suggested she move to Bradford, where Rosa then worked at Mario’s for ten years.
Rosa had many customers at Mario’s and outgrew her single chair. She decided to open her own salon, even though she spoke little English back then.
Her salon is now busy every day and it specializes in Asian hair. The salon created unique, global techniques, and the Hatoraage is one such technique; it’s a sombrero-like tool for balayage.
Rosa and her team teach masterclasses and have taught in New York and Milan. They also taught in Puerto Rico and Florida. Rosa credits her team and customers, with her husband, Robert, being vital.
Rosa considers her team family, and the salon is like their second home. She feels like she is everyone’s mom and loves each team member. Some clients have been with her since Mario’s.
One customer watched her grow from limited English to owning a business. This customer gave her a chance early on and brought in other customers too. They stayed with her for 25 years.
Rosa feels every woman should be confident and thinks women are powerful and amazing. Her work feels like therapy for clients, and she helps them feel their best. She arrived with little, just thirty pounds, and now, she has two salons and is very happy. Her partner has always been there for her.
Her son was one when she opened her shop. She feels blessed and very proud. The team was excited about a competition and wanted to be in the Telegraph & Argus; it made Rosa happy to see their excitement.