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The Alternative Way - Tony Rizzo
Date Added: 2009-05-07
“It is always a challenge, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love each area of my work and it is the passion, creativity and the challenge that keeps me going.” Tony Rizzo, who through his Sanrizz Salons, has established himself as a major force in British hairdressing, is as passionate and commited to hairdressing as he has ever been. Mr Rizzo has also developed a strong profile in the industry by his incredible commitment and dedication to charity work. Following the death of his son Valetino who tragically died of Leukaemia, Tony was eager to do something to help Leukaemia Research. He decided to launch the Alternative Hair Show to raise money for this worthy cause. The show has been a creative force and inspirational direction for the hair industry, incorporating fashion, cutting, colouring and avant garde hair in the spectacular format the Alternative is famed for. The Alternative Hair Show has grown into the world's most prestigious annual hairdressing event, hosting the world’s leading artists. Riding on the success of the Alternative hair show, which, over its 27 year history has raised more than £7 million, the charity has now launched an associate members programme - a pro-active and interactive scheme aimed to help salons improve their business while also raising money for charity.
“Part of the Alternative Hair Association is to work with top salons that we can promote and that want to have an active role in giving back to the community. The Alternative Hair Associate Members’ Programme is a partnership that combines a salon’s artistic and creative skills with charity fundraising. In addition, this network allows for the sharing ideas for the mutual benefit of others within the programme. This membership entails an annual £250 donation to Leukaemia Research which can be raised, with our help, through salon fundraising activities such as fashion shows and colour evenings with your clients. In turn, our members receive industry discounts, tips on PR and marketing, free copies of the premium AH Magazine, priority Alternative Hair Show tickets, among many other benefits. It is a great way to team build, involve your salon’s staff in external training and creative activities, and to be part of the exclusive network that is Alternative Hair.” Says Tony.
Many industry figures have supported the charity during its long history, not least Salon Business' own Editorial Director, Maria Weijers, who speaks enthusiastically about the work they do. "The Alternative is one hell of an operation, deserving every gram of support it attracts and every penny of revenue it makes. My 20-years-worth of support and respect for Tony Rizzo and The Alternative hair teams remains undimmed", says Maria.
As managing director of Sanrizz, Tony divides his time between his stylist appearances and relentless international exhibitions, shows and seminar work. Despite his busy schedule he remains commited and enthusiastic abut everything he does. “I gather excitement from all areas of the hairdressing industry, whether it be simply spending a day in the salon or touring with the Sanrizz International team. I am excited when I see our collections publicised in magazines and when I see normal people in the street with the Sanrizz look. “ beams Tony.
The Alternative Hair Show is in its 27th year, but Mr Rizzo is looking to the future to extend the work that the charity does.“On May 3rd we will hold our first ever Alternative Hair Show, Vienna Austria which is very exciting” says Tony. “Our annual international Alternative Hair Show will be held at the Royal Albert Hall on 18th October 2009. You will begin seeing details for this very soon. We will also be holding International Visionary Awards for which we are now accepting entries. In September of this year, Anthony Mascolo, who is the president of Alternative Hair and myself will take a group of children and their families who have been affected by leukaemia, to a very special weekend away to Euro Disney in Paris. All of this is possible through our amazing charity sponsors and the hairdressers who support us by raising funds. This is why getting salons involved in fundraising is so very important. It allows us to continue our quest in our fight against blood cancers, and allows us to help more families suffering this terrible cancer. “
