Jori Moroni welcomes Beauty Launchpad to Oak & Steel Grooming in Glen Ellyn, IL. Read on to learn more about how this barbershop got its start, its signature products and services and more.
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Jori Moroni welcomes Beauty Launchpad to Oak & Steel Grooming in Glen Ellyn, IL. Read on to learn more about how this barbershop got its start, its signature products and services and more.
The Backstory
"I wanted a place that redefined the feel of a barbershop for our guests — that became Oak & Steel."Courtesy of Oak & Steel Grooming
The Look
We are located right in the heart of our small downtown in a small, two-story brick building from the 1920s. The lower level, the barbershop, has a mix of colors that you would find in nature, with some wood, metals and sprinkles of brick that we found in our demolition of the space. There are five classic barber chairs and vintage theater seats for waiting. As you head up stairs, it's moody with cork wallpaper and tons of art, partially our collection and the rest from local artists that we feature. There is a large L-shaped bar made of reclaimed wood from Kentucky and a relaxing lounge space with cowhide and leather seats. Our goal was a sophisticated and modern grooming experience that you couldn't find anywhere else. 
"The lower level, the barbershop, has a mix of colors that you would find in nature, with some wood, metals and sprinkles of brick that we found in our demolition of the space. There are five classic barber chairs and vintage theater seats for waiting."Courtesy of Oak & Steel
Signature Services
We provide two different levels of a hair cut service, with one being more of an indulgent experience. We also offer beard, shave, waxing and facial services. Additionally, we offer an annual elite membership. This is for our guests who enjoy frequent services and treatments, as well as libations from our bar. This membership program has blossomed some lovely relationships with our guests and their families.
The Goods
We carry all luxury, clean and naturally-derived products. Using clean products has been something I have been passionate about since early in my career. I want to ensure health and safety with what we are using for our guests, as well as our team. With these brands, we can have confidence in creating our styles and knowing that our clients can recreate them at home. We carry Aveda, Highland Style Co. and Virtue Labs for hair care. We carry Aveda and Caldera Labs for our skin and beard care.
Social Butterfly
We are most active on Instagram (@oakandsteel_hair). Our content lends itself to three main components; hair health/education, humor and a bar spotlight. We specifically focus on those because that is the experience you get in our shop. You can expect to come in for a quality haircut, a curated cocktail and likely a few laughs.
What's Next?
We put a strong emphasis on education and continued growth at O&S. One of our goals for this year is to refine our new-hire training program. We are honing in on our step-by-step of taking somebody right from barber school or beauty school and setting them up to have a confident career behind the chair. We also hope to expand to more locations at some point, so we would like to have a training program that can expand with us.
+Details
Owner: Jori Moroni
EST: June 2017
Location: Glen Ellyn, IL
Employees: 10
Chairs: 5
Website: www.oakandsteelmen.com
Up Close With the Owner
"I went to cosmetology school right out of high school to pursue a career in special effects makeup. Once I got my hands on hair, there was no turning back."Courtesy of Oak & Steel Grooming
I went to cosmetology school right out of high school to pursue a career in special effects makeup. Once I got my hands on hair, there was no turning back. After getting my cosmetology license 18 years ago, I worked as an assistant in a salon for about 2 years before moving to a different salon. There, I began building up my clientele and attending as much advanced education as I could.
What are some of the biggest challenges as a salon owner?
Some of my biggest challenges as a salon owner have been juggling time to wear all the hats an owner must wear. I am still currently a full-time stylist behind the chair, as well as overseeing our team, building and client relations and being a wife and mom. They are all jobs that I love in my life, but it can be hard to fulfill all roles everyday.
What changes would you like to see in the industry to empower salon owners, barbers and other hair pros to grow in their careers?
I would like to see the industry set higher standards of benefits for our professionals. Our job as a stylist or barber is physically and emotionally demanding, yet it is uncommon for salons and barbershops to offer insurance and paid time-off for their employees. I would also like to see more education about investing for our future. We are an industry that tends to be cash now and very little talk of what you can do with the cash while you’re young to help set up financial freedoms for down the road. Being able to recognize the financial buckets that will help you take care of yourself personally and professionally will benefit all stylists, barbers and owners alike.
What makes your barber shop unique and stand out? 
"The biggest thing that would make us stand out compared to other salons or barbershops is that we have a speakeasy lounge in our building."Courtesy of Oak & Steel Grooming
The biggest thing that would make us stand out compared to other salons or barbershops is that we have a speakeasy lounge in our building. Our main floor has a spiral staircase, leading to a small lounge and bar. It is frequented by small business meetings, a group of friends grabbing a drink or a father and son enjoying an afternoon or evening of pampering and a cocktail.
What takeaway do you hope clients have after a visit at your barbershop?
I hope our clients leave feeling pampered and confident. Whether they want to sit with their eyes closed to take a breather from the chaos of life or catch up on what’s new in the town or local sports, we aim to cater to that want.
What advice would you give a new salon owner?
My biggest piece of advice for a new salon would be to be picky in your hiring. It makes all the difference in your culture to have kind, driven employees that will work well as a team and give your shop a well-respected atmosphere.
"Our main floor has a spiral staircase, leading to a small lounge and bar."Courtesy of Oak & Steel Grooming
We are starting to see a lot of mid-length hair — still cleaned up by the sideburns, but enough in the top and back to have some natural texture and movement. Our bald fades are always a main stay, and some classic crops as well.
What cuts do you expect to be trending this summer?
I think we will start to see some shorter crew and cropped cuts and more polished edges in the longer lengths, even some more modern mullets.
What tips do you have for barbers who want to grow and improve their skills?
Never stop learning! With trends, techniques and tools constantly evolving and changing, it is important to ride that wave. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and keep looking for different forms of inspiration.
