Some people say you should never go into business with family. That's not something Snooky Rico subscribes to. In fact, she's turned her 3rd Ave salon, Rico's on Third, into a daily family reunion.
Rico has been doing hair for 33 years, moving into her current location two tears ago. Walking in, her sister and business partner, Fifi Rico, greets you at the door and offers you a drink. Her niece and cousin are on hand for manicures and pedicures, and her two daughters followed in their mother's footsteps working as stylists at the salon.
""We are in our second generation of cosmetologists,"" said Rico, who is the master stylist at Rico's on Third. ""My daughters grew up in the salon seeing me do hair. They kind of followed and started doing hair when they were just teenagers, and eventually decided to make it their career. We're a family. We have fun.""
She even made her youngest daughter her apprentice, teaching her the skills of the trade in order to get her career started. However, Rico's work as an educator isn't limited to her bloodline.
Rico's on Third serves as an educational salon, giving makeup certification classes to those hoping to have a career in make-up. There is also an everyday makeup course where women can learn to put their face on perfectly. Alfaparf will be offering free styling classes at the salon soon, and Rico is also considering getting her apprenticeship program going again.
Her focus on education may be due her passion for the profession. She feels that along with a commitment to excellence is what set her apart from all the other salons in the area. Rico won't let a client leave the salon if she feels that person's hair isn't perfectly coifed.
""That's not to demoralize my stylists, "" explains Rico. ""I want to make sure they get exactly what they want because that's our name walking out the door.""
The attention to detail is also visible in the salon, which is bright, airy, and spacious. They ensure each customer is met with care and given a personal consultation. Rico admits she's hardest on her daughter because she expects more from them, just like a true mom and boss.
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