Resident Named To HBJ '40 Under 40'

Gianni DiDomenico was at a crossroads a few years ago.

"We had our shop, Gino's Hair Design first in New Britain and then Berlin but we had to decide if that was enough or we wanted to grow the business," DiDomenico said. "We started to grow the business a little bit in Berlin and then we decided to set it up and expand."

With his partner, John Formato, and his shareholders DiDomenico opened Sculptures Salons in Southington, Plainville and its flagship store in Newington. The Newington salon looks like a palace with chandeliers, glass and mirrors seemingly everywhere.

The Hartford Business Journal has noticed how DiDomenico and company have grown their business and shown great entrepreneurial spirit. The HBJ named DiDomenico one of their "40 Under 40." The 40 Under Forty Awards recognize outstanding young professionals in the Greater Hartford area that are excelling in their industries through their leadership roles. They are driven by success, motivated by challenges and are role models for their peers.

The gala event to honor the winners will feature great networking with these movers and shakers, dinner and a fun awards ceremony. Admission to the event is $85/ticket and $750 for a table of 10 ($95/850 after September 17.) To register or for more information, contact Brian Baum at BBaum@HartfordBusiness.com or 860.236.9998 ext 34, or register online at www.hartfordbusiness.com.

"I was really surprised and to tell you the truth, ecstatic," said DiDomenico, 36. "It's a huge honor. To think that someone thought enough of me to nominate me and the judges picked from all the professionals from around the state is pretty surprising."

DiDomenico, married to the former Amanda Mortensen and father to three children, Nico, 4, Gianmichael, 8 and Ariana, 7, said the distinction validates his leap of faith and hard work.

"There is a lot of sacrifice to be successful," he said. "We had a plan and it was easy to talk about but we did it. Now it's up to us to take the next step. We'd love to be the biggest and best salon in the state and the one everyone thinks of when they need the best."

DiDomenico lives in Berlin after being born and raised in New Britain. He attended Godwin Tech where he picked up the trade and then traveled around the world competing and training. He became an Olympic Hair Gold Medalist at an early age.

Sculptures in Newington is a 4,200 square foot salon and Sculptures employs 47 employees in its three salons.

To see DiDomenico's Hartford Business Journal profile, click here.