Rico Minnella: 40 Years of Hairstyling in Thunder Bay
by Scott A. Sumner
Rico Minnella was born in Italy and came to Canada in 1968 at the age of 18 years
old. His brother was here before him. “ I started out in Toronto, moved to Woodstock and then to Thunder Bay in 1972. In Italy I had started as a barber apprentice when I was 12 years old.
Each day after school I would learn to cut hair. In Italy you only would go to school until 1 pm each
day,” smiles Rico who always wanted to be a barber and doesn’t think he can do anything else.
Rico and his cousin, Tony first started Hollywood Hairstyling at Thunder Bay Mall. There were two Tony’s so Rico whose real name is Tony became known as Rico! “ I have two brothers who are barbers, one in Thunder Bay and another still lives in Italy. Originally I was partners in ollywood
Hairstyling with my cousin Tony, who left to open a hairdressing school so my brother took over the partnership,” notes Rico. “ We have been in Victoriaville with our second location, where I now work, since the middle 70’s. It has now been 40 years as a barber in Thunder Bay, starting March 1972.”
Rico is still smiling everyday while doing his work so many years later. “ I like to talk to people and I enjoy what I am doing. We have some customers from 3 or 4 generations now including grand parent, father, son and grandson. The majority of my customers have been with
me from day 1.” states Rico.
Rico was the first person in Thunder Bay and NW Ontario to win a big competition in men’s hairstyling in Winnipeg. There is no such thing as a barber anymore, according to Rico- it
is a men's hair stylist. Through the years Rico has cut the hair of women and men.
“ You get to know the people as they tell you their problems but mostly good things. I get to see the people progress in their life’s and you become more than a hairstylist.” smiles Rico.
Rico is going to take 2 weeks off in April and visit relatives in Italy with his wife but will never retire. “ Are you kidding, what am I gong to do at home? I am gong to work until I am dead! Eventually I would like to work maybe 4 days a week instead of 5. I still like to do what I am doing and am pretty sure I will still be here cutting hair in another 10 years.” said Rico.
Rico is happy to have co-worker Gianna who has been with Hollywood Hairstyling for 20 years. They each have their own base of clients.
“ I think Thunder Bay is a really good city. I enjoy it here. There is lots of opportunity in Thunder Bay and it has been good for me. We raised two children and now have 2 grand children. I helped send my kids to school. My son is a chiropractor and my daughter is a teacher.” notes Rico.
It is nice to see someone who enjoys his or her work and contribute to the economy of Thunder Bay!
