INDUSTRY PIONEER
COVER story JOHN MANGIAMELI, FOUNDER, CREATIVE HAIR DESIGN
BUILDING A legacy CREATIVE HAIR DESIGN CELEBRATES 40 YEARS
Success can be measured in many ways, but for longtime business owner John Mangiameli, founder of Omaha-based Creative Hair Design, triumph is found in helping employees meet their full potential — while also keeping client needs and community engagement in focus. Now marking 40 years of business, Mangiameli said his work is far from done. Mangiameli has never been a stranger to the cosmetology industry. In a way, he was sort of born into the field as his father was also a talented local hairdresser. It was Mangiameli’s father who taught him the ins and outs of the industry at his salon before encouraging Mangiameli to set out on his own. After gaining experience at other salons, Mangiameli decided it was finally time to open his own studio in 1982. “I thought I had wanted to go to college and study computers but following in my dad’s footsteps felt like the better option for me,” Mangiameli explained. It turned out to be the right decision for Mangiameli, who has steadily grown his salon and spa in both size and offerings over the past four decades. Today, Creative Hair Design occupies 15,000
square feet, substantially surpassing its footprint of 1,200 square feet when first opening.
Trendsetting & Trailblazing
The business opened during an era when spas were still fairly uncommon. In fact, Mangiameli was ahead of the times, as he said spas didn’t begin to really develop until the following decade. For Mangiameli, bringing new services and cutting-edge technology to the area is extremely important, and something he continues to focus on to this day. Located at 12025 Pacific St., the salon and spa offers hair, nail, esthetic, massage and special occasion services. One of the newest services offered at the salon and spa is the hydro facial. Corporate, bridal or other group gatherings can also be accommodated and special packages are offered. The spa, which is all inclusive, features showers and steamers, including a Vichy shower (a large shower with a wet bed and overhead shower bar). Additionally, a hydro tub imported from France is also available for guests.
Page 4 • April 8, 2022
