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Father and son prepare for fashion event
Teddie Kossof salonspa is located at 281 N. Waukegan Road in Northfield. Call 847-446-9526. Visit www.teddiekossof.com/
The Pioneer Press 2012 Fall Trend Fashion Event takes place at Pinstripes in Northbrook on 10.11.12 at 6 p.m. Tickets sales benefit Ronald McDonald House charities.
For more information:
Visit https://support.rmhccni.org/falltrend or call 630-623-5300.
Visit Facebook/PioneerPressGlenview.
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Many father and sons have the privilege of enjoying adult years together, perhaps working side by side as business partners in ventures often begun by parents while their children were in their youth.
Such is the case with Alan Kossof, of Wheeling, and his father Teddie, of Glenview.
Both manage Teddie Kossof Salon Spa in Northfield, where a client base has provided a loyal following since the 1970s.
Alan, raised in Northfield, and Teddie, of Glenview, together support numerous North Shore charitable causes. Their latest venture is the 2012 Fall Trend Fashion Event 10.11.12 at 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at Pinstripes in Willow Festival Pinstripes.
Tickets ($150, $75) benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Teddie Kossof designers will coif the look of runway models.
“Well, I think a lot of times people have to separate themselves from what they see in the media,” Alan said of personal style. “The personas that are put out in fashion really aren’t what people are all about. It’s not about their lives, it’s not who they are socially.
“And when they look to the trends and to the fashions, it’s a real challenge sometimes to meet what the social norms are.”
Both men agree that listening is vital.
“We never really want to say this is the haircut you have to wear, this is the color you have to wear, we really try to go deeper,” Alan said. “You know, what’s their work life like? What’s their home life like? How do they wear their hair and is it going to be good for them?
“And if they look at a magazine and say ‘That’s what I want,’ you know, we feel a little uncomfortable with that because that’s not what they really want sometimes …”
When asked about the history of his business, perhaps father knows best.
“Back in 1975, I had an idea to put together a concept salon, that would keep evolving into something different, kind of like a chameleon,” Teddie said. “I wanted it to be always exciting and different.”
Alan thinks what his father created is amazing.
“My father was someone who accomplished many firsts in our industry, not just locally or regionally, but to be nationally recognized as one of the largest independently owned and operated salons,” he said. “It’s a true pleasure to be in the family business.”
Teddie believed the bottom line is that he has his son are passionate.
“But stepping out of your comfort zone, that’s what it’s all about…
“It’s fun,” said Alan’s dad.
About his career: “I’m always excited, believe me,” said Teddie.
View the Teddie Kossof video at www.glenview.suntimes.com
