Roscoe Salon Seeks Singles for 'Mingler' in Time for Valentine's Day

It's no secret that in the salon world, customers vent about their personal lives and form bonds with their stylists. Therefore, it's no secret that local salon owner Tony Odisho often knows who among his clients is single. 

The entrepreneur, who doubles as the master stylist at Roscoe Village's Exsalonce, decided a few years ago that he would like to introduce them all. He began by hosting what he calls the annual "Single Mingler" at his business, an Aveda family salon and spa at 2150 W. Roscoe St. Attendees will convene there this Friday, Feb. 8, for cocktails and appetizers. 

"Our clientele base is super devoted and committed," said Jenny Baker, the salon's manager. "We have so many single clients that we think it's great to get them all together to meet each other. … Our e-vite goes out to everybody who comes in the salon and basically says that if you're not single, send your friends over." 

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Exsalonce has been in its current location since 2001 but was renovated and expanded this past July. This week's Single Mingler—just in time for Valentine's Day—is simply another way to take advantage of the new space, which is twice the size of the original one.

"It's great in here," said Baker, noting that photos of the salon's interior were recently sent to Modern Salon magazine for consideration. " … We have a huge bar that we'll be converting from its daily use to an area where we'll be serving drinks. It's a lot of fun."

Coordinators also organize ice breaker games to help hopefuls loosen up and get to know each other, Baker said. The night kicks off at 8 p.m. and is scheduled to end around 10 p.m., though Baker admits that in the past, it's gone later. Neither she, nor Odisho, could speak to the mingler's success rate, but she says she knows people have—at the very least—dated as a result of it.

"The whole goal for the evening is just to have everyone come in, have a drink and relax," she said. "If it leads to a relationship for someone, that's even better."

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