Co-Founder and business guru Roxana Pintilie has been the driving force behind the business that fuels the Warren Tricomi Brand. Roxana joined the Warren Tricomi team in opening the first salon in Midtown Manhattan in 1990. In 2008, they launched the luxurious Plaza Hotel flagship location and today the team leads a thriving business of 5 salons in the U.S. and 9 international salons, each designed uniquely to fit its geographic location with a modern twist. 

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I was born and raised in Romania. That’s where I eventually went on to study economics and philosophy in college and I opened my first business which was an art gallery. I then moved to NYC at the age of 21 to study Law and English. I opened my first spa/salon in 1983 and I met my two partners in 1988 - that’s when Warren Tricomi was born and the rest is history!

What inspired you to start your own business?

Ever since I can remember, I have always worked for myself. I don’t know any other way. I see business opportunities in everything. It is just the way my mind is wired!

Where is your business based?

NYC, Greenwich CT, East Hampton Japan, and India.

How did you start your business?

I sold my art gallery in Europe and all my assets. I hired an architect, a real state broker, an accountant, and an attorney. I ran the numbers, hired and trained staff, then opened the doors.

What were the first steps you took?

I found the right space/location and ran the numbers!

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

Word of mouth - when people love their experience at your business, they talk about it! Our priority is always the client experience and we make sure we go above and beyond their expectations every time.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

I am now facing the biggest challenge of my career and the industry. The post-COVID world is uncertain, to say the least. We have had to pivot in many unexpected ways to earn income during the lockdown and keep our business afloat. It is a continuous challenge to adapt to these fast-paced times, adhere to new guidelines, and grow our business again in such a different environment.

How do you stay focused?

I make a to-do list every day for various areas of the business. I get very clear and specific about what I really want to achieve and what exactly needs to be done to get there. Action is better than perfection!

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

We build spectacular spaces and offer the best products/services and standard of experience available in our category. We are trendsetters and always take the lead. We pride ourselves in being creative, passionate, innovative, and hardworking.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

We’ve always believed the client experience speaks for itself which is why word of mouth has been especially effective for us over the years. Another effective avenue has been our digital marketing - everything from our website to our emails to our presence on social networks is continuously strategized to meet our bottom line.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Never give up. It sounds cliché but you need resilience to push through all the obstacles that are going to come your way constantly. I don’t look at obstacles or roadblocks as “problems” - I look at them as opportunities to learn. All problems are the sources of information that will lead to solutions. That excites me and it should excite every aspiring and new entrepreneur if they plan to succeed. Another piece of advice that goes along with practicing and mastering resilience is always keeping an open mind. Never stop learning. You cannot stay stuck in one place. You must keep learning to keep going. Learn everything from anything. Your brain is like a sponge, push it to the limit - you’d be surprised where it takes you.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

I am a numbers person my favorite app is Tableau because it helps me to analyze data coming from my business. My favorite book is “I Love Capitalism An American Story” by Ken Langone. Coming from a communist country, I am grateful to be in a free and capitalist country like America. I relate to the book entirely and like Ken, in his own words, “I am the American dream.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

My phone! Google search and a host of apps and software solutions come in handy but without my phone, I’m toast. I do everything on my phone.

Who is your business role model? Why?

My mother is my greatest role model because she had exceptional determination and ambition in her own career, but also took time to help those less fortunate.

How do you balance work and life?

Not everything is equally important. I know what my values are — and which ones take precedence. I stay focus on the things I can do. I get real sleep. I spend time with family and loved ones when I need to disconnect.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Reading up on technology and finances, watching documentaries and foreign movies, taking long strolls on the beach, and spending time with my family and friends.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Rebuilding and growing my business as well as developing new streams of technology-driven revenue.

How can our readers connect with you?

They can contact me at rox@warrentricomi.com, as well as following us on social media! We’re on Instagram and Twitter @warrentricomi, as well as Facebook and Linkedin.