George the Salon: Chicago father and salon owner donates 10% of haircare line proceeds to survivors of domestic violence

George Gonzalez, owner of George the Salon, leads one of Chicago’s most respected salons.

As a husband and father of three with a lifelong commitment to uplifting and empowering women, he created the I am gorgeous haircare line, a premium collection that donates 10% of profits to survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence.

Your career started at HARPO Studios with The Oprah Winfrey Show. What did you take from that experience that still shapes your work today?

I began my life as a stylist at 18 when I enrolled in cosmetology school. I worked at a few salons, then started to freelance at Harpo Studios. 

I worked there for 11 years. At first, I didn’t think anything of it; I was just going to do hair like always.

As time went on, I realized what Oprah was doing. She put together a very dedicated, talented and committed team. Together, they produced TV shows that positively impacted the lives of millions of viewers throughout the world. 

Oprah and her team were the best at what they did. I quickly realized I was a witness to something magical. This magic was made possible by Oprah and her vision and ability to attract and maintain great people.

I am doing my best to create a similar impact with George the Salon and the I am gorgeous haircare line.

Tell us about your family.

My wife is a pediatric optometrist. We have three daughters, ages 12, 10, and eight.

Our daughters dance nonstop, and we live in Ravenswood.

How has parenthood shaped your vision for your salon and brand?

I’ve been around women my whole life– early life at home, in the salon and then as a father. Having three daughters has made me realize I’ve been put on this earth to strongly support all women. So I started to lean more into that responsibility at the salon.

You’ve built a salon that’s become a Chicago institution. What makes George the Salon unique for families and clients alike?

The salon industry is very rewarding. Stylists and colorists get to make people look and feel good all day. 

At George the Salon, we’re always working towards improving what we do and how we do it. 

We recently grew in size to accommodate more people. It’s important to grow but maintain a high level of customer service. We know what needs to be done in order to achieve that. 

And we never feel like we made it, so that drives us to always do better.

Your I am gorgeous haircare line gives back to survivors of domestic violence. Why was this mission so important for you to include in your business?

The I am gorgeous product line is a collection of four products that strengthen and nourish all hair types, all while helping women style their hair. The name itself is a sacred reminder to women of their inner strength and beauty.

In addition to that, we are proud to donate 10% of the net annual profits to organizations that support victims and survivors of domestic violence. 

This is a cause dear to my heart ever since my mother was a victim and survivor of domestic violence from her second husband. My older sister and I witnessed her being abused for six years, from the time I was seven to the age of 13.

Looking back at 30 years in the beauty industry, what piece of advice would you give to parents raising creative kids who want to follow their passions?

The advice I would give to parents is to nurture your creative child as much as possible. 

Always let your child know that being creative is a gift and that they will do great things as long as they follow their heart. I think any person will be able to make a living and support their own family if they do what they love and work hard to make their dreams come true. 

There needs to be more people who can express their creativity while helping others.