Most people measure success by milestones, degrees, titles, or the size of a business. But for Laura Campillo, it’s measured by her willingness to show up, commit to her work, and create a place where people can work in a healthy environment. Inside The Chicago Buzz, a barber salon she has called home for 25 years, success has been embodied by a team that celebrates teamwork and takes pride in delivering personalized service that makes every client feel valued and welcomed.
“I’ve never been too preoccupied with being the best in the room,” Campillo says. “My focus is on delivering exceptional customer service and creating a positive experience for everyone who walks through the door.” For the last 15 years, since purchasing the company from its previous founder, she has shaped The Chicago Buzz into what it is today.
Campillo grew up in Bucktown, Chicago, and started working relatively young, determined to make her own way. By the age of 19, she was cutting hair and finding her footing in an industry that required her to build relationships and trust. “I worked in many shops before I found The Chicago Buzz,” she recalls. “But the day I walked in here, I felt drawn in by the industrial design and an energy that was authentic and inviting.”
Ten years later, she became its owner. Today, after 15 years of running the business, she’s helped turn it into one of the most enduring barbershops in the Chicago Loop. Yet she never claims full credit. “I didn’t build it from the ground up,” she says. “The previous owner created something amazing, and I’m just grateful to carry that legacy forward.” Campillo is also appreciative of each building owner she’s worked with since taking over The Chicago Buzz. She states, “I would not be here if it weren’t for their continued support, especially during the pandemic.”
This humility stems from Campillo’s past and experiences of loss. “I refuse to take anything for granted now,” she shares. Campillo carried her lessons even into business, where life tested her again, this time as she was navigating the uncertainty of COVID-19 as the owner. “There were days we each had one client,” she says. “But we stayed. We showed up.” Through it all, she credits her team and the community that stood by them. “My staff is incredible. Some have been with me for 17 years. We have been through the ups and downs together, and we’ve come out stronger,” she adds.
For someone who once doubted she could even own a business, the path so far, as she notes, feels remarkable. “I didn’t go to college, I didn’t take business classes,” she says. “I just knew how to build a business behind the chair and connect with people.”
Campillo’s story stands as a reminder that perseverance is possible, even in the face of perpetual hardships. She states, “This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support of everyone around me. Together, we are still standing as hope and an inspiration to others to follow their dreams.”
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