From left to right: Ilya and Rafael Gavrielov
Meet brothers Ilya and Rafael Gavrielov, owners of the new Ilya Rafael Salon in Darien. Ilya, a father of two, and Rafael, a father of three, both love the “small-town atmosphere” and “welcoming community.” Read about their path to opening a business together and why they love working with family.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
Ilya: I have 2 little girls, ages 3 and 5.
Rafael: I have 3 children, ages 15, 11 and 7 months.
Ilya and family
What brought you and your family to town?
Ilya: After a career in NYC, I started working in Darien and fell in love with the town and community. I knew that I wanted to open my business here and be part of this special place. It’s a short distance to the city but has all the benefits of the countryside. For example, beautiful parks and beaches.
Rafael: I worked in Greenwich for more than 18 years. Many of my clients are from Darien so it was natural when my brother and I decided to open a salon together, Darien seemed the natural choice of venue. We love the small-town atmosphere.
Rafael and family
What’s your favorite aspect about being part of the community?
Ilya: I’ve gotten to know my clients in town quite well. Everyone is so welcoming and supportive. You know that if you needed help, there would be friends that would step in.
Rafael: You get a real sense that Darien IS a community. A community that is family-oriented and where residents are supportive of each other.
What’s your favorite family activity to do in the area?
Ilya: We like to explore and discover new restaurants, and things to do. This summer, we hope to take the kids to the beach and parks.
Rafael: Trying new restaurants and walking down the Boston Post Road. There is so much change happening here, it’s exciting to be part of it.
Can you please tell us a bit about your path to partnering and opening your own salon?
Ilya: It has been my dream for many years to open a hair salon. After years in the beauty industry, I wanted to create a setting where I could apply my unique styling techniques, knowledge and skills. I have always loved working with hair, and I am grateful that my passion turned into a career and a way to make people happy.
Rafael: For over 20 years I have worked for someone and always saw myself owning my own salon. Over the years my brother and I strived to open a salon based on our mutual desire to provide clients with the craftsmanship. My passion for hair is the reason why I decided to pursue my dream.
What can someone expect at Ilya Rafael?
Ilya: To be pampered and to feel like they are the only person that matters. We aim to transform each and every client by creating a unique style that is an extension of who they are on the inside.
Rafael: Clients entering the salon will experience high quality service, a warm atmosphere, and personalized hairstyling by top stylist. Clients can expect a professional experience with attention to detail for their desired look.
Tell us about the services you offer?
Ilya: We offer the very best, high-quality services like haircuts highlights, balayage, single process color, correction, keratin treatments, kids haircuts, and blowouts.
Rafael: We service any haircuts, color, treatment, extensions and updos. We serve women, men, children and brides.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Ilya: Surpassing my client’s expectations and making them look beautiful. Seeing how happy they are.
Rafael: Interacting with clients and having them leave my chair thrilled with their new look. The best part is when they refer me to their friends because they are happy with the outcome.
What’s the best part about working with your brother?
Ilya: We trust each other completely.
Rafael: We have a similar vision on how we run the salon and how we accommodate our clients.
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from another dad?
Ilya: Treat people in the same way that you would like to be treated.
Rafael: That family is number one, nothing stands before them.
How do you unwind when you need some “me time?”
Rafael: I play pickleball, volleyball and soccer.
Any words of wisdom?
Ilya: Learn to listen, and you will grow wise.
Rafael: Don’t take life for granted. Life’s too short, enjoy every bit of it!
To learn more about Ilya Rafael Salon, visit their website and follow @ilyarafaelsalon