Gaby (centre) and his team
‘Gaby and his team are phenomenal. Such genuine customer service and I always feel so welcome. Definitely my go-to hair salon.’ – Olenka Thomas
In 1981, when Gaby Saliba acquired his first salon in Chiswick, the High Road was a different place: no coffee chains, no phone shops and only a few restaurants. ‘And my annual rent was £950,’ he recalls. ‘How times change!’
Having founded three local salons, it’s fair to describe Gaby as the doyen of local barbers and hairdressers. He now owns Cavalleros, where he works with his son Sureno, who runs Chiswick’s first and best-known tattoo studio. After training at the Alan International School of Hairdressing, Gaby’s vision was to own his own business. ‘I was ambitious and when I found a premises, I took the opportunity. Chiswick people were welcoming – as they still are – and gave me a chance.’
Gaby sold up in 1992, opened a new salon (Paul Gabriel) and made it equally successful, and then sold that in 2006 in order to focus on other ventures. ‘But, at heart, I’m a shopkeeper and I returned to open Cavalleros in 2016,’ he smiles. Gaby’s handpicked team of professionals create a friendly, family atmosphere: they have the specialist skills to provide cutting, styling and colouring services for women and traditional men’s barbering, including hot towel shaves.
Sureno joined his father at Cavalleros and he has his own dedicated tattooing space with the highest hygiene standards. ‘He’s fully licensed and insured and a very skilled artist,’ says Gaby proudly. ‘Sureno can design any image, however simple or complex, and while his customers are mostly young, more mature people do come in. I’m 67 and I only had my first tattoo two years ago – I love it!’
‘I have as much energy and enthusiasm as ever and my philosophy has never changed: be it for a cut, shave or tattoo, we make visiting Cavalleros an enjoyable experience. And it’s wonderful to have second and third generation customers who are loyal to me – it’s like catching up with old friends.’
Cavalleros
287 Chiswick High Road
Chiswick, W4 4HH
020 8994 9333
info@cavalleros.co.uk
https://www.cavalleros.co.uk