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Gabriel “Gabox” Pérez is a 33-year-old Venezuelan barber who, through hard work and sacrifice, has made his dream of owning his own establishment come true.
Born in the city of Cumana, in the Venezuelan state of Sucre state, Gabox came to Trinidad and Tobago in 2017, as the economic and social situation in his home country became extremely difficult.
“I decided to settle in Chaguanas,” he said, fondly calling the town his second home.
Gabox has been working as a barber since he was 20 years old, enrolling in various courses both in Venezuela and Trinidad to hone his skill. He specialises in colorimetry, or the technique of determining hair colours. When he received his Migrant Registration Card, one of the first things he set out to do was open his own salon, Elegance Studio, along the Caroni Savannah Road in Chaguanas.
“I rented a house, made the necessary alterations and bought the necessary equipment to open my business,” he said.
Gabox started out in a small room, and did everything himself — extensions, tile installation, ceiling work, even the lighting and interior design. “I would watch YouTube tutorials to learn everything. In the morning, I attended to my clients, and then in the evening worked on the construction of the salon the way I wanted it,” he said. Soon, that one room expanded to two additional areas.
And as the business grew, he added new staff, including his wife, Oriadny.
His clientele has always been more local than Venezuelan, thanks to his first job working in local barbershops.
“I worked 18 months at a local barbershop in Chaguanas and that’s how many people got to know me. Today 80% of our clients are Trinidadians,” he said.
Gabox offers a range of services at the shop, for both men and women, including haircuts, facial cuts, colour and other specialty treatments, pedicures, manicures and waxing.
“We are a team of professionals who study every day to improve so that our customers have the greatest confidence in what we do,” said Oriadny.
Gabox said that his “cool style” with the use of scissors is what draws the attention of the locals, who are impressed by his fashionable cuts. He and his team get about 100 clients a week, so they work by appointments.
Gabox recalled that when he first came to Trinidad, a local family he met through his work hosted him, and their kindness made him feel welcome.
“This country has been a great experience. I have found noble people who have given me their support. I spend most of my time with local people and that makes me feel like another Trinidadian,” he said.
He wants to continue expanding his barbershop, offering additional services and hiring more staff to cater to clients.
“I am trying to broaden my knowledge and expand it to other people who want to learn and who want to progress because I received help from many and I want to help many too,” he said.
