Good Friends Launch New Hair Salon In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — For Shelby Flower and Gabriella Travali, the owners of a hair salon in Fairfield called La Flor Di Gavali, it took a few years, but the two friends have finally opened their new shop.

"We began working together six years ago, and we always talked about opening a salon together," Travali told Patch.

Flower agreed. "It's been a rollercoaster ride. Very emotional, but if you want something bad enough, anything is possible."

On Tuesday, the two were joined by Mark Barnhart, Fairfield's Director of Community & Economic Development, Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President Beverly Balaz, and friends, family and staff to cut the ribbon on the new salon, which is located at 1630 Post Road in Fairfield.

Travali has 17 years of experience as a stylist, and Flower has been in the industry for eight years. They have known each other for six years, meeting back when Travali owned a now closed salon on Black Rock Turnpike.

"I called to see if they were hiring," Flower said about that time six years ago. "And we've been friends ever since."

La Flor is the sister salon of Travali's other site, Gavali Salon, which is also on the Post Road in Fairfield's Brick Walk commercial district. It literally opened three weeks before the start of the coronavirus lockdowns in 2020.

"Like other small businesses, our whole lives were turned upside down during that time," Travali said about opening and then temporarily shutting down. "But we made it through, and could open La Flor."

The vibe inside of La Flor is more New York, with dark colors and lots of antique art on the walls, compared to Gavali Salon, which is more light colors and a Miami and California aesthetic.

The new salon features six stylists (Flower, Travali and four staffers), and offers full hair services for women, men and children.

"We do everything," Flower said, adding that La Flor is currently offering a 30 percent discount on services for the rest of the month. "We want everyone to feel comfortable."

La Flor Di Gavali is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Telephone: 475-988-5084