Ukrainian couple open high-end barber shop in Ayr

Daily Record

15-06-2025

Ibrahim Al-Gburi and his wife Sofiia Kepeshchuk started their own business after moving to Ayr almost three years ago.
Ukrainian couple, Ibrahim Al-Gburi and his wife Sofiia Kepeshchuk, have opened a luxury men's barber shop, offering a high-end grooming experience in Ayr.
Ibrahim, 30, and Sofiia, 22, moved to Ayr from Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, following Russia's full-scale invasion.
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A couple found refuge in the UK after a Scottish family offered them support under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
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They have been living in Ayr for two-and-a-half years and worked hard to not only rebuild their lives but to start their own brand in the region.
Ibrahim said: "We moved to Scotland to a Scottish family in October 2022 after the war started, we are grateful to our hosts Mhairi and James for opening the door for us and helping us. They became a second family to us who are helping and supporting us a lot.
"Since we arrived in the UK, my wife and I have thought about building our brand here so we worked hard to do that, sometimes we worked for 7 days without a break."
Ibrahim worked as a barber since January 2019, it was his part-time job in Ukraine while he was studying engineering at university.
After graduating from university, he didn't get a chance to work in engineering. He decided to gain practical experience through many different master classes for barbers to enhance his knowledge and develop his individual skills.
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A couple opened their business, His Grooming, on May 17 which has already proven to be a success with clients in Ayr.
The business operates from Monday to Sunday and is based at 21 Wellington Square.
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Ibrahim said: "We opened His Grooming on May 17, it was such a great and busy day.
"We already received a lot of positive feedback from the first clients, they told us that they feel the difference between us and other businesses and they like modern design, quality of grooming and atmosphere.
"I am delighted and truly responsible for helping the Ayrshire community deliver a new high level of service. Also, my main goal is to emphasize the individual style of clients and increase their confidence.
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"We believe in using only the best and prioritize quality ingredients and sustainable practices, ensuring that every style delivers luxury and effectiveness."
Ibrahim's wife Sofiia is training as a dental nurse and sees herself in the beauty and facial care industry. Sofiia believes that studying nursing will help her to get an experience from a medical point of view.
She said: "My main goal was to start studying here in the nursing field, because to work in the field of facial care and various anti-aging procedures, it is important to have a medical education and understand all the processes from the inside."
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She is currently self-employed and offers various facial care procedures at her studio in Ayr, and will soon provide procedures at barber shop such as a microneedling treatment for men's hair loss problems and alopecia.
Microneedling on the scalp for hair loss involves using a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the skin, stimulating the body's natural healing processes and potentially promoting hair regrowth. This technique can be particularly effective for male pattern baldness and alopecia areata.
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In the future, she also wants to start doing injection procedures and hardware techniques for face and body care.
While talking about the new business, Sofiia shared: "It makes me feel excited that His Grooming barber shop is now open. We have put our soul into the entire process to make it the best space for men.
"I am really proud of my husband, he is the best and when he does something, he always does it perfectly.
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"I really recommend to all men to try grooming procedures with him. He has 6 years of experience and always develops his skills and knowledge."
Sofiia added: "The most rewarding part about building a new life here in Ayr was the fact that there is a friendly, helpful and supportive community so we always wanted to give something back."
To book an appointment, visit His Grooming website here.