Lifestyle

Meet Rafi Kouyoumjian, the Abu-Dhabi-based Hair Stylist Making Major Makeovers in the Industry

Published

5 years ago

January 27, 2020

Hair isn’t a simple term. Hair is representation, history, culture, symbolism, a conversation starter, and a form of expression. In today’s time, hair has transformed into a powerful source of pride that is featured in advertisements, movies, and mainstream media. The credit for this goes to hairstylists for leading the conversation forward – especially hair makeover experts who never turn down a moment to experiment and showcase the unexplored, thereby paving the way for new trends. One such hairstylist and makeover artist who is making the ‘cut’ and contributing significantly to the Middle East’s hair scene is Rafi Kouyoumjian.

There aren’t many leading ladies and bosses in Abu Dhabi whose tresses haven’t undergone a makeover by Kouyoumjian. In the world of hair makeovers and styling, Kouyoumjian has done it all. From television actors, runway models, Instagram influencers, YouTube vloggers, to Arab celebrities, Kouyoumjian has managed to make his way to the top. Kouyoumjian, a 15-year-experienced hair designer, is mostly known and coveted for his classical techniques, all while integrating a touch of modern trends taking place before his eyes. His brainchild, which also happens to be his creative hub – Beautyspot Salon – is considered one of the finest in the country where major haircuts, styling, and makeovers take place.

As the demand for his unique hairstyles and makeovers increased, Kouyoumjian was drawn to the world of social media by his fans to showcase his expertise and share insights on the hair care and overall beauty segment. Today, Kouyoumjian is no less than an Instagram influencer himself, with thousands of followers who look up to him and are inspired to walk the same path as him. Through the means of Instagram features like stories, highlights, posts, and videos, he engages with his virtual family on a day-to-day basis. The result of this is hundreds of thousands of admirers who fly down to Abu Dhabi from world-over to seek hair consultation or to undergo makeover from him. His social media pages exude the right blend of art, fun, work, and myriad visual appeals.

Though precise and careful in his approach, hair makeovers are dependant on both, the one who carries it and how he or she wears it, according to Kouyoumjian. It comes with appreciating one’s natural hair texture, face cut, volume, and overall personality, all of which bake into his signature style: low-maintenance, edgy, and most importantly, chic. A calming and friendly presence who garners compliments as he transforms his clients’ hair, Kouyoumjian is now fondly called as the ‘hair magician’ by his fellow hairstylists, clients, and virtual followers. Right from balayage to hair streaks, curling to straightening, low buns to French haircuts, there’s nothing Kouyoumjian can’t do! Having witnessed several transformations in the hair trends, he now lives by the mantra, less is more.

For the self-proclaimed “hair maven,” every client’s hair is a canvas on which he lets loose his creativity. From blonde bobs, wavy tresses, rainbow dyes, highlighted head, green tips, to bubble buns, Kouyoumjian has created a world of makeovers and styles around him that have not only earned him fans and clients from all over the world but also a positive tag of being the hair and beauty pioneer.

While speaking on his favorite hair trend in the current time, he said, “French braids, updo’s, and Senegalese twists are the hairstyles I prefer. They are not only chic and elegant but also timeless. In terms of hair colour, a blend of lighter blonde with darker brown or a combination of cool metallic ash tones is something I love executing on my clients.”

With regard to his creative process, from the rough initial concept to final image, Kouyoumjian relies on his intuition, judgement, and requirement of the client. “A subtle error in terms of hair colour, hair styles, or cuts, can totally take months off of someone’s life – it’s not something I’d ever want to mess up with. Over the years, after meeting clients from different parts of the world, I have realized that learning in this industry never stops. There’s always a change in the trends, demands, and techniques, and unless we embrace it all, there’ll be no growth – without which an artist is absolutely nothing. My passion for hair makeovers and styling has helped me stay focused towards my craft and disconnect from momentary pleasures gained through fame, money, and wealth,” Kouyoumjian added.

The response on his work from his clients, reviews on his social media handles, and a forever-occupied salon is a proof that Kouyoumjian is indeed the hair magician of the ‘desert.’

Lifestyle

Vipin Gupta Transforms Industries Through AI and Data Mastery

Published

3 days ago

January 29, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo courtesy of Vipin Gupta

Vipin Gupta, a veteran with 17 years in the IT industry, stands at the forefront of AI and data engineering. His knowledge spans healthcare, investment banking, and manufacturing, where he transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive operational efficiency and strategic decision-making.

Vipin Gupta’s method combines technical prowess with a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges, enabling him to craft solutions that address both immediate needs and future requirements.

Patients Win Big

Vipin Gupta focuses on value-based care programs and clinical data platforms in the healthcare sector. His work directly impacts patient outcomes and organizational performance through innovative data-driven solutions.

“Every data point in healthcare presents a chance to improve patient outcomes,” Gupta says. “AI and advanced analytics uncover insights that impact lives and shape treatment strategies.”

Industry peers recognize his effective methods and frequently seek advice on staying ahead in an evolving field. He emphasizes consistently tracking trends and expanding one’s knowledge base. Through data-driven solutions, his work directly impacts patient care and organizational performance.

Vipin Gupta designs systems that allow healthcare providers to make informed decisions quickly. This practical focus has led to tools that enhance diagnosis accuracy, improve treatment planning, and optimize resource allocation, enabling healthcare organizations to elevate their services.

Vipin Gupta has architected a unique and specific product name MyRateFinder in his current organization which helps patients, provider and health insurance companies to bring pricing transparency and deep insight into the pricing for procedures. This co-developed product MyRateFinder, is used by many providers and plan insurance companies to derive strategic insights from newly-public healthcare pricing data.

Becoming a Tech Thought Leader

Vipin Gupta’s journey to becoming a thought leader in tech involves continuous education and active industry engagement. “Read industry blogs, follow experts, explore whitepapers and new research,” he advises. “Recognize industry trends, network at events, attend conferences, and maintain an active social media presence.”

Vipin Gupta’s influence extends beyond his immediate team. He regularly contributes to industry publications, speaks at conferences, and participates in panel discussions, shaping the broader conversation around AI and data engineering across various sectors.

Vipin Gupta believes effective thought leadership stems from deep competence and the ability to communicate complex ideas. He encourages his team members to develop their areas of proficiency, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within his organization. This collaborative strategy for knowledge-sharing has helped create a dynamic and creative work environment.

Gupta’s thought leadership extends beyond his immediate team. He regularly contributes to industry publications, speaks at conferences, and participates in panel discussions. These activities showcase his facility and help shape the broader conversation around AI and data engineering in various sectors.

Gupta’s Blueprint for Business Success

Vipin Gupta’s mastery extends into cloud modernization and solution architecture, crucial components of today’s digital transformation landscape. His work enables companies across sectors to streamline operations and enhance their data capabilities.

“Platform modernization involves rethinking how we structure and make data valuable” Vipin Gupta notes. “As a solution architect, I bridge business needs with technological possibilities, creating efficient and adaptable systems.”

Vipin Gupta’s method for solution architecture is thorough, addressing both technical details and broader business considerations. He collaborates closely with stakeholders to provide solutions that align with long-term goals and deliver measurable value. This integrated perspective has led to the development of robust, scalable systems that adjust to growing business demands.

He has guided organizations in transitioning from legacy systems to flexible, cloud-based solutions. His knowledge has helped companies refine data management practices, strengthen security measures, and improve operational efficiency.

Gupta’s Push for Ethical Data-Driven Solutions

Vipin Gupta views AI, data engineering and analytics as tools that could address significant societal issues. He sees data-driven solutions as potential assets in tackling challenges like climate change and global health.

“We’re still discovering the capability of what AI, GenAI and AgentAI can offer,” Vipin Gupta says. “I’m particularly interested in how these technologies could contribute to more sustainable and fair practices across industries.”

Vipin Gupta’s work provides valuable insights for those embarking on careers in technology. His emphasis on ethical considerations in AI and data engineering underscores the importance of responsible technology use.

By applying his skills thoughtfully and aiming for positive, real-world outcomes, Gupta demonstrates how data mastery can drive meaningful change across industries.