It’s Friday, 4:30 P.M, the crowd of gossipers has disbursed; the overwhelming buzzing of blow dryers has been replaced by the soft sound of brooms sweeping leftover hairs away. The day is just about done, for all but one.
As the ladies of Brighton Beach’s Hello Gorgeous salon begin to make their way home, hair stylist Lilia Naydensky, sits in the corner enjoying an apple and a good laugh, paying no mind to the time. Caught up in her story, the knife she uses to cut her apple becomes an extension of her arm. Up, down, left, stop, right, center, she uses the knife like an artist uses a paintbrush, illustrating every detail and bringing her stories to life.
Lilia immigrated from Lvov, Russia, to New York in the early 1980’s during one of the biggest Russian Jewish migrations. Just like many of her fellow immigrants, she came to experience the American Dream. Lilia’s life in Lvov, was not far off from what many themselves would define as a dream. Her husband owned a private business, she lived very comfortably and experienced all the luxuries, but she sacrificed everything for her family.
“My (ex)husband had an illegal business,” she said, “I was worried if he was caught he would go to prison. And there was no future for my mother or daughter.”
However life seemed at the time, the family chose to look at the bigger picture. They gathered their plentiful lives into a few suitcases and headed for a new beginning.
Lilia settled on Ocean Parkway, and East 10th and found a job on Brighton Beach. To her surprise, Brighton was a dirty slum, filled with burnt down stores, abandoned buildings and very few Russians.
But even with the filthy surroundings, life was much simpler.
There was no segregation amongst the workers, the sweeper girl, hair dressers, and manicurists saw each other as equals and even more, as friends. They would have gatherings and go to parties and restaurants at least three times a week.
“We had a saying; we must get together, but no music!” Music, for the energetic group would only interrupt their already lively conversations.
Upon hearing this, Lilia’s closest co worker, and long time friend Emma chooses the perfect moment to interject “Lilia was and is still so rowdy, I always have to tell her to calm down.”
Without saying a word, Lilia releases a powerful laugh that confirms Emma’s statement.
Lilia still works on Brighton Beach, but it’s not the same life she fell in love with upon arrival. She feels that nowadays there is more separation among people as everyone stays loyal to their clique. People from different backgrounds can no longer get together and have a good time.
Lilia does not dwell too much on the past, or spend time thinking about what could have been. She is honest, and fearless enough to speak her mind with no regrets. Such traits have allowed her to remain strong and determined and enjoy all the beauties life has to offer.
The joyful conversations come to a sudden stop, and the mood quickly changes course, as Lilia decides to share a personal event, which depicts how strong she really is.
“It was February 9th 2014, 6 P.M,” she began,” I was just finishing work when I received some tragic news. One of my closest friends, passed away. I was so emotional I immediately left my job and began walking to my parked car. I’m always very cautious, but I was too upset to even think. I’m walking, keys in my hand, tears running down my face, when suddenly I felt a knock over my head. A tall man starts trying to grab my bag out of my hands. The bag was a gift from my daughter, I didn’t want him to have it, so I fought back. He kept hitting me and I had no choice but to let go. I called the cops and reported my attack. The last time I spoke to the police about my case, was early July. They told me that in the past five month, 60 more women were attacked, all because they were carrying expensive bags.”
As devastating as this experience was, Lilia appears to have accepted it, and learned to move on. Her eyes show no sign of fear, or sorrow, only the joy and positivity that she has shared with so many.
