Photographs
Carine Thevenau
Where is it? 36 Lennox Street, Newtown, Sydney.
Describe A Loft Story in a sentence. A multi-functional, urban
jungle creative space combining hairdressing, artist workshops
and live music performances.
What goes on there? Tuesday to Saturday, we’re a busy hair salon
doing a lot of fashion colour and hair transformations! People travel
from interstate to achieve their platinum hair dreams. On Sunday
and Monday, we hire out the space for press launches, photoshoots
and art exhibitions. We’ve even had pop-up cafés in summertime,
and we’re currently hosting some intimate live concerts.
How did the idea come about? My dream has always been
to deliver a unique hair salon experience from the moment
the customer walks in till the moment they leave with incredible
hair! I wanted people to relax into a special place, with amazing
plants and transformative energy. The concept has been evolving
over time as people share ideas and collaborate.Tell us a bit about the space. I started with an empty old
warehouse. Now, it’s a bright haven filled with beautiful greenery,
collected antiques, cool music and amazing customers, plus my
team of passionate hairdressers. My favourite part is the plants;
it’s so rewarding to see them growing every day. I’ve sourced
everything from local markets, nurseries and suppliers, and even
designed some of the furniture using recycled timber, with the help
of a local carpenter!
Coolest thing that’s happened there so far? Our edible terrarium
workshop with Katherine Sabbath was so much fun!
We hear the salon is dog-friendly? I love dogs, and have always
wanted one of my own. It’s really nice to spend time with your pet
while getting your hair done – the dogs usually just hang with their
owners, other customers and the staff, which everyone enjoys.
The dog-friendly Camperdown Park is across the road, too, which
is a real bonus for the owners. We have an Instagram account
specially for our dog visitors: @dogsofaloftstory.
What is your best tip for top-notch hair care? Treat your hair like
your skin – use salon professional products that suit your hair
type. Get regular trims every six weeks, and sleep on a silk satin
pillowcase to minimise frizz when you wake up!
What do you love about what you do? I feel very lucky that I’m able
to bring all my passions together in my business, sharing other
creative parts of me with my clients. I love seeing people leave with
their hair dreams fulfilled; it’s great to see their confidence soaring
right before my eyes!
Any plans for the future? To expand my team of hairdressers,
and start a YouTube channel to educate our clients with hair tutorials.
I’d also really like to explore more collaborations, photoshoots,
workshops and gigs in the salon. I love showcasing our space
and showing clients what the inner-west has to offer.
Best contact details? aloftstory.com.au or on Instagram
at @aloftstory.i love my shop
JANE WEI RUNS POOCH-FRIENDLY
HAIR SALON A LOFT STORY IN
SYDNEY’S INNER-WEST.mind your business