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Antoinette Ale shares how she curated a space to support freelance stylists to create and collaborate, while elevating their craft

“It allowed us to think beyond the traditional salon format and shape every detail around how stylists actually work today.”

FACT FILE

Name: Tressly Studios

Address: Unit 68, Lewisham Shopping Centre, 33a Molesworth Street, London SE13 7HB

Owner: Antoinette Ale & Samuel Wood

When did the salon open: March 2026

How many staff: Coworking, 8-10 stylists

Budget: £200k +VAT

Antoinette Ale has been part of the hair industry for over 12 years, beginning her journey as a hair stylist before shifting her focus to the broader landscape around textured hair – from education and representation to how stylists can build sustainable, independent careers. After founding a haircare consultancy, Antoinette then went on to co-found Tressly, a platform designed to help hairstylists build their own websites and streamline bookings, product sales, and client management. Tressly Studios was born from a desire to bring that vision into a physical space – somewhere that feels elevated, modern, and intentionally designed for the new generation of hairstylists.

The premises was formerly a hat store, with Antoinette drawn to its strong architectural bones. “What immediately stood out was the potential of the layout and the natural scale of the space – it allowed us to think beyond the traditional salon format and shape every detail around how stylists actually work today,” she explains. Rather than being a single-brand salon with employed stylists, the space is designed to support independent professionals. Each stylist runs their own business, while working within a shared environment that feels elevated, collaborative, and creatively inspiring.

The salon was designed by Niche Projects, who worked closely with Antoinette and Sam to bring the vision for Tressly Studios to life. The space is awash with neutral tones, from soft beiges to cool browns, allowing the work itself – the hair, the textures, the colours – to take centre stage. “It also ensures the space photographs beautifully, which is important as content creation is now such an integral part of the industry,” Antoinette adds.

The goal was for Tressly Studios to be both functional and atmospheric. “In a high-traffic environment like a salon, practicality is essential, but we also wanted the design to contribute to the calm and polished atmosphere,” she notes. With this in mind, a durable, wood-coloured vinyl was selected for the floor, while bold colours were avoided on the walls to reinforce a timeless and open environment.

Antoinette feels that one of the most interesting elements of the space is the retail and lounge area. “With a standout lighting piece above the centre island, it almost feels like an inviting lounge where people can gather round and talk about hair,” she explains. “From the layout to the lighting, the studio supports both service and storytelling – it even features a podcast studio,” she adds. “It’s a place where stylists can not only work with clients but also create content, build their personal brands, and showcase their artistry.”