A REALM OF BEAUTY

By Louise May

Step into the captivating world of Alarah Hair Studio, a remarkable creation brought to life by the visionary founder and owner, Carla Tedesco, in 2013. What started as a humble garage salon in Carla’s early years evolved into a charming shop front nestled in the vibrant heart of Parkdale, Victoria.

Today, Alarah stands as a testament to Carla’s unwavering work ethic, relentless dedication, and profound passion for the art of hairdressing.

Situated in the heart of Mentone, Victoria, Alarah Studio’s new flagship salon encompasses nearly 500 square meters of sheer escapism. Originally comprised of three distinct storefronts, these spaces have been seamlessly combined to create a centralised realm of beauty.

The result is a headquarters that not only boasts an intuitive functionality but also optimises its diverse offerings while embodying a cohesive aesthetic that reflects the salon’s unique identity and brand.

Drawing inspiration from around the world, with a heartfelt nod to its European heritage, Alarah Studio exudes an ambience that transcends borders. With 30 thoughtfully designed stations, 10 indulgent wash basins, a dedicated barber station, a charming retail and waiting area, and a delightful coffee and drinks station, the salon offers an unmatched sensory experience. Moreover, it houses two tranquil beauty therapy rooms, a welcoming reception area, offices, and staff rooms, all seamlessly integrated across three elevated levels.

As Alarah Studio continues to redefine the standards of hairdressing excellence, its exquisite space beckons all who seek a truly transformative and awe-inspiring beauty haven.

Hair Biz Editor Louise May chats with Carla about her journey and the stunning new Alarah Hair Studio space.

Can you tell us about your journey in the hair industry, from starting as a garage salon to establishing Alarah hair studio?

My incredible mother Joyce was a hairdresser, and growing up like any young girl, it was always a dream of mine to own my own salon, just like her. When people ask me, ‘Carla, what is your dream?’, I can strongly say, exactly this.

The last 10 years of my journey has been about finding what makes me tick in this industry, refining it, and just going for it.

I guess I believe my role on this earth is to teach, educate and continuously motivate and inspire the next level of hairdressers or creatives, and to ensure they believe that it is absolutely possible. Like the late creative genius Walt Disney once said, ‘If you have a dream, you can do it.’

What inspired you to pursue a career in hairdressing, and how has your passion for the craft contributed to the success of Alarah?

I just love hair! I love how hair is not just an outside appearance, but how it can absolutely make you feel from the inside out. I’ve always felt like it was my job to help people with their hair and make them feel beautiful on the outside, as well as within.

We as hairdressers have a huge role to play on this earth and my message is, if you have the passion, dedication, and ambition, you are already halfway there.

I refer to Alarah as my first-born child. I’ve put my absolute heart and soul into every aspect of this beauty. There is nothing more on earth that I want, except for Alarah to continue to succeed and excel in the future of the hairdressing industry.

Could you elaborate on how your salon environment and services contribute to fostering this sense of self-love in your clients?

It’s never been a one size fits all, and so it shouldn’t. Everyone is different and special in their own, and that’s the part we need to focus on, not the part where we tell clients who they can and cannot be.

Our clients are strong and powerful, while also being soft and sensuous, and it’s our job as stylists or colourist to enhance this beauty that’s already within them.

People don’t come to Alarah to become beautiful, they come to Alarah because they already know they’re beautiful, we just help them believe it.

Can you tell us about how have you incorporated European influences into the design and aesthetics of Alarah Hair Studio?

Design: @_nectaar
Builder: @francxorsi
Photography: @dylanjamesphoto

Design: @_nectaar
Builder: @francxorsi
Photography: @dylanjamesphoto

Design: @_nectaar
Builder: @francxorsi
Photography: @dylanjamesphoto

Design: @_nectaar
Builder: @francxorsi
Photography: @dylanjamesphoto

We wanted to take the parts of the Mediterranean that you fall in love with and bring that sense of awe back home here in Australia.

Australia has its own unique beauty, but when re-opening Alarah at our new location, we were mesmerised by the white stone clifftops and softness of the pebble beaches you find along the Mediterranean coast.

People from around the world travel to see these amazing places, and we felt that we could emulate that with Alarah in a new and contemporary way, without taking away from the homeliness of the village lifestyle.

Also, I personally along with many of staff, have travelled around the world to places such as New York, South Africa, China and Europe to name a few, participating in runway shows and other various outlets of the Hair, beauty and fashion world, educating and training with various industry leaders around the world, pushing Alarah to open our horizon of the various aspects other parts of the world have to offer in the Hair industry.

Could you tell us more about the unique qualities that set Alarah apart from other hair studios in Melbourne?

I guess the first thing is the respect and love we have for each other. We’re family, first and foremost. And like family, everyone has a part to play. Whether it be that crazy-fun auntie you have, or that estranged cousin who’s quiet but shows up when you least expect it, well, that’s just us.

This one big crazy family, unique in our own way, but when we come together, we complement each other to create a whole. This team means the absolute world to me.

What are some of the key values and principles that guide your team in delivering exceptional service and hairdressing expertise?

Stemming from my years as an apprentice, the work ethic that was instilled in me by my mentors is something I hope to bring to Alarah too. It’s the passion that we have for what we do that drives us to be the best versions of ourselves.

We continue to tell our staff to be themselves because that’s what makes them a great hairdresser. The individuality that one person can bring to the table is key to having a successful team. And of course, growth.

Be willing to grow and keep on growing. Be a better you than who you were yesterday, and just by doing that you will inspire others.

How do you prioritise continuous learning and growth within your team?

We value education as a priority in our salon. We believe that you don’t stop learning, even once you are qualified or have been in the industry for over 10 years. Mondays are usually spent as training days, where we have special guests teaching us different techniques or turning old and outdated ways into something new and fresh.

Even on our working days, we prioritise our juniors stepping in when they can and working through those jitters in a safe environment and cultivating their individual qualities.

How do you balance the creative aspects of hairdressing with the responsibilities of running a successful salon business?

I’ve always been creative, but I’ve also always been business savvy. Even before I was a qualified hairdresser, I already knew I wanted to create a space where clients can come and feel at home while they treated themselves to a blow wave or finally found the courage to chop it all off and dye their hair a bright colour. But not just that,

I wanted to create a safe place for my staff as well, and I guess being a mother now, I see all my staff as family, taking them under my wing and teaching the next generation of hairdressers everything I know.

Also, having my husband jump on board, I can focus on my team and education whilst the management of business and accounts can be handled at a higher degree, it also helps having someone who can look at the hair industry as an outsider who can bring extensive ideas to contribute to the growth of our brand.

We also have a strong management team, and staff who have been a part of the Alarah growth, and who also treat our brand as their own. Trust and respect from these strong leaders help Alarah as a brand and contribute immensely to our future.

What advice would you give to aspiring hairdressers who are looking to build their own brand and establish themselves in the industry?

It’s probably one of the oldest sayings, but hard work really does pay off. When I was a young apprentice, I put myself out there. Yes, I was scared and yes, I was nervous about what people might think of my work, but at the end of the day, I realised that if I didn’t get out of my comfort zone, life would pass me by, and I would have just been the quiet girl in the back.

You need to want more of yourself, to demand more of yourself even when you feel as if you’ve given everything you’ve got. Because ultimately, the reality is there is more juice to squeeze, and if you’re not the one helping yourself, then who is?

What do you aspire to achieve daily and what does the future hold for Alarah?

As always, we want our clients to look good and feel great about themselves and if we can incentivise this sort of self-love and self-awareness, then our job as hairdressers is complete. When a client walks through our door, they can expect to feel welcomed and seen for who they are, because that’s ultimately what Alarah is all about.

The best part about this journey is that we are 10 years in, but we are only just getting started. I know Alarah’s potential and there is nothing more that excites me than the future. Until then, we will keep you waiting as it is absolutely worth the wait, stay tuned.

Salon Design: Nectaar

Founded in 2018, Nectaar is a Melbourne-based interior design practice, specialising in bespoke, high-end design and personalised expert project delivery. Led by founder and Creative Director Bec Douros – a pioneer in design whose go-getter attitude, creative force and “let’s make it happen” catchphrase flows through every Nectaar project – Nectaar’s team is family-oriented and values-driven.

At the heart of Nectaar’s projects, ranging across residential, retail, commercial and multi-residential development, is an in-depth understanding of how people live, breathe and grow in a space.

Design: @_nectaar
Builder: @francxorsi
Photography: @dylanjamesphoto