There is an instant feeling of goodwill that washes over you when you step foot in Our Place Salon, as the hairdryers buzz and the music thrums. Nestled in a beautiful tree-lined street in Potts Point, the salon is the lovechild of Clive (Allwright) and Kelly (Grant) who between them have more than three decades of experience.

Clive and Kelly have just recently celebrated their salon’s two year anniversary, which is an achievement in this tough climate, particularly in such a competitive industry.

I have hit the salon twice so far, and have fallen head over heels. The first time was to style my hair for the Sassybella 10th Birthday celebration. This is my first exposure to the team and I am instantly enamored with Clive’s cheeky jokes, his gorgeous one year old daughter running through the salon and giving me hugs and sharing tea and a block of chocolate with the team. This is the shining quality of OPS, Clive and Kelly’s warmth which is the backbone of the business.

It is quite literally their warmth that brought the business into fruition, when two years ago Clive and Kelly took a deep breath and took the leap into the deep end. It was the love and support of their friends who helped to pull together enough money that saw the birth of Our Place Salon.

Clive has a certain magnetism that clearly has a host of loyal customers returning to him, which includes notable celebrities like Jessica Mauboy and the cast of The Sapphires, Jamie Oliver and Charlotte Dawson. He is frank, honest and above all, a master of his trade- his role as KMS California’s International Artistic Director is testament to his profile in the industry. His role with KMS sees him travelling the world, this year Clive will be hitting New Zealand and London for their respective fashion weeks and then across Europe to educate fellow hair stylists.

Kelly is the ying to Clive’s yang, charming and lovely, instantly making you feel comfortable and at home. Her years of experience behind the chair make you feel totally at ease in her hands. I have informally dubbed Kelly the Colour Queen, as she has become renowned in Australia for her innovative hair coloration techniques.

My first session included lowlights from Kelly the Colour Queen which brought out the natural colour in my hair, and made it shine. From the wash and blow dry, to trim and style, I left the salon feeling like a princess.

My second session really sealed the deal, securing OPS as my favorite salon so far. Clive and Kelly welcomed me into the salon with opened arms and soon to follow was tea, nibbles, and a gorgeous glass of red wine. Coupled with a soothing head massage, a fresh chop and blow dry I was pretty much in heaven. Kelly and Clive really identified what cut and length would suit my face shape and style, and I walked out a thoroughly satisfied customer.

If you are looking for a salon and stylists that make you feel at home, know what works for you and have a wealth of experience under their belts, Our Place is the place for you!

Check out Our Place’s FB page for more behind the scenes action.