When the beautiful art deco building on the corner of Havelock Street and Maitland Road was undergoing a makeover, I kept a close eye on what was going to open there. There were sneak peaks on instgram. I even did the weekly walk-by with my dog Stella to see what could be discovered. When it did open, I couldn’t help but wander in to see if it looked as great from the inside as it did outside.
The creatives behind this crisp space are artist Kristy and Tanille Elley. Mayfield locals. A cool and vibrant couple. Exciting and energetic. It’s contagious. The space encapsulates them as people and spirits. From this energy came Muster Point.
If you haven’t been there yet, you have to check it out. It’s a cool, edgy space. Lots of black and white. Perfectly placed merchandising which almost makes it look like artwork. There’s an oversized table on one end which makes you want to sit down and chat with everyone else who either works there, is having a hair cut, or people just reading the paper with a fresh in-house espresso. It’s a bit of polished ‘hip’ from Sydney’s Paddington with a gritty edge of Newtown, all in our very own Mayfield.
Of course, I followed them on Facebook and Instagram. That’s how I met Tiffany the Barber. She has a fun presence on social media. In person, she makes you laugh with her interesting travel stories. But it’s her service and eye for a detailed haircut that is great. Her cuts are sharp and detailed. They’re perfect every time.
What made you choose Mayfield as the place to work from?
I meet two awesome Mayfield locals Kristy and Tanille Elley and heard the vision that they had for the Cutting Division at Muster Point and what they wanted to bring into Mayfield and I just really wanted to be a part of this movement of change in the area.
What makes your work so unique to the area and your clients?
I think our space at Muster Point is very unique to Mayfield. Anyone who has visited always says it’s a very relaxed vibe.
I wanted to bring the traditional barber techniques incorporated with my own spin into the space. I am all about fuss free minimal styling cuts. So for men, I do what is going to work with any hair patterns etc to make it really easy for them to maintain at home.
For women’s cuts, I do a lot of curly and textured hair. I don’t tend to blow dry very much. I might blow dry to check a particular style of cut but usually for women, I provide the service of a great cut minus lots of the fuss.
Have you always worked as a barber?
No, I started hairdressing when I was 15. I was trained by my mother who is a hairdresser. Then fast forward 10 years later, I moved to Melbourne and my brother trained me as a barber. I have always loved men’s cuts so this felt like a really good progression for me.
What sparked your interest to become a barber?
Anyone that has been to a barbershop will tell you it’s a very different vibe to a salon. It’s relaxed. It’s chill. The conversations very different. I fell in love with it! I don’t take myself too seriously. I am a bit of a goofball so I love a bit of good ol banter!
Favourite haircut to do for your clients?
This is a hard question, because there’s too many. I love me a good beard trim. Give a wild and woolly beard that I get to shape and tame, and I get pretty excited! When a women decides to do a big chop and trusts you to do it, that always feels pretty good too.
I noticed on Facebook that you love to have an album for the week. What’s you’re favourite album and/or song?
Can’t narrow it down to one album and one song so this would be some of my top runners.
Cat Stevens, Father & Son. Neil Young, Old Man. ACDC, TNT. Matt Corby, Brother. Al Green, How Can You Mend a Broken Heart. Radiohead, No Surprises. Etta James, At last. Jeff Buckley, Last Goodbye. Silverchair, Tomorrow.
Bucket List holiday destination?
Italy, all the food and architecture.
Favourite spot to chill in Mayfield?
Side Pocket Espresso for a long chill plus brekkie. Then Locomotive for a quick coffee chill. Plus, have you seen our courtyard at Muster Point with Perry the Feeder, it’s a very very chill spot!
What music do you listen to when it’s a busy day at Muster Point?
Ha ha ha, so I’ve got pretty different taste to a lot of the girls but if 90’s RnB is on I won’t complain, it gets you going!
GET IN TOUCH
Tiffany Jane the Barber
Muster Point
53 Maitland Road | Mayfield East
M| 0406 998 930
SHOUT OUTS
Kristy and Tanille Elley
The collectives creatives and creators
Muster Point
Alexander J Photograhpy
Article photography
