Peckham, south-east London, is changing. The same way Dalston, Brixton and Lewisham is. But if there’s one community that has shown resilience through this, it’s the hairdressers who work tirelessly into the night at the few Afro salons left in Peckham Rye. Many of these salons could be found by Peckham Rye station, on the infamous Blenheim Grove. But with redevelopment top of the agenda, the salons, churches and surrounding businesses are being displaced, leaving a sense of uncertainty.

Monique Tomlinson is determined to work with, not against the change. “I saw an opportunity to help my community to stay within an area we call home, and for their businesses to be sustainable within that area,'“ she shares. Together with Southwark Council and architecture company Something & Sons, Monique has created Peckham Palms, co-working space which houses hairstylists, barbers, nail technicians and massage therapists, all under one roof.

Located on Bournemouth Close, Peckham Palms brings much-needed structure to Peckham’s day-one occupants. Beauticians work as sole traders who are free to set their own prices, rent chairs or entire salon spaces. And instead of catcalling for business on Rye Lane, stylists allow clients to find them. Which they do, when they discover the best bits of what they’re used to, minus the bits they’d become accustomed to but hate to see.

With in-house bar Mae J “serving the best rum punch” as Monique attests, and regular events and workshops – like one which encourages dads to learn how to style their daughter’s hair – Peckham Palms is proof that our culture, when executed well, can survive and flourish, in change.

A note from Monique:

“We are looking to take in a few new businesses, within the beauty and hair industry.  We have a great facility that houses plenty of opportunities for your business to thrive.  We offer support to your business while providing chair rental and training opportunities. Discounts, networking and loads more.  If you are a stylist, barber or beautician looking to take your business from the bedroom to a professional salon, check out The Palms. Must be qualified to at least level NVQ 3, and able to register your business at Companies House.”

Interested? Contact monique@underthepalms.co.uk or hazel@underthepalms.co.uk