Colouring Outside The Lines: Kate Bobakowska’s Creative Approach To Hair Styling
Welcome to the vibrant world of Kate Bobakowska, the mastermind behind Liverpool’s beloved salon, Peach Blossom. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Kate’s captivating journey from aspiring hairstylist to esteemed business owner and educator. Renowned for her expertise in colouring blondes, Kate shares her insights, struggles, and triumphs, offering a glimpse into the artistry and innovation that define her approach to hair styling.
Discover how Kate’s passion for excellence led her to open Peach Blossom by Kate a decade ago, and how she overcame challenges to establish herself as a go-to destination for clients seeking flawless blonde transformations. With a staggering 98% of her clientele being blondes, Kate’s mastery of intricate colouring techniques has set her apart in the industry.
But Kate’s influence doesn’t stop at the salon chair. As an educator, she empowers aspiring stylists with her knowledge and techniques, ensuring that her legacy extends far beyond the confines of her salon walls. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Kate’s success, her dedication to perfection, and her vision for the future of Peach Blossom by Kate.
● Can you share a bit about your journey as a hairstylist and how you became an expert in hair colouring?
My journey started 15 years ago when I decided to become a hairstylist. I worked with amazing hair stylists who loved what they did, and they encouraged me to be the best I could be. Ten years ago, I opened my own salon called Peach Blossom by Kate in Liverpool. Although I found colouring blond hair challenging at first, I worked hard to master it and become good at it. It took a lot of effort and determination, but I made it happen.
● As the owner of Peach Blossom by Kate, what inspired you to start your own business in the beauty industry?
Starting my own business in the beauty industry was a dream born out of my passion for hairstyling and making people feel confident and beautiful. After gaining experience working with exceptional hairstylists and honing my skills over the years, I felt ready to take the leap and create my own space where I could offer personalised services to clients.
The inspiration came from a desire to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where clients could not only receive top-notch hair and beauty treatments but also feel valued and understood. I wanted Peach Blossom by Kate to be more than just a salon—it’s a place where people can come to relax, unwind, and leave feeling renewed both inside and out.
Moreover, I was motivated by the opportunity to express my creativity and vision fully, from designing the salon space to curating the services and products offered. Being my own boss also allowed me the freedom to implement innovative ideas and stay true to my values of professionalism, integrity, and client satisfaction.
Overall, the inspiration to start Peach Blossom by Kate stemmed from a deep-rooted passion for beauty, a drive for entrepreneurship, and a commitment to providing exceptional experiences for every client who walks.
● What are some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your own salon, and how did you overcome them?
Starting my own salon came with its fair share of challenges, but overcoming them has been a rewarding part of the journey. Here are some of the biggest challenges I faced and how I tackled them:
Finding the Right Location: Finding the perfect location for the salon that was accessible to clients and had the right ambience was challenging. I conducted thorough research, visited multiple potential locations, and negotiated lease terms to find the ideal spot that aligned with my vision for Peach Blossom by Kate.
Building a Client Base: Attracting and retaining clients in a competitive market was another hurdle. I focused on creating a strong brand identity, offering high-quality services, and providing exceptional customer service to build trust and loyalty among clients. Additionally, I utilised social media, word-of-mouth referrals, and promotional events to expand my reach and attract new customers.
● Could you walk us through some of your favourite hair colouring techniques and methods you use on your clients?
My favourite technique at the moment is Face Frame Balayage because it illuminates the face by lightning around it. Face framing adds beautiful illumination to the face, with subtle strands throughout adding natural charm. With this colouring, clients can go for up to 6 months, which also helps maintain hair health.
● What sets Peach Blossom by Kate apart from other salons in terms of services and customer experience?
In my brand, I stand out primarily because I specialise in blondes as 98% of my clients are blondes. They come to me because they see my work on Instagram, knowing I’m able to create beautiful hair with five different colours, meaning challenging cases are not a problem. It’s not an issue to make beautiful colours from natural hair if we have good technique. The problem arises when there are multiple colours on the head, and I’m able to handle such cases. Peach Blossom by Kate also has its own website where I sell hair extensions, brushes, and online colouring courses. Of course, I’m also a colouring instructor.
● Who or what has been your biggest inspiration or mentor in your career as a hairstylist and business owner?
My biggest inspiration when it comes to hair styling and colouring has always been Mounir. I attended one of his training sessions, and his approach to both clients and the salon is incredible. The way he conducts his masterclass is something extraordinary. People from all over the world adore him. His masterclasses can be compared to a hairdressing concert. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the organisation is top-notch.
● In your experience, what are some common misconceptions people have about hair colouring, and how do you address them?
To be good at colouring, I’ll tell you something unconventional; you need to have a big heart. It’s not just about colouring and experimenting, but to do it wisely, you need to have basic knowledge of colouring and good products to achieve beautiful blondes. The most important thing is the lightener to effectively remove yellow pigments from the hair. Additionally, knowledge of toning is crucial. If something goes wrong, like brassy or greyish tones, you can fix it. For example, if we get brassy grey colours, just adding a drop of pink can give us a beautiful cool shade without muddiness. There are many different techniques I could write about endlessly. There’s much more knowledge I can impart in my training sessions.
● Can you share a memorable success story or transformational moment you’ve experienced with a client?
The most memorable transformation was when I turned an orangey blonde into a beautiful light blonde. My role on Instagram skyrocketed to 200k. Similarly, I gained significant attraction on Facebook and TikTok. But there are many more colourings I’m proud of as well.
● As an educator in the field, what advice would you give to aspiring hair stylists looking to build their skills and establish themselves in the industry?
For every aspiring hairstylist, my advice is: don’t be afraid to try, learn from people who inspire you, find your mentor, and you must have a big heart for your clients. Remember that everyone walking into your salon is a part of you when they leave. I wish you all the best. With love, Kate Bobakowska.