Q&A with Katie Walsh, Entrepreneur

Katie, popularly known for her hair and beauty saloon Katie Walsh hair situated in Prestatyn – Wales. She is a successful entrepreneur who has been featured in numerous publications for her creative talents and the prestigious annual event, Cheshire Fashion Week. She is a mother, wife, influential woman, and a TRUE WELSH BABE who considers charity, mentorship as the core of who she is.

As a hairdresser, you have worked with some unique talents, including Russell Paul. Would you say this has helped shape your progression in the hairdressing world?

I have been in the industry for the past 22 years and in that time, I have worked with amazing hairdressers. My inspiration comes from designers and collections – movements and a lot of times models. However, my biggest inspiration is my mother even though she is not a hairdresser, she taught me that no matter what always keeps on going.

I can imagine how difficult it is to start your own business, with Katie Walsh Saloon being opened in October 2020. What are some challenges you faced and how did you overcome these?

I opened Katie Walsh hair salon in October 2020 and that was the day we ended up going into local lockdown. I then opened after lockdown for two weeks by myself. A lot of my clients are from outside Wales and they could not travel to Wales due to the restrictions. With covid restrictions I lost a lot of clients and bookings, it was an absolute nightmare for 2 weeks.

It was an incredibly tough time with recently opening the saloon, I had employed staff and they were not eligible for Furlough. But somehow, I do not know how I did it but I conquered through it all and made sure my staff were in an advantageous position throughout lockdown. One thing that made it easier, was opening the saloon with the restrictions in place while everyone was adapting to finding ways of working and accommodating clients. I was lucky enough to have had the restrictions set from the get-go, which made it easier for my clients and staff to be comfortable.

The salon has been open for almost 2 years, and it is amazing to watch it grow and see the challenging work I have put come to fruition. I have always thought “The harder the fight, the bigger the success.” Watching the progressive growth of the saloon has made me relax a little by embracing the beauty of my challenging work with Katie Walsh Saloon.

Photographer: Rukudzo K

With Katie Walsh Hair saloon, what is one thing that is unique about getting your hair done at your salon?

The saloon is here for everyone! We are the salon you walk in and it makes you feel like you are part of the family. 30% of all salons in the UK closed permanently for good due to covid and that was a huge portion. With Katie Walsh Salon, I employed the people that went through those hardships from lockdown.

Lockdown helped me to recultivate a team of young enthusiastic individuals. The difference with my salon is how hard-working we are and we want to be there ready to get every opportunity that comes our way as a team. We are strong and tough, and it is a beautiful environment to work in and for our clients to be in. The vibe is exactly right and we make sure that every woman that walk in feels special and like a celebrity in Katie Walsh Saloon.

At the shoot, you mentioned raising money for charities through street parties in your town. How does it make you feel being part of an amazing initiative helping your community and beyond?

Charity and fundraising have always been a huge part of my life. I have always felt really privileged and I am one of those people if I have a pound, I will give it to someone else who needs it. Supporting the community is a huge vision in Prestatyn, we all look after each other and help one another. I give out vouchers for fundraising or sponsoring events. I love being part of the community and helping by sharing how I got. No matter how small the gesture is, sometimes it is the feeling behind and the love plus the connection with people’s causes and personal struggle. Prestatyn is the pillar of my community and has always been vibrant with the street parties, my little girl used to walk around with little buckets helping with fundraising.

What has been your favourite moment in your career throughout the years and why?

My favourite moment is the day I got the key to my shop! I had been building to that moment and I was with Matthew and he started playing the song ‘I got the key; I got the secret’ and I just burst into tears and fell onto the ground. I drove home with the key in my hand just staring at it speaking words of affirmation, ‘I am going to work so hard for you.’ That feeling on that day cannot be replaced, I still smile with a bunch of keys this day.

Photographer: Rukudzo K

After visiting your salon, I can say you are an amazing woman who is on a mission to bring smiles to others through hairstyling. Given the chance what advice would you give to young Katie about the future?

The advice I would give to young Katie: I am a determined person. I have always believed that if you put me in a race with Usain Bolt, I will put my shoes on even knowing I will not win but that 1% counts. I would tell young Katie: “Whenever they tell you to be quiet or sit down or act like everyone else, just stop and do not listen because whatever you are doing is working and you will keep shinning. Keep caring about others and keep elevating everyone around you.

Being a mother and a boss at the same time, how do you do it all and manage to have time for your family and work?

To any working moms that are reading this who might feel a bit swamped, you are okay and your feelings are important. Surround yourself with like-minded women, remember that you are your support system. I am incredibly lucky to have my daughter who is supportive of me and helps me. She always reminds me of how proud and how much she loves me. I love every day that I live to show my daughter of the amazing woman that I am and through her strength, I can go harder in all I do. When my daughter needs me, I drop everything just to be with her.

What is your self-care routine like?

My girls know that I am addicted to being in the bathtub. Self-care for me is important and I should do more of it. I have a few favourite hobbies one being pole fitness, I feel sexy and confident in a pair of banging heels and loud music! I love going out with the horses, it is perfect for me but sometimes when my head is pickled, I would pack a bag and walk to the top of the mountain and I will have breakfast. It sounds silly, but it is something that is natural to me because self-care does not have to be a luxury. My ultimate self-care is sitting with my best friend Carla even in silence but just being there together makes it worthwhile.

You have been married for 10 years, what would you say is the secret to a healthy and happy relationship?

I have recently had a scare; I nearly lost my mother around Christmas. Due to covid restricts at the hospital and short-staffed issues, as a family we brought her home and took care of her. one day she was fed up with being in the house. I took her on a drive with the roof down, blasting music singing, got ice cream with the sun shining despite the freezing cold. But looking at her with a smile on her face made me realise how important family is and I decided to make it a priority because without my family I am nothing.